Newport News Dental Assistant Student Tries to Make Dental Visits Less Scary
Key Takeaways
Dental assistants play a crucial role in patient comfort and anxiety reduction by spending direct time with patients and creating a calm, supportive environment. ECPI's dental assisting program trains students in patient interaction skills essential for reducing dental visit anxiety.
- Dental assistants spend more time directly with patients than dentists, meeting them upon arrival and ensuring comfort
- A calm, soothing presence from dental assistants is essential for putting anxious patients at ease
- Many patients fear or are terrified of dental procedures, making compassionate assistant interaction crucial
- Strong patient interaction skills can be the deciding factor between good and outstanding dental assistants
- ECPI's dental assisting program emphasizes patient care skills and professional development for patient-centered care
Nichole began her studies at the ECPI University, Newport News campus in January 2013 and has quickly established herself as a leader. “She’s made a huge difference in the Dental Assisting Club,” says Program Director Maribeth Mojares. “When she first joined the club, we only had five or six members. Now, we have around 25 members. In class, she’s very dedicated and always looking to help fellow classmates.”
Nichole is President of both the Dental Club and Phi Theta Kappa. Currently, she is in the middle of her externship and says that she is very excited to be applying the skills she’s learned in the classroom. “I love working with kids and it’s just so rewarding to help them relax when they’re scared,” she says. “I try to show them all of our tools like ‘Mr. Thirsty’ – the saliva ejector – and ‘Mr. Squirt’ – the air-water syringe.
I love ECPI University and everything I’ve learned here at Medical Careers Institute – but I am really looking forward to graduation and beginning my career. The last year or so has been such a positive experience and everyone here has been so supportive. I feel really good about everything that I’ve done here and what lies ahead!”
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