Dental assistants play a crucial role in the smooth operation of a dental practice—simply put, without them, your dentist wouldn’t be able to do a great job taking care of your pearly whites! So if you’re hoping to become one yourself, you might be wondering if you’re a good fit for the job. Continue reading below to learn more about five qualities that every aspiring dental assistant should have and hope to refine if they want to succeed in their new role.
1. Strong Communication Skills
Great communication is important in any workplace, but especially in a dental office environment. In order to keep things running smoothly and on schedule, you’ll need to be in constant communication with the rest of the team, the dentist, and the patients; you’re essentially a liaison for all of these parties. You’ll want to speak clearly, whether it’s face-to-face or over the phone, and don’t hesitate to initiate small talk with patients to make them feel more welcome! You can also help to describe dental care instructions and explain complex dental procedures in simple terms; great chairside manner is key here!
2. Attention to Detail
Dental procedures require an impressive level of precision, and any oversight can have consequences for both the dentist and the patient alike. When it comes to things like patient records, treatment plans, and even procedures themselves, meticulous attention to detail is needed. From sterilizing instruments to recording patient histories, virtually every aspect of the job requires a keen eye for detail. With that in mind, become accustomed to double-checking things if you aren’t already!
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
The dental office is a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, and you’ll need to be prepared for anything and everything that might get thrown at you while you’re working. The best dental assistants are always prepared for the unexpected by remaining adaptable and staying organized. Whether it’s a last-minute schedule change or assisting with an unforeseen emergency, adaptability ensures that the office remains efficient.
4. Good Dexterity Skills
As a dental assistant, you’ll be working with your hands a lot, and often working in tight spaces. Having great control of the small muscles within your hands and fingers is important here—former musicians might have an advantage! Great hand-eye coordination is also a must, as you’ll need to work precisely with various small instruments and tools.
5. Empathy and Compassion
Dental procedures can be anxiety-inducing; in fact, it’s estimated that 60% of the population has anxiety about going to the dentist. As a dental assistant, you’ll need to be aware of this common phobia and provide a compassionate, empathetic attitude to patients at all times. Ensuring that they remain calm and comfortable throughout their appointment will make things easier for all parties involved!
About the Green Country School of Dental Assisting
Here at the Green Country School of Dental Assisting, we’ve helped countless dental assistant students smoothly transition into their new career paths, and we’d love to help you next! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to request additional information, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today! Telephone: (918) 343-7188.