important personal qualities of the dental assistant include:important personal qualities of the dental assistant include:

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. now to prepare for a career in dentistry. 2. Being professional is important for: Dental assistants perform important roles and have high expectations to meet. Depending on their exact position, dental assistants often run multiple aspects of the office. Below we're outlining the 10 important traits every Dental Assistant needs to be successful. Whether it's at the front desk, in the examination rooms, or behind the scenes, dental assistants help with it all. Sometimes, its necessary to do more than one thing at a time, and these tasks will need to be completed accurately and quickly. Dentistry is an exciting career offering many unique opportunities to treat and engage with patients. A dentists office is busy, and things can soon turn into disarray if the practice isnt organized. Dental hygienists must be able to assess and evaluate patients and to develop oral hygiene care plans. 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. Dental assistants understand that each day presents new challenges. Important personal qualities of the dental assistant include? Attention to detail also ties into your people skills. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Dental assistants wear many hats in a dental practice. They should show concern for patients that are suffering. and be successful managers of their practices. It also involves a feeling of wanting to help someone who is struggling. Important personal qualities of the dental assistant include6. 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. components:whatspecific field of dentistry the dentist 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. 2. However, being a dental assistant can be demanding, and if youre interested in that career, having certain qualities can help position you for success. b. not feeding into the patient's needs. Staying organized keeps sensitive information safe and ensures the office charges for its services correctly. The dental assistant should learn to recognize patients emotion whether they are sad, fearful, angry, etc. Excited about the profession of dentistry. When you interact with patients, team members, and other care providers on behalf of your office, your actions represent your workplace. 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. Soft skills are personal characteristics and habits that determine how you work alone and with others. dentistry as a profession. 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. Specific requirements vary by school. Additionally, youll act as a liaison between the dentist and patients, so your communication skills must be exceptional. Our NEW College Readiness Quiz provides instant feedback with your results. They will also need to be an active listener to truly understand what the patient is going through. The dental assistant with compassion will suffer together with their colleagues and patients. Tim was excited to talk about to how partner with high schools to create awareness of CTE. This level of skill can take a lot of practice to acquire. The 5 Most Important Qualities of a Dental Assistant. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/list-of-dental-assistant-skills-2062342, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-6, 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/, Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Dental Assistant, Frequently Asked Questions About Our Trade School in Atlanta, How to Become a Dental Assistant: The Career That Makes Everyone Smile. These qualities include: Many dental patients are coming to the dentists office unaware of what will happen during their appointment. Gaining these qualities is challenging but having them will help you succeed as a dental assistant. As a dental assistant, you will often be the first and last person patients encounter during their visit, so its important you have the kind of people skills that make attending a dental appointment as pleasant as possible. Some of the things you might be asked to do include the following: As a dental assistant, youll be expected to jump in and help in any way necessary throughout the day. Youll need to tell patients what to expect throughout their appointment and need to properly communicate good oral hygiene practices. Specifically, youll be tasked with organizing supplies and inventory, and your skills in this area will ensure the dental office runs successfully and smoothly. On any given day, they will perform a mix of clinical and administrative duties. They may, for example, be preparing patient rooms while also updating patient files or welcoming patients to their appointments. The dental assistant with compassion will suffer together with their colleagues and patients. A good dental assistant will go out of their way to help patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for dental assistants should grow by 11% nationally over the 2018-2028 period, adding 38,700 new jobs. Being focused and prepared is also important in a dental assistant's role. During your duties as a dental assistant, one small error can be a big issue. Betty Wilkins, a Medical Assisting instructor for Altierus, applied for and received a Campaign for Innovation grant from the ECMC Foundation. Staying organized helps the office provide better quality care to its patients. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase and I may unsubscribe at any time. Successful dental assistants often display distinct qualities that allow them to thrive in any dental practice. The position demands a lot, and staying professional helps you represent your workplace and yourself well. Interested in gaining the qualities you need to be a good dental assistant? d. being a good talker to distract the patient from the stress of the dental visit. Quality #2 - Confidentiality Having a goal to provide the best possible patient care should be a top priority for every dental assistant. ANS: A Dental assistants learn from their failures and wont get discouraged in the face of adversity. Medical Assistant vs. Your ability to notice details can save your practice and your patients money and time. Our Dental Assisting certification program will provide you with the classroom knowledge and real-world experience you need to pursue this rewarding career field. A good dental assistant will show a mix of seriousness and honesty when talking with patients and colleagues. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Our Houston campus hosted Roadtrip Nation on their screening tour of their documentary film, One Step Closer. Most dental hygiene programs also require applicants to complete prerequisites, which often include college-level courses. There are simple definitions to help you understand both: Compassion is a feeling of distress for the suffering of another person. 17 important skills to be a dental assistant Here are 17 skills you can consider developing to be a dental assistant: 1. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You may have some downtime during a long dental procedure, but you must be alert and ready to act when you are needed. Dental assistants may also be responsible for scheduling patient appointments. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Doing this can save valuable time and energy and make you a better asset to your team. They must be able to use tools precisely and with a steady hand to ensure procedures go without a hitch. Strong communication skills are necessary for dental assistants, too. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Dental assistants perform numerous important roles that help a dental practice run smoothly, including assisting dentists in surgery. It means all documents and files are up to date, giving easy and reliable access to relevant patient reports. Patients will be acutely aware when you doubt yourself. Administrative duties may include calling to make patient referrals, entering insurance data, and placing orders for supplies. 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. 3. Additionally, dental assistants frequently embrace new opportunities to bolster their skill sets. What Education Do You Need to Become a Dental Assistant? Analyze your college readiness and get instant feedback with your results. Detail oriented. Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands. The dental assistant will also want to have good verbal communication with patients and colleagues. A good dental assistant puts themselves in the patients shoes and sense the patients emotions. It is much easier to put all the instruments and supplies in order, so you are ready for the dentists requests. Dental Assistants 31-9091.00 Bright Outlook Updated 2023 Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Noticing small details could mean the difference between a successful dental procedure and one that needs to be re-done, or between an accepted insurance claim and one that is denied. Weve helped hundreds of students throughout Camas and Vancouver take their natural traits and abilities on a fast track towards becoming a Dental Assistant. Any error in a dentists office could lead to negative outcomes for all involved, so as a dental assistant, youll need to have strong attention to detail. Dental assistants believe in themselves and have the necessary confidence to succeed in a fast-paced work environment. Most procedures will take some time and it is important to be patient. Dental assistants must be willing to pitch in whenever necessary, especially in an emergency. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Many patients fear the dentist. This means that you are responsible for keeping sensitive health information confidential. Further, dental assistants should not be deceitful or hypocritical. Doing this keeps things in the office moving and helps those around you perform their own tasks more successfully. Most dental offices have several dental assistants and hygienists on staff. It's also important for them to be able to handle different responsibilities. Confident dental assistants instill confidence in patients and peers alike. Do your best to familiarize yourself with an appointment before the patient arrives. No matter how busy you are or how basic something might appear, it's crucial to always put the patient first in your work as a dental assistant. If you view a patient in distress, make sure they feel comfortable and reassure them that they are doing a good job or that the procedure is almost done. Dentists often participate in community service, helping those in need with oral care and treatment. They must also be able to put aside their personal viewpoint and try seeing things from the colleagues perspective. Mastering these tasks will build your confidence and allow patients to trust that you know what you are doing. They prioritize patient care and support, act kindly toward patients, and help patients focus on the positives. Dental assistants are often responsible for arranging dentists' workstations and tools. Empathy takes active listening and compassion to comfort the patient during an anxious time. Make sure that procedures are adhered to and things like hazardous waste are disposed of using OSHA guidelines. 40 Dentists Share The Best Qualities Of Dental Assistants, U.S. Dentist Statistics to Make You Smile in 2022. Dental Assistant Career. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Dental offices exist to serve patients, and patients are people. The ability to educate patients successfully so they understand valuable information about their health is vital to the success of a dental assistant. These guidelines ensure safe and healthful working conditions for you and your patients. [i] If youre interested in pursuing opportunities in this fast-growing career field, there are a few personal traits youll need for success. If a dental assistant arrives late or doesnt show up for work, the dentists job can become much more challenging. Appropriate dress is not only wearing appropriate uniform or scrubs but keeping them clean, wrinkle free and wearing appropriate undergarments. From updating patient records in dental software systems to preparing crowns, sealants, and instrument trays, you will get hands-on training in all procedures and tasks that you will encounter in a real dental office. As a dental assistant, there are plenty of times when you will find yourself completing your duties on your own. It's important for patients to trust their dental care provider with their information, especially if it contains important medical records, personal information, or financial information. Updated November 30, 2022. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. We asked: Dr. Alexie Aguil Dr. Izbel Aksit Dr. Catrise Austin Dr. Charlie Cage Brijesh Chandwani Dr. Jalal Daher Dr. Suzanne Ebert Dr. Brad Eckhardt Dr. Gareth Edwards Marco Gonzalez Elizabeth Graves Dr. Kristy Gretzula A desire to serve others - You like giving the very best of yourself to your colleagues and clients every day. A flexible lifestyle, being your own boss and making a real contribution to the health of your patients are just some of the many reasons why people choose Make sure you fully educate the patient on what is going to happen and whether they will feel anything in the near future. Does the dentist have the right set of tools for this extraction? We even offer a Dental Assisting Externship! It is important to note that dentist offices are subject to HIPAA guidelines. He left Britain in the year 2000 and headed East. A strong relationship can also mean a stronger willingness to follow instructions and recommendations they hear during their appointment. If you are unable to stay out of the workforce for a long period of time, regardless of the reason, a dental assisting program will have you earning in no time. 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. The top dental assistant qualities: 1. When patients feel that they are heard and cared for, they're more likely to enjoy their experience. If you want to be successful, you'll also need the right personality and attributes. Dental malpractice statistics show that dentists are likely to be charged with three to five legal cases over the course of their careers. Dental procedures focus on a very small part of the body which contains many delicate tissues and structures. It is also important to be patient with the dentist during a procedure as they may need your assistance to hold suction or maneuver dental instruments. Successful dental assistants share a passion for working with and helping others. Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Program. 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. All Rights Reserved. Job Description: Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. There are many qualities that are good, and a few are important for dental assisting success. Important Qualities. You must wait until the patient is ready and fully anesthetized before proceeding with anything that will cause the patient any discomfort. www.dentistryiq.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. When appropriate, assistants can communicate summaries to dentists so that the dentist can provide the right type of care to the patient. The responsibilities assigned to you will be varied and can change on a daily basis. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant. One lapse could have a severe negative impact on a dental practice, so its essential that all dental assistants are reliable. You are doing a good job, is another way to support the patient during this trying time. Were those instruments disinfected or not? Dental assistants should be dedicated to their patients, the dentist and other colleagues. Before graduating with an Associate of Science degree in nursing, students must complete 600 hours of clinical rotations in addition to their program coursework. The dental profession can be broken down into two key At the same time, dental assistants schedule patients appointments, communicate with insurance companies, and help a dental practice maximize its productivity and efficiency. The Five Most Important Qualities of a Dental Assistant July 21, 2021 Are you thinking about pursuing a career as a dental assistant? In addition, good communication skills are especially essential for dental assistants when theyre working alongside the dentist during a procedure. You will also need to be intelligent, versatile, compassionate, resilient, and have a desire to help other people. Dentists and their assistants work with tools that can cause nerve damage, tooth damage, or lead to infection if an accident occurs with a patient. Dental assistants also need to be reliable in their focus on the job. Having a working knowledge of tools and what the dentist needs requires dental assistants to be well organized. What organization represents the dental assisting profession? These programs also include supervised practical experience. January 23, 2019 by Howard Academy. Important Qualities for Dental Assistants. Are you interested in becoming a dental assistant? This can boost your office's ability to reach patients and help you establish yourself as a trusted care professional. Jumpstart your Dental Career in High School. Will they have a cavity? Staying focused during examinations and procedures is also valuable for keeping the process moving. Now, let's take a look at the five most important qualities of a dental assistant. Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors, which offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist office or dental clinic.