Medical and dental office assistants work closely with patients and medical colleagues alike. They greet arriving patients, schedule appointments, organize and update charts and other records, help complete and submit insurance claim forms, order supplies and handle bookkeeping. They may also assist in exam and lab procedures and guide and comfort patients receiving various treatments and therapy.

Job prospects for medical and dental office assistants are expected to be excellent through 2014. Demand will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics and other health care facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel - in particular, the medical assistant who can handle a broad variety of clerical and administrative duties.