It doesn’t matter what job you have, there are always steps you must take that are always the same, no matter how unique the client, patient, case, or project. During your dental assistant training, you’ll learn this is, in fact, the same, and there’s no getting out of it if you want to remain successful. To get a better idea, here are 5 things you must do when dealing with each patient.
Be Compassionate
No one wants to walk into their dental office scared and unsure of what’s going to happen next. If you have a patient who suffers from dental anxiety, or if you have someone who is embarrassed by the look of their teeth, it’s important that you show compassion. Admitting you’re not taking care of your teeth as you should isn’t easy, but as the dental assistant, judging and berating a patient is in no way acceptable. When someone enters the dental office, greet them with a warm smile and let them know you’re there to put them at ease about their dental treatment or procedure.
Work Alongside Your Fellow Dental Assistants
There’s no better feeling than knowing your colleagues are on your team. When you’re working alongside others who are in your same position and who are looking to achieve success just like you, it’s a great feeling to know you have the support and encouragement of those around you. Compassion isn’t just for patients, it’s for each other, too!
Be Prepared
Unexpected events will always happen, but what you’ve probably learned in a dental assisting course is that it’s always best to be prepared. Staying a step ahead will benefit you should your office become extremely busy. If the dentist needs an instrument or piece of equipment, try to work on becoming more familiar with what he or she will need before she even needs to ask for it.
Never Quit Learning
Many professions require employees to participate in professional development as a way to continue learning from others in the field. This is no different for dental assistants. Getting involved in the community by joining professional organizations, as well as actively seeking opportunities to take classes, are just a few ways dental assistants can continue brushing up on the latest advances and changes in the industry. In fact, those who hold DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) certification must earn 12 CDE (Continuing Dental Education) credits each year.
Don’t Be Afraid of Change
When you really think about it, the dental profession is no different than any other industry when it comes to change. Let’s face it: change is inevitable. You’ll be faced with new opportunities, new products, and new technologies along the way. Instead of fearing what lies ahead, embrace these changes by learning to accept and adapt.
If you follow these five things, you’ll be in a much better place as you progress through your career as a dental assistant.
About Dental Assistant Pro
For more than 25 years, Dental Assistant Pro has been providing aspiring dental assistants with essential knowledge and hands-on skills learning. Our philosophy is the best dental assisting training should be taught in a dental office at an affordable cost, so why not take a chance and enroll in our 10-week course schedule? It’s now more affordable than ever to become a dental assistant! To learn more about us, visit our website or call (614) 202-3919.
