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The latest news on COVID-19:

During the COVID-19 crisis, get updates and information at ADA and your state’s website. Please follow the official guidance, stay safe and help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Contact Us if you have more questions and thank you for your cooperation.

Dental Assisting: Do your skills measure up?

Author: Elizabeth Dlouhy
Elizabeth Dlouhy

Elizabeth Dlouhy

Elizabeth Dlouhy has been a practicing dental assistant for 4 years. She is also a marketing intern for Mydent International. Her favorite DEFEND products include DEFEND Powder Free Nitrile Textured Exam Gloves and Face Masks. Elizabeth’s office also uses DEFEND Impression Materials. In addition, her hobbies include reading, listening to cool and interesting podcasts, hanging out with her friends and meeting new people.
12.09.14 / 3:20 pm

Are you a dental assistant interested in improving your skills? Do you want less of a challenge on the job? Below are useful procedures and tips that a dental assistant may apply to improve their role in the dental operatory.

 

1)      Improving Communication Skills.

Interacting with patients and experiencing their feelings or possible fears makes you far more empathetic than an assistant who doesn’t communicate with their patient. In this position, the patient is the number one concern, and allowing them to communicate their feelings or fears about a procedure can make them feel a lot more comfortable.  Open communication will become a benefit for not only you but your future patients as well.

 2)      Developing efficient organization and administrative skills.

Along with their important role in the dental operatory,dental assistants are responsible for documenting dental care services and patient records. Keeping your operatory cabinets and drawers organized and stocked means less time searching for something and, makes for a more efficient workspace. Using your knowledge of dental supplies and inventory can certainly help you improve productivity as a dental assistant.

3)      Becoming familiar with the dynamics of the work environment.

Dental assistants trained on the job are generally more familiar with the dynamics of a functioning dental office. Almost every dentist office runs differently in terms of routine and patient load. Focusing on the workload and pace at the office allows for a more harmonious work environment.

4)      Teamwork is key!

It is essential to build a rapport with your colleagues. Remember to accept constructive criticism and to work together to reach the goals of your office. If a reward system is not in place, consider starting one (or suggest it to upper management)! For example, have an employee of the month or luncheon to acknowledge excellent teamwork and spirit.

5)      Be adaptable.

This is the most important skill since every patient is different. While working on a patient, a simple cleaning may turn into fillings or even a root canal! Being adaptable is important especially when working with multiple doctors since each doctor will probably have a different way of doing things. Remember to be ready to assist on these procedures efficiently without skipping a beat!

Being a dental assistant can be a truly rewarding experience. Despite the challenges, working hard to improve your career may lead to increased salary and a higher level of self satisfaction. Put your mind to it, work hard and you can achieve your goal of becoming the next best dental assistant!

Elizabeth Dlouhy

Elizabeth Dlouhy has been a practicing dental assistant for 4 years. She is also a marketing intern for Mydent International. Her favorite DEFEND products include DEFEND Powder Free Nitrile Textured Exam Gloves and Face Masks. Elizabeth’s office also uses DEFEND Impression Materials. In addition, her hobbies include reading, listening to cool and interesting podcasts, hanging out with her friends and meeting new people.

Elizabeth Dlouhy

Elizabeth Dlouhy

Elizabeth Dlouhy has been a practicing dental assistant for 4 years. She is also a marketing intern for Mydent International. Her favorite DEFEND products include DEFEND Powder Free Nitrile Textured Exam Gloves and Face Masks. Elizabeth’s office also uses DEFEND Impression Materials. In addition, her hobbies include reading, listening to cool and interesting podcasts, hanging out with her friends and meeting new people.

6 responses to “Dental Assisting: Do your skills measure up?”

  1. Thanks for this. You mentioned trying to keep pace with the everyday functions of a dentist office. How do I get a position where I can experience that? I have been thinking about becoming a dental assistant, but I wanted to know more.

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