As part of your hands-on dental assisting classes, you will learn new and exciting information about the profession and career you are choosing to pursue. From the basic terminology used in a dental office to learning how to chart, handle and sanitize instruments, prepare a treatment room, and use your communication skills when working with a patient, you will find this information valuable and beneficial the moment you begin to work as a dental assistant. But what you may not realize is there are other unique facts about the profession that make it more exciting and intriguing. Read on to discover 5 fun facts you may not know about becoming a dental assistant.
You Can Maintain a Healthy Work/Life Balance
While it is possible to join a dental practice that opens early, closes late, and offers available appointments on Saturdays, most offices operate on a normal schedule of Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. This typical timeline will allow you to maintain a healthy work/life balance that many other medical professionals have difficulty achieving. Not only can you financially provide for your family throughout the week, but you can also be present when it comes to your kid’s sporting events, plays, or other activities.
You Can Welcome Back Returning Patients
Dentistry is one of the few medical professions that see patients on a regular basis. Because most dental insurance companies encourage individuals to maintain two checkups and cleanings each year, you can more easily build a rapport with your patients because of the opportunity to see them regularly. This is much more difficult for nurses or individuals who work in a doctor’s office, simply because patients do not normally come in unless they are sick.
You Get to Offer Gifts to Your Patients
Although this is not the case with all dental offices, many offer patients a parting gift after completing a regular checkup and cleaning. While this little bag of goodies typically contains a toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, helpful tips for oral hygiene at home, and maybe some dental floss, you have the privilege of putting a smile on a patient’s face by offering them this small gift. No matter what is inside, you can bet that both you and your patient will be wearing a smile after the exchange.
You Can Play the Role of Teacher
The dentist and dental hygienist have important roles in the dental office, but so do dental assistants. Apart from helping both team members throughout an appointment, your position will also provide patients with helpful tips and advice on ways to improve oral habits at home. Whether you’re working with adults or children, you get to share and impart some dental wisdom to your patients that will help them maintain a healthier, more beautiful smile year-round.
You Become Part of a Unique Family
As part of a unique team of professionals, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with your colleagues. If you join a practice that is small with only a few employees, you will likely find a close-knit bond with those around you, making it possible to form lasting friendships that can positively impact your professional career.
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.
