What task may you perform if Dr. Jones is late and patients arrive?

Checking the patients in at the front desk is an appropriate and essential task that can be performed when Dr. Jones is late and patients arrive. This action helps to maintain the flow of the clinic and ensures that all patients' arrival information is recorded accurately. It allows for the collection of necessary paperwork, such as insurance information, and ensures that the patients are informed about how long they may need to wait.

This role is crucial in a chiropractic setting as it also sets the tone for the practice's professionalism and customer service. While other tasks might seem beneficial as well, such as dismissing patients or scheduling follow-up appointments, checking patients in directly engages with the patients who are present and ensures that their visit is acknowledged. Providing treatments is outside the scope of responsibilities for a chiropractic assistant unless specifically trained and permitted to do so.