Dental assisting is a vital and rewarding profession that plays an integral role in supporting dentists and ensuring that they’re capable of providing the highest quality care to their patients. And if you’re embarking on a journey to become a dental assistant, one of the most influential figures in your education will be your dental assisting instructor—which means you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them questions throughout your training! Here are three must-ask questions to keep in mind when engaging with your dental assisting instructor.
Why Is This Important?
Knowledge is power, and you should never underestimate the importance of knowing “why” something is necessary or “how” it’s being carried out—as well as how to perform it yourself. Even though you can memorize terms and methods, knowing why they’re necessary will allow you to better hone your skills and perform at a much higher level. Not to mention, you’ll likely be asked “why” by many of your patients. By asking it yourself during the learning process, you’ll be better prepared to pass this same information along to those in need!
Am I Doing This Correctly?
It’s not always easy to ask for help or confirmation that you’re doing something correctly—but when working as a dental assistant, you’ll be expected to know exactly how to perform various tasks. Your instructors are there to provide you with feedback, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them for help or specific instructions on how to improve your performance or technique. By refining your skills along the way, you aren’t just ensuring your future job performance; you’re boosting your confidence in your abilities!
What Should I Do to Land My First Job?
It’s natural to wonder how your first job as a dental assistant will suddenly appear; sometimes an internship can turn into something more permanent, while other times, it’ll take a little bit of effort after you’ve graduated. While no one knows the exact answer for how to land your first job, a good place to start is by asking your instructor—after all, they were likely once in your shoes! They’ll often be able to shed some light on things like upcoming job fairs and networking events you can attend, and they might even be able to point you in the direction of an open position. But in any case, it never hurts to ask while strengthening your pool of mentors.
Your dental assisting instructor is one of the best assets at your disposal during your journey to becoming a skilled and successful dental assistant. By asking thoughtful questions, you can gain insights that will provide you with a rock-solid foundation moving forward with your career!
About the Practice
Here at the NE Dental Academy, we’re ready to provide aspiring dental assistant students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel in their new careers. If you have any questions about the article, or you’d like to request additional information, feel free to contact us online today or over the phone: (508) 392-5314.