what it takes to be a dental assistantFrom preparing patients for dental procedures to taking x-rays and recording medical histories, dental assistants are a critical part of any dental practice. In order to enter the ranks of qualified dental assistants, it’s important to have the proper training and education, as well as the right skills and personality. Here’s what you need to know about what you need to become a dental assistant.

 

Skills & Traits of a Great Dental Assistant

Becoming a dental assistant requires a certain amount of drive and determination, and having the right mix of personality traits and skills is very important. There are some traits that are common to successful dental assistants, including:

Good organizational skills

This is probably one of the most important traits for successful dental assistants. The job duties typically include performing patient interactions, following a variety of safety protocols and adhering to a laundry list of local, state, and federal regulations. As a dental assistant, you may be expected to help patients prepare for treatments, organize required materials, take inventory and make supply orders, and perform general office duties like filing or answering the phone.

Good personal skills

Personal interactions are a big part of the job when you’re a dental assistant. These communication skills are even more important when you consider how many people don’t like visiting the dentist, or are terrified of dental procedures. A calm, soothing presence is often essential for putting these patients at ease, and it’s tough to put someone else at ease if you’re not comfortable interacting with others. Your ability to interact well with patients, as well as other staff members, may be the deciding factor in whether you’re a good dental assistant, or an outstanding one.

Detail-oriented

Learning how to perform the tasks is only the first step in becoming part of a dental team; paying attention to details and making sure you perform those tasks properly is essential to being an asset to the rest of the staff. Your safety, the safety of other staff members, and the safety of the patients are all dependent on your ability to pay attention to details and perform your tasks correctly.

Effective communication skills

A big part of dental assisting is being able to effectively communicate, with other staff members, patients and their family members, and the dentists in the practice. Effective communication allows you to provide a higher quality of care and results in greater patient satisfaction, especially when it comes to patients knowing what to expect, and understanding and following the instructions the dentist gives them. Without effective communication skills, you may do more harm than good when trying to serve as a liaison between the dentist and the patient.

These are only a few of the important skills and traits you should have if you want to become successful as a dental assistant. However, even the best personality and all the interpersonal skills in the world won’t make you a good dental assistant if you don’t have the right education to pursue your goals.

Formal Education & Outlook

There are several types of dental assisting programs available, but the most effective use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on laboratory exercises. A dental assisting associate's degree generally offers an array of program-related core courses, as well as additional courses in arts and sciences, computer literacy and career-seeking skills to provide a well-rounded education that highlights hands-on experience and practical knowledge. Desirable dental assisting programs should:

  • Offer a foundation of fundamental dental assisting skills including radiographic, clinical, and administrative procedures, and dental office management
  • Teach proper techniques for patient interactions like exam prep, medical history charting, and interviews
  • Provide general education for assisting with minor surgical procedures, taking vital signs, etc.
  • Teach laboratory techniques and procedures
  • Offer opportunities for internships to gain real-world experience

Upon graduation from a dental program, you should:

  • Be able to ensure the safety of patients and other staff members
  • Have clinical and practice management skills relevant to your field
  • Be competent in general dental assisting procedures
  • Have the practical skills and knowledge necessary to complete licensing  and certification examinations

dental assisting job growthLess comprehensive programs are available, but may not provide all the information you’ll need to secure a position as a dental assistant. They typically focus on more hands-on instruction, and may lack the more in-depth offerings available in AAS degree programs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of dental assisting to grow by 25% by 2022. It’s a field that is growing much faster than average, and, in 2012, offered a median income of $34,500.

Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Dental Assistant?

If you want to get started on the road to a fulfilling career in dental assisting, contact ECPI University for information on our Associate of Applied Science in Health Science with a concentration in Dental Assisting program! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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