No one ever said dental assisting school was easy. From learning the terminology to having a clear understanding of the hands-on, day-to-day tasks you’ll be responsible for when stepping into your first dental office job, it takes time, diligence, and a commitment on your part to push through the difficulties so you can reap the reward in the end. But if you need a bit of help making your way through school, here are 5 tips to remember to survive your classes and embrace your future career.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
As a student, it’s normal to ask questions, so if you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to let your instructor know you need additional clarification. Having a clear understanding of a concept, term, or technique is the only way you’ll feel confident and comfortable as a dental assistant working in a real practice. You might feel as if you’re the only person who is struggling to understand, but don’t be surprised if others in your class are grateful you asked for clarification.
Look for Ways to Make Note-Taking Easier
Although not all instructors are okay with this idea, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they would be okay with you recording their lectures. Trying to rapidly write down everything they’re saying can be difficult, so if you’re struggling and do not want to miss vital information, your phone’s voice recorder is a great tool to use. Just be sure to get permission before using it.
Make Sure You’ve Eaten Before Class
When enrolling in a dental assisting school, there’s a chance your schedule is already quite busy. Whether you’re holding down another job, taking care of kids, or dealing with other obligations that require your time, make sure you’re getting something to eat before arriving for class. If you’re hungry, you can count on spending more of your time focused on your empty stomach than on what is being taught in class. Keeping snacks and a bottle of water in your bag can help stave off hunger when there’s little time to eat a full meal.
Come to Class Comfortable
For some students, looking their best is important. While no one is saying you should arrive wearing stained clothes and sporting messy hair, you should be mindful of your attire. Dental assistants work on their feet, so you’ll want to skip the heels and opt for comfortable shoes. Also, the hands-on dental assistant training you’ll receive may require working around equipment that can potentially damage your clothes, so leave the designer dress or tie at home.
Don’t Stay Up Late
No matter what type of schooling you’re pursuing, getting ample sleep is imperative for success. As a dental assistant, you’ll need to be on top of your game, which means going to bed at an appropriate time so that you can arrive at school ready to learn. When you’re too tired, you’re unlikely to retain information, but when you’re well-rested, you feel more capable of applying what you’re learning and remaining motivated toward your goal.
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 (513) 515-6611.
