Dental assistants are the unsung heroes of the dental office, working diligently behind the scenes to help ensure that things go smoothly throughout the day. Their role is multi-faceted, involving several types of duties and responsibilities such as patient care, office management, and supporting the dentist in all sorts of ways. That said, have you ever wondered what the average day in the life of a dental assistant looks like? Keep reading to learn more—no two days are the same, but all are just as exciting and rewarding!
Helping Patients as Soon as They Arrive
Patients and dental assistants spend quite a bit of time together; as soon as patients start to arrive at the dental office, it’s up to dental assistants to greet them with a warm smile which helps to immediately put them at ease. They then escort patients to the treatment room, which they’ve helped to prepare, take their medical history, ask them questions about their oral health, and ultimately prepare them for their upcoming dental exam and/or procedure.
Keeping the Office Organized
Apart from patient care, dental assistants also handle various administrative tasks. They help manage appointment schedules, answer phone calls and emails, process patient billing and insurance information, and all sorts of other tasks that offload the responsibilities of the dentist that allow them to focus on patient care! Organizational skills are also paramount since they help keep track of patient records, update treatment plans, and maintain a clean and sterile environment throughout the office.
Adapting to All Kinds of Different Procedures
Dental assistants are well-educated and work closely with dentists, dental hygienists, and administrative staff; however, when they’re assisting their dentist, they do so in several ways. They can be involved in a wide array of procedures, from routine cleanings to complex surgeries. They assist dentists in fillings, extractions, crowns, and root canals—but they also do things like help suction excess saliva and make sure the patient is comfortable! Think of them as an extra set of arms for their dentist, capable of doing whatever needs to be done to ensure optimal patient care is delivered.
A day in the life of a dental assistant is demanding yet incredibly rewarding; their passion and dedication to patient care, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to handle diverse responsibilities and duties make them the backbone of any dental office!
About the Green Country School of Dental Assisting
The Green Country School of Dental Assisting has aided numerous future dental assistants in the Claremore, OK area with their education and acquiring the skills they need to succeed in their new career. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with their team, feel free to contact them through their website or by phone: (918) 343-7188.