They are tasked with ensuring that patients receive the best possible dental care, helping patients and doctors with tasks such as registering patients at the clinic, preparing patients for procedures and assisting dentists with the most common procedures, such as filling, extractions, endodontics, cleaning, etc. guarantee the maximum efficiency of the office, all dental equipment must work together. According to research by the DALE Foundation on the value of dental assistants for dental practice, 98% of the dentists and dental office managers who responded agree that effective dental assistants contribute to team synergy and make all team members more effective. In addition, dentists and dental office managers agree that working as a team is one of the top 10 qualities a dental assistant can have.
Dental assistants act as links between patients and dentists. When a patient arrives for an appointment, the dental assistant should do everything possible to help that person feel comfortable. That way, the patient won't feel stressed during their visit and will ultimately be able to get the most out of the experience. This includes an understanding of the responsibilities of the dental office.
A dental assistant should also be prepared to guide the patient through the procedure and ask them to follow the instructions. Today's dental assistants help dentists during surgical, oral surgery and orthodontic procedures. Dental assistants often enjoy rewarding careers, and with their wide range of daily tasks, no two shifts are the same. Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from caring for the patient and taking x-rays to keeping records and scheduling appointments.
When applying a sealant, a dental assistant paints a fine plastic substance onto the teeth that seals food particles and acid-producing bacteria to prevent teeth from developing cavities. Dental assistants will regularly talk to patients, answer their questions and inform them about treatment options, and reassure them about upcoming procedures. Dental assistants are often referred to as “mind readers” because they are extremely helpful and observe the needs of the dentist and the patient. A dentist cannot do their job effectively without the support of a highly trained dental assistant.
Many students enroll for the Dental Assistant Diploma because the environment can be fast-paced, enriching and offers room for future growth. A dental assistant will also seat patients and let them know if the process may take longer than expected. And it's no wonder that dental assistants have the important task of keeping office hours and keeping everything up to date. A dental assistant must ensure that the treatment or procedure goes smoothly and that nothing interrupts or delays it.
Once patients complete their consultation, dental assistants help them understand their next steps and the deadlines for their next appointment. An X-ray certification program remains essential for those who want to become dental assistants because it teaches students how to handle traditional and digital x-rays. Fortunately, a dental assistant will provide follow-up instructions to help the patient improve their oral health.
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