Want To Be A Dental Assistant? 4 Skills That Will Help You Succeed
by Hazel Lee
If you are looking for a steady career that will bring in a reliable income, you should consider pursuing dental assistant training courses. As a dental assistant, you will be able to work in the health industry in a job that has only increased in importance over time. Dental assistants are crucial to the work that a dentist does. There are a few skills that you can possess that will help you succeed as a dental assistant.
Skill #1: Detail Orientated
First, as a dental assistant, you need to pay attention to detail. You are going to sterilize and prepare instruments for use on patients. You will take x-rays, and you need to make sure you capture the right images that the dentist wants to see. You are going to need to help the dentist as they work, giving them the right tools. All these tasks require you to pay attention to details, to effectively and safely perform your job. You need to be good at paying attention to the little things in your job to succeed.
Skill #2: Communication
Second, as a dental assistant, you need to be skilled at communication. When the dentist is working, you will work together with them, handing them the tools they ask for and helping them out. You are going to need to communicate with the other dental staff, from billing to reception. You will also talk with all the patients. You will let them know what will happen during their visit, and you are generally the one who will be left to explain proper oral hygiene and the care required after a procedure.
Skill #3: Organization
Third, you need to be organized as a dental assistant. You will have to make sure that you are adhering to HIPAA and OSHA regulations as you work. You will need to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, from picking up files, ensuring safety, and escorting patients back to the work area. You need to be able to handle multiple tasks at once and keep them all straight.
Skill #4: Empathy
The dental assistant often spends more time with the patients than the dentist themselves. You need to be able to read people and demonstrate empathy. If you can help patients to feel calm and reassured before they start their treatment, you will become an invaluable member of whatever dental clinic you are working for.
If you want to succeed as a dental assistant, you first need to go through formal training. You also need to be detail-orientated and well-organized. You need stellar communication and empathy skills as well. Having these skills will turn you into an outstanding dental assistant.
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