People go to dentists for one thing: dental treatments. Sure, they have a lot of weight because they see to our oral health, but you should also be grateful to their dental assistants. After all, a dentist can only do so much, and their assistants are there for support.
Dental assistants are the backbones of the dental office. They are the ones who make sure that all the dentists have their affairs in order before their day that primarily consists of meeting patients starts. Dental assistants are educated with the necessary skills to provide manual and technical assistance to dentists and other dental professionals. Many dental assistants get their certification from an accredited school. However, some dental assistants also get it from non-accredited schools.
In any case, we will be putting the spotlight on dental assistants for this article. Read on below to learn more.
#1 – They Keep Things Running Smoothly
When a patient calls and needs to cancel or reschedule an appointment, dental assistants are the ones to answer the phone and ensure the switch is made and the patient is satisfied. In fact, 87% of those surveyed from the DALE Foundation study agreed that dental assistants have a crucial role in handling patient problems and concerns.
It’s not just cancellations that come into play. Patients may have questions or concerns about an upcoming appointment that need to be addressed as well. Plus, dental assistants also have to keep the practice’s front desk organized and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
In general, dental assistants are masters in the art of multitasking, and they are also very organized professionals. You can rely on them to keep things in order while the dentist is in.
#2 – Assists to Everyone’s Needs
They might be called “dental assistants,” but they do so much more than that. They are also ready to assist patients whenever possible.
Dental Assistants can provide a variety of services in the office, which adds to their importance. Dental Assistants often spend time with patients to ease their anxiety. Some of their duties can involve taking X-rays, preparing patient equipment for the dentist, sterilizing instruments, filling out charts, giving out medication, or taking impressions for future dental work. In essence, a dental assistant’s job is to make the dentist’s job easier.
#3 – Provide Support to Patients
Patients often feel nervous or uncomfortable whenever they visit the dentist. A dental assistant can help ease these feelings by providing patients with a calm and relaxing environment while waiting for their dentist—and you take the time to make personal, friendly conversation while teaching them about proper oral hygiene at the same time. If a dental assistant successfully alleviates their fears, they’ll return to the practice with any future dental needs. When they return, they’re also likely to refer their friends to the practice. Dental teams that feel good about themselves will be proud to give you that referral.
#4 – Supports the Entire Dental Clinic Staff
A great dental assistant is a valuable asset to a dental team. A team can easily increase their dentist’s efficiency and allow for a quicker appointment turnaround by working together. A great dental team member not only reduces a practice’s workload but also increases the quality of care. After all, it’s much more efficient for a dentist to focus on patient treatment than other dentistry-related tasks, which falls to the dental assistant.
Conclusion
Dentists may be front and center in a dental office, but dental assistants are just as important as them. The next time you go to the dentist’s office, show some appreciation to the dental assistants by greeting them in a friendly manner or striking up a conversation.
Dental assistant certification is required if you want to work the job. Northwest Suburban Colleges offers comprehensive dental assistant classes and will give enrollees the skills they’ll need once they start working in the field. Contact us today to learn more!
