The demand for dental assistants is steadily growing because of the role’s importance in the dental field. A large number of new jobs are expected to be created in this field of health care. The following are reasons why dental assistants are essential for dental practices:
Understanding of Dental Procedures
Dental assistants are the ones who assist dentists and other health care professionals in providing dental care to patients. Without them, patients will not receive complete dental care.
Dental assistants are trained to carry out dental procedures, including administering dental anesthetics. Before dental assistants can conduct dental care, they have to undergo training and schooling. They are taught about dental disorders, dental anatomy, and methods of alleviating patients’ dental pain. They are also taught how to administer anesthetics.
Patient Care
Dental assistants can render patient care by preparing patients for treatment, including cleaning them up and ensuring their mouth is free of food particles. Other patient care-related duties include preparing materials for dental procedures, such as getting the proper instruments and equipment from the dental clinic’s storage area. Dental assistants can also respond to emergencies when dental treatment is needed.
Support in Diagnosing Dental Problems
Dental assistants can have a say in diagnostic procedures by taking X-rays and helping the dentist point the machine to the right angle for the image. They are meticulous and knowledgeable about taking dental X-rays because they are trained to do it.
Dental assistants can also take measurements and record the patient’s dental treatment progress. They are also the ones who can look for any dental problems that the dentist might have overlooked.
Aid in Handling Patients
Dental assistants can provide patients with positive encouragement as they listen to patients’ concerns and fears. They are trained to be sensitive and thoughtful. As a result, they can be very beneficial to patients who are frightened and nervous about dental treatments. They can also help patients relax by talking to them and making them feel at ease.
Dental Equipment Maintenance
Dental assistants can be responsible for the maintenance of dental equipment and instruments. They do their part in maintaining the dental clinic by keeping the equipment clean and sterilized. Dental assistants are also responsible for managing inventory and organizing dental supplies.
Technical Assistance
Dental assistants can also provide technical assistance to dentists by keeping track of new dental equipment and speaking with manufacturers and dental suppliers. They can be responsible for the repair and maintenance of dental equipment.
Patient Education and Welfare
Dental assistants can play a role in educating patients on preventive dental care. If a patient is unsatisfied with their dental health, the dental assistant can discuss the dental problems and recommend ways to avoid dental diseases.
In addition, dental assistants are responsible for treating the dental office’s finances and recordkeeping. They can be in charge of the billing and collections process. They can also be in charge of completing the proper insurance forms, while they are also responsible for filing insurance claims.
Increasing Clinic Earnings
Dental assistants can have a significant impact on the dental clinic’s earnings, even if it is just a small one. If the dental clinic is receiving new patients, the dental assistant can welcome them in, give them information about the clinic, and provide them with a tour of the dental clinic. The dental assistant can also help in making appointments. If the dental clinic sees new patients, the clinic will have the potential to earn more.
Conclusion
Dental assistants are very vital to the dental care industry. Not only are they an integral part of the dental team, but they also play a crucial role in the overall success of a dental clinic. If you want to be a part of the rapidly growing dental care industry and be a vital link in the dental team, consider becoming a dental assistant.
Are you looking for a certified dental assistant program? Check out Northwest Suburban College, a health sciences college near Schaumburg, IL offering healthcare career training. Call today for information about our programs.
