important personal qualities of the dental assistant include:

This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A good dental assistant puts themselves in the patients shoes and sense the patients emotions. October 11, 2021 | Dental Assistant The dentistry field is unique in that it provides critical services that exist within two important categories: health care and personal aesthetics. 10 qualities you need as a dental assistant | DANB The position demands a lot, and staying professional helps you represent your workplace and yourself well. Good listener. Here's a closer look at how each of these traits can help you in your role: Dental assistants who are self-motivated and independent often find greater success in their roles. Clinical duties can include tasks such as sterilizing instruments, helping a dentist perform a filling, or taking x-rays. Many dentists have a diverse set of personality traits that allow them to work both closely with patients . Being focused and prepared is also important in a dental assistant's role. The dental assistant is the ambassador of good oral health for patients, so they must also keep their mouth looking healthy. There are simple definitions to help you understand both: Compassion is a feeling of distress for the suffering of another person. Contact Altierus Career College today! Updated November 30, 2022. Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Program. Successful dental assistants share a passion for working with and helping others. With paperwork, attention to detail makes it possible to notice if any information is incorrect or missing. As a dental assistant, you will also have the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. At times, patients will be incredibly stressed or in pain, so youll need to be sensitive to the emotions of those around you. What Qualities Make a Good Dental Assistant? - Meridian College Having good hand dexterity is very important for a dental assistant. Doing this keeps things in the office moving and helps those around you perform their own tasks more successfully. How you think and what you love about life might give you important insights about your college readiness. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Often, dentists rely on the help of their assistants in order to complete their work with patients successfully. When preparing rooms, attention to detail helps assistants check supply levels, get materials for specific appointments ready in advance, and notice if a room requires additional cleaning. Demonstrate sensitivity to the patients needs, show empathy, say "the right thing at the right time", and be sincere. Medical Insurance Billing & Coding Program. With so many diverse job responsibilities, the ability to multitask is very important for dental assistants. Dexterity. Top qualities that all successful dental assistants share All Rights Reserved. Dental assistants are part of important healthcare teams. Call Us Now 360-818-7273, Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School: Top Trade School In the Washington Area, Get Paid More With Dental Assistant Skills That Command the Highest Salaries, You Are More Than Just A Dental Assistant, Discover the Top Reasons Why Washington and Oregon are Great Places to Build a Career as a Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting: The Perfect Way To Prepare For Dental Hygiene School, Keeping patient records in the proper location, Ensuring dental instruments and materials are in the right place, Ensure dental tools and instruments are properly sterilized and put away, Identify whether or not your patient is nervous or in pain, Explaining complex subjects in a simple way (for example, billing and insurance), Outlining patient status, room availability, and changes in the daily schedule. 9+ important personal qualities of the dental assistant include most Additionally, youll act as a liaison between the dentist and patients, so your communication skills must be exceptional. The dental assistant should learn to recognize patients emotion whether they are sad, fearful, angry, etc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is important for you to prepare the dental tray for the dentist before they are to see the patient.

It's important to approach patients with kindness and empathy to help them feel at ease and to make their experience a positive one. All Rights Reserved, Park Cities Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD), National Association of Dental Laboratories, How the Coronavirus Pandemic Affects the Role of the Dental Assistant. Make sure to present a professional appearance, with good oral health, good personal grooming and appropriate dress. Follow the OSHA guidelines methodically and you will promote a safe environment for colleagues and patients alike. People appreciate when a dental assistant has a good attitude.

. Already having these qualities is a good first step, but it's also possible to develop these traits and succeed in your career. Most procedures will take some time and it is important to be patient. If you are considering a career as a dental assistant, there may be many reasons for your decision. Depending on their exact position, dental assistants often run multiple aspects of the office. Altierus Career College nursing students completed their first round of clinical rotations at Genesis Healthcare. At the same time, dental assistants schedule patients appointments, communicate with insurance companies, and help a dental practice maximize its productivity and efficiency. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In fact, estimates suggest as many as 10% of people have an extreme fear of visiting the dentists office. If you do not feel as confident about any of these qualities of a Dental Assistant, do not worry! When you interact with patients, team members, and other care providers on behalf of your office, your actions represent your workplace. Becoming a good dental assistant is more than acquiring the knowledge necessary to perform dental assisting duties. Five of those students placed in their respective events. Without a desire to help others, you wont find this profession to be rewarding or enjoyable. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As important as it is for to be able to speak so they understand what's happening and what actions they need to perform, the dental assistant also need to be able to listen to their concerns, updates, or questions. These professionals play an important role in the delivery of dental healthcare, working alongside dentists and dental hygienists to keep patients comfortable and safe during procedures. We only hire industry experienced instructors to teach you how to be a dental assistant. Dental assistants should be dedicated to their patients, the dentist and other colleagues. If you are viewing something on your computer screen or talking at reception to a patient, make sure to be discreet. Get the right tools from an education that prepares you for your first day in a rewarding career as a dental assistant. Most dental hygiene programs also require applicants to complete prerequisites, which often include college-level courses. American Dental Assistants Association Which is not considered an expanded function? The dental assistant may face an emergency and they should stay calm to endure this difficult circumstance. Confident dental assistants instill confidence in patients and peers alike. Dental assistants plan ahead and are prepared for the worst-case scenarios. 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. practices and howhe or she practices that type of dentistry. The 5 Most Important Qualities of a Dental Assistant 6 Qualities Dental Assistants Need for Success - altierus.edu Additionally, dental assistants frequently embrace new opportunities to bolster their skill sets. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". During examinations and procedures. If you can shift between tasks without difficulty, you should be able to handle the varied role of a dental assistant. Whenever a dental assistant is called upon to do something, they must be prepared and ready to take the task head-on. He left Britain in the year 2000 and headed East. You will also enjoy working in pairs with fellow classmates to practice all the procedures you learn during classroom lectures. There are many qualities that are good, and a few are important for dental assisting success. Appropriate dress is not only wearing appropriate uniform or scrubs but keeping them clean, wrinkle free and wearing appropriate undergarments. Is the minor dental surgery going to hurt? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Our Houston campus hosted Roadtrip Nation on their screening tour of their documentary film, One Step Closer. Practice makes perfect, and you get a lot of practice in a dental assistant program. Posted Wednesday, Jul 1, 2020 by Altierus. now to prepare for a career in dentistry. Dentists may get most of the credit for helping people achieve a perfect smile, but the contribution of their assistants shouldnt be underestimated. Keep computers password protected and files secure. When patients feel that they are heard and cared for, they're more likely to enjoy their experience. Successful dental assistants often display distinct qualities that allow them to thrive in any dental practice. Do your best to familiarize yourself with an appointment before the patient arrives. Some offices choose to send out patient reminders, and organizational skills can help with this task, too. A good dental assistant will need to be incredibly versatile in order to do well in the position. Dental assistants also bring a positive vibe to a work environment something that helps these professionals shape a dental practices culture. 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. Staying focused during examinations and procedures is also valuable for keeping the process moving. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Being professional is important for: Dental assistants perform important roles and have high expectations to meet. Medical Assistant vs. If you arent able to put yourself in the patients shoes, youll lack these important traits for success. However, a dental assistant may not want to wear heavy perfume or cologne since they will be working in close personal proximity with colleagues and patients. Tim was excited to talk about to how partner with high schools to create awareness of CTE. However, in the dental field, failure to listen actively could come at the expense of the patients health and safety. The dental office can be stressful for patients, so it is important for dental assistants to always keep a positive attitude. Wonder if you have the right qualities to be successful? Here are some of the most essential skills youll need to be a good dental assistant: 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 - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. dentistry as a profession. Is the minor dental surgery going to hurt? Learn from a panel of experts about what you should be doing right Now, lets take a look at the five most important qualities of a dental assistant. The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients. In some states, you will be required to have training, and many dental offices will expect you to be trained regardless of state regulations. And because we offer smaller class sizes, you get one-on-one attention from instructors to ask all the questions you may have about dental procedures and duties.

At Altierus Career College, our hands-on dental assistant diploma program takes students through every aspect of the dental assistant role, from taking x-rays and dental impressions to the anatomy of the head and neck. Dental Assistant Education Requirements Written By: Jennifer King Logan Published: 7/11/2022 If you believe that being a dental assistant may be the right occupation for you, there are several paths you can follow to start your career in dental care. Strong communication skills can help with providing the right information and actions at the right 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. The following summaries about important personal qualities of the dental assistant include will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Having a professional appearance means good oral health, good personal grooming and appropriate dress. On any given day, they will perform a mix of clinical and administrative duties. Being able to educate and communicate with patients is another important aspect of the job. This can boost your office's ability to reach patients and help you establish yourself as a trusted care professional. When appropriate, assistants can communicate summaries to dentists so that the dentist can provide the right type of care to the patient. If you are not sure, the good news is that you can hone most of your qualities and skills during a vocational program as well as throughout your career. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. Dental assistants possess a combination of soft and hard skills, along with comprehensive training and education. Is Mrs. Jones being referred to the right periodontist? 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 wear many hats in a dental practice. What Do Dental Assistants Do? (Answered) | UEI College Specific requirements vary by school. Any slip in attention, such as infection control breaches, has the potential to cause serious problems. To be successful in the dental assisting profession, youll need to be well organized. Listening for relevant information that the dentist needs to know is a crucial aspect of the job. Everything that is said and done in a dental office must remain confidential according to HIPAA regulations. At Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School, our 12-week program offers hands-on training where youll learn everything you need to know to launch your career as a Dental Assistant. Can I Study Online to be a Dental Assistant? Campus Support Center 6701 W. 64th St. #200 Overland Park, KS 66202 1-800-693-7010, 2023 Concorde Career Colleges. These guidelines ensure safe and healthful working conditions for you and your patients. A detail-oriented mindset will also help to ensure patient health and safety. An easy way to master the skills and qualities to become a successful dental assistant is by attending a vocational program in dental assisting. Jennifer Bessent - Alumni Profile | Surgical Technology Program, How To Become A Surgical Tech: Schooling, Certifications, FAQs, 10 Cardiovascular Tests for Nurses and Sonographers to Know. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. What organization represents the dental assisting profession? Doing this can save valuable time and energy and make you a better asset to your team. You will also need to be intelligent, versatile, compassionate, resilient, and have a desire to help other people. It does not store any personal data. Dental Assistants: Career, Salary and Education Information Make sure you fully educate the patient on what is going to happen and whether they will feel anything in the near future. Your ability to show up on time, communicate professionally and complete all your tasks will help keep the dental practice running smoothly. By being respectful and taking your role seriously, you can make it easier for others to perform their jobs well, too. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Many dental patients are coming to the dentist's office unaware of what will happen during their appointment. The dental assistant market is on the rise! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Jamie Finch is a freelance writer with nearly two decades of experience. The Five Most Important Qualities of a Dental Assistant July 21, 2021 Are you thinking about pursuing a career as a dental assistant? Medins. Trimming study models The ADAA was formed in 1924 by: Juliette A. Southard. If their mind is prone to wander or if their work ethic is lacking, its important to strive for improvement so the rest of the team isnt let down. It is important for you, as a dental assistant, to put yourself in the shoes of the patient and understand what they are going through. He is currently living in Bangkok and writes on a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on SEO and marketing. 6 Skills that Make a Great Dental Assistant, Stay in the Know on New Dental News & More, Dental SEO: Your Guide to Conquering Google, Dental Patient Communication: Tips for a Successful Outcome, Knowledge of Operating a Dental Practice: Job Options Abound, Consider the Freedom of a Dental House Call Practice, The Key to Building Relationships with Patients & Practice Growth. Cleaning equipment properly ensures patient health and the professionalism of your office. The top dental assistant qualities: 1. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. They will also need to be an active listener to truly understand what the patient is going through. Frequently Asked Questions About the Library, Information Literacy and Research Assistance. There are two important qualities that you will need to exhibit as a dental assistant: compassion and empathy. Altierus Career College hosted local HVAC businesses to talk about how to create awareness for career technical education (CTE) and train the next generation of HVAC workers and possible apprenticeship programs so students can earn while they learn. Dental assistants are valuable members of a healthcare team, and the work they do can change patients' lives. Staying organized keeps sensitive information safe and ensures the office charges for its services correctly. To excel in the key area of providing patient care, assistants also must have a positive attitude, strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and more. When it comes to patients, working effectively and efficiently means a higher standard of care to patients. With many responsibilities throughout your day, it is important to keep equipment organized while prioritizing your duties. Dentists use their soft skills and hard skills to manage their clinical and business ownership responsibilities. 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. You can refer to the answers below. Less errors means better dental health outcomes for patients. Keep reading to see what they had to say. This is for a few reasons and can help in multiple aspects of their work. Because everyone is busy, having the confidence to do your job independently matters. b. not feeding into the patient's needs. Here's a closer look at how each of these traits can help you in your role: Being Self-Motivated. It also helps assistants to locate relevant and important information that a dentist may need to know about a patient. All Rights Reserved. Dental malpractice statistics show that dentists are likely to be charged with three to five legal cases over the course of their careers. Take pride in your attitude and contributions. In addition, good communication skills are especially essential for dental assistants when theyre working alongside the dentist during a procedure. During lecture and hands-on lab training, you will learn how to prepare patients for treatment, support the dentist during procedures, prepare dental trays, sterilize, and disinfect instruments, take X-rays, and obtain dental records. 3. During their clinical rotations, students practice what theyve learned in the classroom in a real healthcare setting, taking vital signs, transferring patients from the bed to the wheelchair, re-positioning patients who cant get out of bed, assisting in providing oxygenation, as well as administrating medications, inserting and maintaining IVs. Dental Assistants 31-9091.00 Bright Outlook Updated 2023 Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. 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. and be successful managers of their practices. Having a working knowledge of tools and what the dentist needs requires dental assistants to be well organized. Detail-Oriented c. creating rapport by discussing aspects of your personal life. You may have some downtime during a long dental procedure, but you must be alert and ready to act when you are needed. Are you interested in learning more about how to become a dental assistant? This means that you are responsible for keeping sensitive health information confidential. Proper communication is a necessity to improve dental office quality of care. Understand the services they're receiving and what the dentist might need to complete the appointment successfully. Otherwise, it can be difficult for the dentist to do their job well. 8 Characteristics of a Successful Dental Assistant - Northwestern College 31-9091.00 - Dental Assistants - O*NET OnLine The vocational program prepares you with the knowledge and skills you will need to assist the dentist during a dental appointment. Critical thinking. Not only should a dental assistant adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations, but they should want to keep sensitive and personal patient information confidential. The responsibilities assigned to you will be varied and can change on a daily basis. What is the organization that represents the dental assisting profession? They might need to update files or take new patient information. 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. Excited about the profession of dentistry. Patients are often nervous or scared. They must also be able to put aside their personal viewpoint and try seeing things from the colleagues perspective. Dental assistants are committed to their craft and want to learn as much as possible. Soft skills are personal characteristics and habits that determine how you work alone and with others. Stay up to date on trending topics tied to Altierus covered in the news. 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. Whether it is properly disinfecting dental instruments between patients to stop the spread of germs or to completely document a visit in the patients notes for the next appointment to reference, being methodical reduces the number of errors that occur. Dental assistants work closely with patients and dentists. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Patients may be stressed or in pain and the dental assistants goal should be to show sensitivity to the patients emotions and create a comfortable environment. www.dentistryiq.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Under the supervision of an instructor, you will learn how to manage patient charts, instruct in oral hygiene, obtain specimen, polish crowns, take and pour dental impressions, apply topical fluoride and anesthetics, remove sutures and much more as a dental assistant. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase and I may unsubscribe at any time. What Is Nitrous Oxide and Why Do Dentists Use It. This also puts much more pressure on other assistants and, in some cases, it can inconvenience patients when it causes appointments to be postponed. They might take impressions, give summaries of patient needs and concerns, and manage the equipment as the dentist works. 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. Most jobs will require good listening skills. Rising demand for dental care means dental assistants job prospects look strong for the near future. This level of skill can take a lot of practice to acquire. Mastering these tasks will build your confidence and allow patients to trust that you know what you are doing. We strive to place you in an environment that matches your knowledge and skills, so you succeed from day one. Being professional also helps you appear more credible, both to patients and to the professionals you work with in your role. 5 Most Important Qualities of a Dental Assistant Communication skills. working seamlessly with the dentist is essential for a positive patient experience. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date. 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. Check them out below and learn more about some of the qualities of a Dental Assistant. They help patients, dentists, and peers in any way they can and go above and beyond the call of duty whenever necessary. Patients will be acutely aware when you doubt yourself. Few people like trips to the dentist, and some feel quite nervous during their appointment. Dental offices need to make a profit to keep helping patients and not wasting resources is an important part of keeping the dental office in business. How Will Growth in Artificial Intelligence Change Health Information Management? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A strong relationship can also mean a stronger willingness to follow instructions and recommendations they hear during their appointment. Will they have a cavity? They can apply this skill in multiple aspects of their job, like sanitizing equipment, finding relevant information in patient files, and preparing examination rooms and patient care rooms successfully. Being meticulous is also important for preparing and maintaining equipment and spaces within an office. 6 Qualities Dental Assistants Need for Success Posted Wednesday, Jul 1, 2020 by Altierus Interested in becoming a dental assistant? You can always focus on improving them during your training.

Pathfinder 2e Breaking Objects, Articles I