8 Qualities of a Good Dental Assistant
- By Admin
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- 27 Jun, 2019
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and 2026. This could mean the addition of 332,000 jobs, but is dental assisting the job for you? Along with classroom and hands-on training,
dental assistants also need personal qualities to be successful. Take a look at what these qualities are and why they're important.
1. People Person
Dental assisting revolves around the patient. In this profession, you'll spend the majority of your time interacting with and helping patients. This
requires the ability to communicate effectively. It also means that, as a dental assistant, you should enjoy working with people.
If you are extremely shy, don't feel comfortable interacting with people (especially people who are new to you), or enjoy the isolation of sitting in
your own office or cubicle, this may not be the right career path for you.
2. Good Listener
Not only do you need to listen to what your patients have to say, but you also need to listen to what the dentist is saying. The job title says it all -
dental assistant. You're there to assist and support the dentist. Dental assistants listen to what the dentist says, understand the directions they give, and respond quickly.
3. Organized Individual
The chair-side dental tray looks like a buffet of metal instruments. The dental assistant's job requires them to keep it organized. Good organization makes preparation for the next appointment or cleaning up after the dentist is done faster, and excellent organizational abilities can make the job easier and give you an edge that the dentist is sure to notice.
4. Positive Attitude
Again, dental assisting is a patient-based job. Along with enjoying interpersonal interactions, a sunny or positive attitude can take you further in
this career. Dental patients aren't always thrilled to be in the office. The ability to turn a sometimes not-so-pleasant experience into one that's
positive is a gift that top dental assistants have.
5. Multitasking Talents
Dental assistants have multiple job duties. They greet patients, help patients into the dental chair, sterilize tools and instruments, assist the dentist during procedures - they hand instruments to the dentist, provide the patient with water, and suction the patient's mouth) - provide the patients with dental care instructions, chart the visit, and sometimes even schedule appointments.
If that list seems like a lot of job duties, it is. These duties, which dental assistants do often while interacting with the dentist or patients, require
multitasking abilities.
6. Compassionate Approach
Dental procedures aren't always easy on the patient. According to a study published in the Dental Research Journal, more than 58 percent of patients surveyed in the study had some form of dental anxiety. Dental assistants can soothe the anxious patient with professional care and
compassion and reduce their fear of pain or discomfort.
7. Team Player
The dental assistant isn't the only staff member who works with the dentist. Unless the office is extremely small, you'll likely also work with billing and administrative professionals along with dental hygienists. The ability to effectively communicate with the rest of the office staff can make the workday run smoothly and increase the dentist's overall efficiency.
8. Quick Problem-Solver
Dental offices are often fast-paced environments. Patients come in every 15 minutes, and the day is filled with appointments. The pace of the workday requires the assistant to think on their feet, process information, make decisions, and put instructions into action immediately.
Is dental assisting for you? Contact New Mexico Institute of Dental Assisting for more information about this exciting career choice.
Working as a dental assistant is not just about working on teeth. In fact, some people in this profession would say it's more about working with people by promoting healthy hygiene and helping clients achieve their optimal health and comfort.
If you are thinking about going to school to become a dental assistant, you have many options. Read on to see what you should know before choosing to become a dental assistant.
Dental Assistants Endure Plenty of Training
While you may not need a four-year university degree to become a dental assistant, you will still receive extensive education in the field. Becoming a dental assistant requires formal training in a challenging program. Pay close attention to your state's requirements to determine if you need a certification to begin working.
As a dental assistant, you also have the option of continuing your education and training. One of the many benefits of attending school for dental assisting is being able to study in the field.
Dental Assistants Perform Many Duties
In order to work as a dental assistant, you will prepare patients, instruments, and work areas for examinations and procedures. You will also work with other staff members to process X-rays and other labs. Plus, the assistant works directly with the dentist during procedures of all types.
Some dental assistants work primarily in an office setting rather than alongside the dentist performing procedures. If you are more customer service or administrative-oriented, you have this option as well.
Dental Assistants Rely on a Variety of Skills
Because you will be working on so many roles, several skills empower you to become the best possible dental assistant. Interpersonal skills are critical for working with clients of all types, and a detail-oriented personality will help you stay on top of your job.
You will also be a better dental assistant if you have a background with certain courses in your background. Understanding sociology, human anatomy, and chemistry will help you in your studies.
Dental Assistants Need a Wide Breadth of Knowledge
The coursework for becoming a dental assistant can feel rigorous at times. Oral anatomy and dental materials are among the first topics dental assistants learn. You will also learn radiography, which involves administering and processing X-rays.
Among the most important skills students learn in dental assisting school is working in a clinical environment. Understanding clinical work involves knowing how to respond in emergencies and how to interact with dental patients.
Dental Assistants Work in Many Environments
Most dental assistants work in dental offices, but others may work at specialty practices, insurance companies, laboratories, and even dental supply companies. The good news is you can choose which environment you would like to focus on. If you are not looking forward to working with patients directly, for instance, a laboratory might be a fantastic option.
Dental Assistants May Pursue Other Occupations
Many dental assistants opt to pursue other avenues in the future, and having gone to dental assistant school can be an asset. They may decide to go back to school to study occupations like dental hygienist and medical assisting. Dental assisting school can open doors for the future.
Dental assistants have a difficult, full-time jobs. They perform challenging but important duties, and you have surely noticed them during your regular dental checkups. However, you can lead a fulfilling career as a dental assistant.
Are you ready to become a dental assistant? The New Mexico Institute of Dental Assisting is ready to help you reach your goals. Contact us today to learn more about our courses and program options to help you work in the dental industry.