Being meticulous is also important for preparing and maintaining equipment and spaces within an office. Many dentists have a diverse set of personality traits that allow them to work both closely with patients We strive to place you in an environment that matches your knowledge and skills, so you succeed from day one. The dental assistant should learn to recognize patients emotion whether they are sad, fearful, angry, etc. Chapter 2 Dental Assisting Flashcards | Quizlet Altierus Career College nursing students completed their first round of clinical rotations at Genesis Healthcare. You will also enjoy working in pairs with fellow classmates to practice all the procedures you learn during classroom lectures. Staying focused during examinations and procedures is also valuable for keeping the process moving. Most dental offices have several dental assistants and hygienists on staff. When preparing rooms, attention to detail helps assistants check supply levels, get materials for specific appointments ready in advance, and notice if a room requires additional cleaning. It is important for you . Successful dental assistants often display distinct qualities that allow them to thrive in any dental practice. With many responsibilities throughout your day, it is important to keep equipment organized while prioritizing your duties. Quality #2 - Confidentiality Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. Being a good listener will yield many benefits: Active listening skills that you obtain in your dental assistant position will also transfer to other areas of your life. One lapse could have a severe negative impact on a dental practice, so its essential that all dental assistants are reliable. It's also important for them to be able to handle different responsibilities. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If you do not feel as confident about any of these qualities of a Dental Assistant, do not worry! At Altierus Career College, our hands-on dental assistant diploma program takes students through every aspect of the dental assistant role, from taking x-rays and dental impressions to the anatomy of the head and neck. Lending an ear is essential to understanding their questions and concerns! Some of the many benefits of a formal education include: Shadowing a dental assistant is a good way to learn what they do but it takes lecture and actual hands-on learning to prepare for this important role in a dental office. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Being professional also helps you appear more credible, both to patients and to the professionals you work with in your role. Cleaning equipment properly ensures patient health and the professionalism of your office. Make sure that procedures are adhered to and things like hazardous waste are disposed of using OSHA guidelines. Interested in becoming a dental assistant? The tools dentists and dental assistants use are often very sharp or otherwise capable of inflicting damage if a slip-up occurs. 5 Most Important Qualities of a Dental Assistant At the same time, dental assistants schedule patients appointments, communicate with insurance companies, and help a dental practice maximize its productivity and efficiency. They help a dentist maintain a clean, tidy practice and offer assistance during dental procedures. Finally, dental assistants should have training that offers a blend of clinical knowledge, chairside skills, and office administration concepts. The healthcare industry offers some of the most secure, stable, and rewarding jobs in the country. You will find that your positive attitude will be infectious and you will enjoy your new career as a dental assistant. Were excited to continue the conversation about postsecondary education and how Altierus Career College is providing options in career technical education. Because dental assistants handle a myriad of responsibilities, it's important for them to be able to multitask successfully. Above is just a small selection of the qualities required to be a successful dental assistant. Here's a closer look at how each of these traits can help you in your role: Being Self-Motivated. Dental Assistants 31-9091.00 Bright Outlook Updated 2023 Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. On any given day, they will perform a mix of clinical and administrative duties. Sometimes, dental assistants spend more time with patients than dentists do. a. demonstrating sensitivity to the patient's needs. By working together with the others on your team, you can ensure a positive experience. Because everyone is busy, having the confidence to do your job independently matters. Medical Assistant vs. If you have a knack for explaining complex issues (such as insurance claims or a root canal) in a simple-to-understand way, you will probably be able to connect with patients in a dental office setting. This past March, 12 medical assisting students from the Norcross Altierus campus in Atlanta competed against 4,000 other students from 84 different schools in the region. Keep computers password protected and files secure. There are simple definitions to help you understand both: A trip to the dentist is a scary experience for many people, while others may simply find it uncomfortable. Having good hand dexterity is very important for a dental assistant. From a complete curriculum to hands-on learning and everything in between, you work toward mastery of the qualities and skills you will need to start working on day one. 40 Dentists Share The Best Qualities Of Dental Assistants, U.S. Dentist Statistics to Make You Smile in 2022. Dental offices need to make a profit to keep helping patients and not wasting resources is an important part of keeping the dental office in business. Dental assistants possess a combination of soft and hard skills, along with comprehensive training and education. One of the best benefits of attending a vocational school is the career services they offer. Demonstrate sensitivity to the patients needs, show empathy, say "the right thing at the right time", and be sincere. They will also need to be an active listener to truly understand what the patient is going through. Dental Hygienists - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Make sure you fully educate the patient on what is going to happen and whether they will feel anything in the near future. 6 Skills that Make a Great Dental Assistant, Stay in the Know on New Dental News & More, Dental SEO: Your Guide to Conquering Google, Dental Patient Communication: Tips for a Successful Outcome, Knowledge of Operating a Dental Practice: Job Options Abound, Consider the Freedom of a Dental House Call Practice, The Key to Building Relationships with Patients & Practice Growth. Dentistry is an exciting career offering many unique opportunities to treat and engage with patients. Do these qualities describe you? Make sure to present a professional appearance, with good oral health, good personal grooming and appropriate dress. Whenever a dental assistant is called upon to do something, they must be prepared and ready to take the task head-on. Anticipating the dentist's needs, answering questions quickly and accurately, and responding to requests in a timely manner ensures patients get the care they need effectively. Whether it's at the front desk, in the examination rooms, or behind the scenes, dental assistants help with it all. d. being a good talker to distract the patient from the stress of the dental visit. Attention to detail also ties into your people skills. Excited about the profession of dentistry. Keeping an organized calendar helps assistants plan their days and keep patients on track for the correct services. Dental assistants have great jobs where they can interact with patients, provide memorable and important care to those in need, and never suffer from a boring or monotonous career. They should show concern for patients that are suffering. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase and I may unsubscribe at any time. With goof self-confidence, you can increase the comfortable level of everyone around you. 1. Copyright 2023 Northwestern College All Rights Reserved. If dental assisting sounds like a career right up your alley, dont wait to get started! Already having these qualities is a good first step, but it's also possible to develop these traits and succeed in your career. Having patience when people are anxious or upset. Less errors means better dental health outcomes for patients. As a dental assistant, youll need excellent organizational skills so you can keep up with the pace. The dental assistant should be willing to learn continuously and help out if a coworker is overloaded. Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant. 12 Qualities of a Good Dental Assistant - Meridian College There are many qualities that are good, and a few are important for dental assisting success. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Our Dental Assisting certification program will provide you with the classroom knowledge and real-world experience you need to pursue this rewarding career field. But a career in dental assisting takes more than a certification. Having a goal to provide the best possible patient care should be a top priority for every dental assistant. Patients do not enjoy going to the dentist and are often intimidated by being at the dental office. A good dental assistant till maintain a professional appearance at a dentists office to exude confidence and receive respect from colleagues and patients. Few people like trips to the dentist, and some feel quite nervous during their appointment. Here's a closer look at the different areas of the role where being well organized and meticulous can help: Dental assistants often help to keep important documents and patient files within an office organized. It means all documents and files are up to date, giving easy and reliable access to relevant patient reports. All Rights Reserved. Listening for relevant information that the dentist needs to know is a crucial aspect of the job. For example, you will need to ensure the dentist has the right details for their patient and the right tools. A dental assistants career can be exciting, and having the right people in those roles can have a significant positive impact on the dental industry. There are two important qualities that you will need to exhibit as a dental assistant: compassion and empathy. They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, using precise tools and instruments. Here's a closer look at specific responsibilities where communication skills are critical: One important responsibility of dental assistants is educating patients on proper dental hygiene and best practices. During examinations and procedures. Practice makes perfect, and you get a lot of practice in a dental assistant program. References: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/list-of-dental-assistant-skills-2062342, https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-assisting/career-enhancements/article/16366266/how-to-achieve-success-as-a-dental-assistant, [i] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-6, [ii] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2015/12/03/theres-a-new-way-to-treat-your-fear-of-the-dentist-and-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-drugs/. Dental assistants are part of important healthcare teams. working seamlessly with the dentist is essential for a positive patient experience. The top dental assistant qualities: 1. Our NEW College Readiness Quiz provides instant feedback with your results. In addition to local HVAC servicers, we also met with Tim Elliott, CTE program specialist with Georgias Department of Education. Not only does your professionalism reflect on your employer, but it also reflects on your fellow team members. Get the right tools from an education that prepares you for your first day in a rewarding career as a dental assistant. There are many benefits to getting a formal dental assistant education. The best dental assistants know how to be a calming presence. The dental profession can be broken down into two key By listening compassionately when patients share concerns or questions, you can put them at ease and develop your relationship. By submitting this form, I consent, without obligation to be contacted by Meridian via email, telephone and text using automated technology at the contact details provided above. Is Mrs. Jones being referred to the right periodontist? A good dental assistant will express interest and concern for their patients, especially when they are worried about a dental procedure or apprehensive about going to the dentist. Compassionate attitude As a Dental Assistant, you need to be aware of this common phobia and provide a compassionate, empathetic attitude to patients at all times. Most jobs will require good listening skills. Like most people, you are probably considering a career as a dental assistant because you like helping other people. Our Houston campus hosted Roadtrip Nation on their screening tour of their documentary film, One Step Closer. All Rights Reserved, Park Cities Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), National Association of Dental Laboratories, How the Coronavirus Pandemic Affects the Role of the Dental Assistant. Soft skills are personal characteristics and habits that determine how you work alone and with others. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Trimming study models The ADAA was formed in 1924 by: Juliette A. Southard.
. The dental assistant may face an emergency and they should stay calm to endure this difficult circumstance. However, everyone needs to go to the dentist, so as a dental assistant youll need the right people skills to help reassure nervous or reluctant patients and keep them calm. If you want to be successful, you'll also need the right personality and attributes. With the fast pace of a dentists office, dental assistants need to be good at multitasking. Honing your skills while earning your credentials can help you greatly in your role as a dental assistant. 31-9091.00 - Dental Assistants - O*NET OnLine Below we're outlining the 10 important traits every Dental Assistant needs to be successful. This is for a few reasons and can help in multiple aspects of their work. A good dental assistant puts themselves in the patients shoes and sense the patients emotions. From helping with patient examinations, to processing important documents, to educating patients on proper dental hygiene, the work dental assistants perform helps dentists execute their jobs well, puts patients at ease, and keeps offices operating successfully. dentistry? Interested in gaining the qualities you need to be a good dental assistant? Take pride in your attitude and contributions. Appropriate dress is not only wearing appropriate uniform or scrubs but keeping them clean, wrinkle free and wearing appropriate undergarments. What qualities should a dental assistant exhibit to present a true Dentistry is an unusual profession because while dentists are mostly focused on patient care, they also often own and run their own businesses. Strong communication skills are necessary for dental assistants, too. Procedures must be precise, and the slightest error could lead to disastrous consequences for practices as well as their patients. Further, dental assistants should not be deceitful or hypocritical. Are you interested in learning more about how to become a dental assistant? If their mind is prone to wander or if their work ethic is lacking, its important to strive for improvement so the rest of the team isnt let down. This can boost your office's ability to reach patients and help you establish yourself as a trusted care professional. January 23, 2019 by Howard Academy. To be successful in the dental assisting profession, youll need to be well organized. ANS: A Dental assistants need to listen to both patients and other dental staff. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In some states, you will be required to have training, and many dental offices will expect you to be trained regardless of state regulations. These qualities include: Many dental patients are coming to the dentists office unaware of what will happen during their appointment. They can apply this skill in multiple aspects of their job, like sanitizing equipment, finding relevant information in patient files, and preparing examination rooms and patient care rooms successfully. When you interact with patients, team members, and other care providers on behalf of your office, your actions represent your workplace. If you are viewing something on your computer screen or talking at reception to a patient, make sure to be discreet. Dental Assistant Education Requirements | OnlineU He is currently living in Bangkok and writes on a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on SEO and marketing. Learn from a panel of experts about what you should be doing right At times, patients will be incredibly stressed or in pain, so youll need to be sensitive to the emotions of those around you. It is important to note that dentist offices are subject to HIPAA guidelines. By submitting this form, I consent, without obligation to be contacted by Meridian via email, telephone and text using automated technology at the contact details provided above. 3. Howard Healthcare Academy offers a dental assistant training program that allows students to gain the skills they need to thrive in any dental practice, at any time. Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Program. 8 Characteristics of a Successful Dental Assistant - Northwestern College There are simple definitions to help you understand both: Compassion is a feeling of distress for the suffering of another person. Dental assistants may also be responsible for scheduling patient appointments. Successful dental assistants often display distinct qualities that allow them to thrive in any dental practice. Being professional helps your office maintain credibility and respect and shows that you value providing the best care to your patients. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Dental Assistant Career. Otherwise, it can be difficult for the dentist to do their job well. As important as it is for to be able to speak so they understand what's happening and what actions they need to perform, the dental assistant also need to be able to listen to their concerns, updates, or questions. He left Britain in the year 2000 and headed East. Many patients fear the dentist. For example, a dental assistant needs to be able to take instructions as well as pass on helpful feedback and information. Were those instruments disinfected or not? And because we offer smaller class sizes, you get one-on-one attention from instructors to ask all the questions you may have about dental procedures and duties. You get to work in real world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skill during lab work in dental assisting. One Step Closer follows roadtrippers Melanie, Armand, and Becca across America as they listen to personal stories about how community college shaped the careers of working professionals. Tim was excited to talk about to how partner with high schools to create awareness of CTE. With paperwork, attention to detail makes it possible to notice if any information is incorrect or missing. You might feel a small pinch, is a good way to prepare a patient for local anesthesia to numb the area in the mouth that may feel pain. It also includes helping dentists with their duties and assisting them as they perform examinations and conduct procedures. By leaving a positive impression on patients, you increase the chances of them sharing their approval with friends or in a review. Dental assistants work closely with patients and dentists. Dental assistants plan ahead and are prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Now that you know which qualities make a good dental assistant, it is time to lay a foundation of qualities and skills to build upon throughout your career. Good listener. Our career services staff also helps you build a resume, prepare for interviews and network with employers to find the position you are passionate about. Working in healthcare can require a degree of selflessness. Sometimes, its necessary to do more than one thing at a time, and these tasks will need to be completed accurately and quickly. 6 Essential Skills of Successful Dental Assistants | igniteDDS Patients often speak to dental assistants about their concerns, needs, updates, or questions. The curriculum builds upon itself, one lesson after another, until you have complete mastery of dental assisting. By working together with the others on your team, you can ensure a positive experience. Communicating with patients is a two-way street. This means better patient sentiments and an improved ability to provide quality, long-term services to your patients. What organization represents the dental assisting profession? Successful dentists enjoy the work they do every day and are fascinated by the mouth and all of the connections it has to the rest of the body. components:whatspecific field of dentistry the dentist They persevere even during the toughest times and do what it takes to solve any challenges that come their way. Youll need to tell patients what to expect throughout their appointment and need to properly communicate good oral hygiene practices. The employees of a dental practice should have strong feelings of support and loyalty for one another. Your ability to notice details can save your practice and your patients money and time. The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist to treat actual patients. Becoming a successful Dental Assistant begins by gaining the right knowledge and training. By being respectful and taking your role seriously, you can make it easier for others to perform their jobs well, too. These professionals play an important role in the delivery of dental healthcare, working alongside dentists and dental hygienists to keep patients comfortable and safe during procedures. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Detail-Oriented There are many qualities that are good, and a few are important for dental assisting success. They might request patient files or information, and being able to access this information quickly ensures dentists have what they need when they need it. If you want to become a dental assistant, its essential to ensure you can communicate well in person, on the phone, and via e-mail or other written communications. You will learn much more from a patient by their body language, especially because they may not be able to speak clearly to tell you what they need. Is the minor dental surgery going to hurt? Dental assistants are committed to their craft and want to learn as much as possible. The grant paid for HOSA membership fees, student uniforms, travel, and other expenses. The dental assistant is the ambassador of good oral health for patients, so they must also keep their mouth looking healthy. Being professional helps assure employers and team members that you have what it takes to execute the duties of the position with tact, decorum, and authority.
You will need to handle change well and be prepared for any task that is thrown your way. Important Qualities. At Concorde, you can have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills and experience needed for the role in our dental assistant program, helping you train for a career you can feel good about. This can help you maintain your reputation and advance in your career successfully. It also helps assistants to locate relevant and important information that a dentist may need to know about a patient. What Do Dental Assistants Do? (Answered) | UEI College During your duties as a dental assistant, one small error can be a big issue. 6 Qualities Dental Assistants Need for Success Posted Wednesday, Jul 1, 2020 by Altierus Interested in becoming a dental assistant? Dental assistants maintain a positive outlook regardless of what happens in a given day. Sometimes, it's the duty of the dental assistant to take patient information like insurance and payment info. Updated November 30, 2022. If you are not sure, the good news is that you can hone most of your qualities and skills during a vocational program as well as throughout your career. If you can shift between tasks without difficulty, you should be able to handle the varied role of a dental assistant. Dental assistants learn from their failures and wont get discouraged in the face of adversity. Being a compassionate listener and noticing important details can help provide the best care for patients' needs. They will not have to worry that you are not sure about a procedure, they will let you work, and they can focus on their own duties instead. Patients will be acutely aware when you doubt yourself. These qualities include: Quality #1: Empathy. Here's a closer look at how each of these traits can help you in your role: Dental assistants who are self-motivated and independent often find greater success in their roles. Keep reading to see what they had to say.