Are you thinking about becoming a certified dental assistant and are wondering if you are the right fit for this job? This is a stable, secure, and rewarding industry to get into, but it does require some key skills and attributes.Â
To learn more about what attributes great dental assistants should have, keep reading. Explore this guide to see if this is the right career path for you.
1. Organizational Skills
If organizational skills are your strong suit, this may be a great attribute for a career as a dental assistant. With tons of patients and different needs throughout the day, it’s important to keep your schedule and equipment organized. You will need to be able to organize supplies, paperwork, and more to make sure things are safe and efficient.
2. Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills refer to being able to interact and communicate effectively with others. In this field, you will need to be able to effectively and efficiently communicate with your coworkers and patients. You need to be able to be empathetic and reassuring to patients who may at times be anxious, stressed, or in some kind of pain or discomfort.
You should work to make sure patients are as comfortable as possible while also relaying all necessary information to them and the dentist on staff. The better your communication with your patients and coworkers, the better the quality of work. You will need to communicate to patients what they can expect during their appointment and also send them home with proper hygiene care and instructions.
You will often act as the liaison between patients and dentists so making communication a priority is a must. You will need to be a team player in this field, as all the professionals in the office work to provide patients with the care they deserve. The ability to work well with others is a must in this role.
3. Attention to Detail
The ability to pay attention to detail is another must as a dental assistant. You will be tasked with things such as instrument sterilization, X-Ray processing, patient record management, and chairside assistance. If you are not paying attention to detail when performing these tasks, things could go very wrong and have unsafe outcomes for patients and the practice at large.
For this reasons, you need to be organized and focused while also being able to take the time to take attention to each detail. During dental assistant training, you will learn how to perform these tasks, but staying constantly alert on the job is a must for patient safety and your career.
The Top Attributes of Great Dental Assistants
If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career, this role may be a great fit for you. Review this guide on the top attributes dental assistants should have to see if you would be a good fit for this job. If so, get started in a training program today.
For more career and training advice, head to the “Education” section of our site.
