Never think of yourself as being “only” a dental assistant. The truth of the matter is you are an integral part of a dental practice and your observations and opinions are valuable. Here are three ways that with your dental assistant training you can work to improve the practice your work in.
Take Matters into Your Own Hands
If you notice something happening in the practice that doesn’t seem sensible or is affecting everyone’s ability to work together as a team, then you should do what is necessary to stop it.
You may need to have a difficult talk with the dentist or another member of the team, but don’t underestimate the importance of having this conversation. Patients can sense when there is friction between colleagues, so the issue needs to be resolved quickly.
Work for the Bottom Line
If you don’t think you have anything to do with your practice’s bottom line, then think again. As a dental assistant, there are tasks that you are legally allowed to do in your state. If you’re not sure, check out “Meet State Requirements” on the DANB.org website. This will give you ideas of new responsibilities you can learn in order to increase the bottom line, which will show the dentist that you are truly interested in helping the practice be successful.
Don’t Settle for Less
“But that’s the way we’ve always done it around here.” If you’ve heard that line, then don’t get discouraged. You still have the power to make the changes you want to see—especially if those changes will improve the day-to-day operations of the practice.
When everyone else is content to live with the status quo, you be the one to walk out on a limb and suggest a new way of doing things. If your suggestion has a clear and beneficial purpose, then who knows? Your idea just might get the green light! Sure, you’ll be taking a risk, but if your idea is a success, then the dentist will notice and be grateful.
Be the change you want to see in your office. Use what you learn in a dental assisting course and patients and colleagues alike will thank you.
About Dental Assistant Pro
We would love to hear about important changes you’ve initiated in your dental practice. Dental Assistant Pro offers a program of 10 Saturday classes that includes lectures and hands-on training. We operate in a state-of-the-art training facility. Contact us in Lebanon or Westerville for more information.
