About Dental

In a few months I will be working as a dental assistant. My classes have gone by so quickly I feel like I haven’t really spent as much time as I should had on certain areas, or know everything I should know to be ready for the real job..

What are the most important things the dentist will expect me to know when first starting off? Just little curious I am very nervous! (:
By the way I currently live in Montana if that matters at all.

I know that it just depends on what state you live in. I would just like some answers from different people so I can get an idea. I am planning on going to school for dental assisting this fall. Also, is it better to have an associates degree or is the pay the same either way?