In a lot of ways, dental assistants are an extra set of arms and hands for their dentist, helping them with various tasks and procedures within a dental office. But the amount of supplemental help that a dental assistant provides for their practice is incredibly undervalued and underappreciated; simply put, without dental assistants, the metaphorical wheels would fall off! Continue reading below to learn about a few of the lesser-known tasks and duties that dental assistants are responsible for!
1. They Help Set the Tone for Patient Care
Did you know that approximately one in every three dental patients has some type of phobia or anxiety relating to dental care? As a dental assistant, you have the opportunity to break this cycle! You can help patients feel more relaxed about their visit and more comfortable about whatever treatment they’re undergoing. Even though the patient is visiting the office to see the person whose name is listed on the door, they’re going to be spending a great deal of time with you. That said, set a positive tone and ensure that they’re ready for a pleasant experience!
2. Continuing Patient Education
Patient education is one of the skills you’ll learn in your dental assisting program, but it’s also a skill that you’ll technically never stop honing throughout your career. You’ll be expected to explain procedures to patients, giving them an idea of what to expect not just during their visit but also at home while they’re caring for their smiles. Since you’ll work closely with dentists, you’ll also get an idea about newly developed techniques and care practices. As you gain more and more experience over the years, you’ll feel confident talking to others about their care and the finer points of oral hygiene. There’s even an opportunity for growth; the career path opens up to a wide variety of jobs if you’re committed to your craft.
3. Infection Control
All dental assistants receive training in areas relating to infection control and OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration), meaning that they should be adequately prepared to deal with potentially biohazardous agents. Things like blood, saliva, and radiation can pose a threat to anybody who walks inside a dental office. Being trained in infection control management prevents the spread of disease through cross-contamination or aerosol production. Sterilizing instruments, recapping needles, disinfecting work surfaces, and practicing proper PPE donning/removal are just a few examples of what you’ll need to do.
The bottom line is that being a dental assistant is about much more than teeth—it’s about making a difference in the lives of patients while also elevating the level of care provided by the practice!
About the NE Dental Academy
Our team here at the NE Dental Academy has helped numerous aspiring dental assistants as they kick off their career paths, and we’d be thrilled to help you embark on this exciting journey! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our staff to request enrollment information, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today! Telephone: (508) 392-5314.