Dental assisting school is similar to other types of schooling in the sense that preparation is key—the more you know about what to expect and the more prepared you are, the better off you’ll be! Here at NE Dental Academy, our team wants to help you succeed in your education—which is why we’ve gathered some awesome tips to help you out as you tackle dental assisting school. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Tip #1. Eat Before Class
Simply put, your brain cannot function correctly and assimilate knowledge if you aren’t fueling up! Be sure that you’re eating before class, as it has a notable impact on your ability to focus and your mental performance. It’s also awkward and uncomfortable to deal with a growling stomach during a lecture; so don’t hesitate to pack a healthy snack ahead of time.
Tip #2. Get Enough Sleep
Just like how your brain needs food, it also needs an adequate amount of rest to function properly. This might seem obvious, but the impact that sleep has on performing even the simplest of tasks is profound; do your best to get 8 hours of sleep every night, especially on the days before class. A clear mind and a healthy body ensure you’re the best version of yourself!
Tip #3. Aim for Comprehension, Not Memorization
In short, comprehension will always trump memorization. This simply means that it’s always best to comprehend and fully understand the material, rather than simply be able to memorize it and spout it off without truly knowing what it means. Although memorizing things might make it easier to pass an exam, in the real world, being able to fall back on knowledge is what gets you through difficult tasks.
Tip #4. Stay Organized from Day One
Dental assisting programs move fast, and you’ll cover everything from anatomy to chairside procedures in a short time. Use a planner or digital calendar (even if it’s on your smartphone) to track assignments, clinical hours, exams, and deadlines. Keeping all of your notes and materials organized will help you stay on top of due dates and also make your study sessions more efficient.
Tip #5. Speak Up and Ask Questions
The dental field is always evolving with new technologies, discoveries, and procedures. Ask as many questions as necessary to fully understand the information; you’re about to be provided with a lot of new knowledge, so be sure that you’re fully comprehending everything, as it will be pivotal in your future profession. Don’t be afraid to speak up—the odds are that you aren’t the only one in your class who has questions.
Tip #6. Make the Most of Your Clinical Experience
Your externship or clinical rotations are where your classroom lessons will come to life! Treat these experiences like job interviews and show up on time, ready to listen attentively. The connections you end up making in these settings will often lead to job opportunities after you graduate.
Even though some of these might seem fairly obvious, every little thing that you do must be taken into account when you’re hoping to succeed in dental assisting school. Everything from what you eat to your willingness to ask questions is important, so be certain to follow these tips so that you’re able to easily reach the finish line and become the best dental assistant you can be!
About NE Dental Academy
At NE Dental Academy, we’re happy to provide promising dental assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed! We’ve already helped hundreds transition into successful careers and would be thrilled to work with you to help you kick off your new career! If you’d like to request additional information, please visit us online or give us a call at (508) 392-5314.