4 things dental assistants know all too well
Dental assisting is a rewarding career with some unique challenges. While others may just picture handing instruments to the dentist or suctioning saliva, there's much more to dental assisting than that. In reality, it's hard to know what being a dental assistant is like unless you are one. Here are some things only your fellow dental assistants can truly understand.
Always staying multiple steps ahead
Dental practices must adhere to a tight schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity. This would not be possible without dental assistants. Not only are dental assistants responsible for numerous duties throughout the office, but they also need to anticipate what's to come to keep the schedule on track. From knowing what instrument the dentist needs next during a procedure to implementing infection control protocols and getting exam rooms ready for the next patient, dental assistants are always thinking ahead.
"A great dental assistant is always one step ahead, anticipating both patient and office needs,” says Maria. “By consistently anticipating the needs of both the patients and the office, we help create a smoother, more efficient environment, making everyone's job easier and ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care."
Working quickly, without compromising safety
To accomplish everything that needs to be done each day, dental assistants have to work efficiently. Sometimes, things can get hectic. But dental assistants do not cut any corners, especially when it comes to proper infection control. Even under the pressure of a packed schedule, a dental assistant's biggest priority is ensuring everyone — patients, teammates, and themselves — stays safe in the office.
"I take infection control very seriously," says an anonymous dental assistant. "There’s no room for cutting corners when it comes to keeping my patients and teammates safe."
Taking pride in a job well done, even when no one notices
Sometimes, dental assistants may feel like the unsung heroes of the office. They often work behind the scenes to help each appointment go smoothly. Many do feel appreciated by their patients and employers for their efforts.
"What makes me feel valued the most is a simple gesture of recognition and being seen for what I do, whether it's praise from the doctor I work with, having a nervous patient make it through treatment and thanking me for the work I've done, or being treated to lunch or coffee," shares Jasmine.
Not every dental assistant receives acknowledgment for their tireless efforts. Regardless, dental assistants take pride in their work and their profession, knowing they've done all they can to provide the best patient care and be a supportive teammate. And dental assistants always make sure to lift each other up!
"To my fellow dental assistants: You are the heart of every dental practice," says Brittany. "Your hard work, compassion, and dedication often go unseen, but the impact you make is undeniable. You are the calm in the storm for nervous patients, the glue that holds the team together, and the unsung heroes of patient care. Never underestimate the power of what you do."
Being the first to arrive and last to leave
A dental assistant's job doesn’t start when the first patient of the day arrives, and it isn't finished when the last patient leaves. Part of staying multiple steps ahead means that dental assistants arrive early to go over each patient they'll see, set up trays, turn on equipment, and prepare exam rooms or operatories. Similarly, at the end of each day, dental assistants sterilize instruments, clean every exam room, organize and restock the supply room, and more — all to make sure the office is set up for success the next day.
"What would a dental office be without assistants?" asks Jessica. "Who would prepare the rooms, sterilize the instruments, order supplies, open and close the office, calm down nervous patients, grab referrals, and clean the rooms? We are all a team in a dental office. We assist each other so we can all go home on time, and so can the patients."
It can feel like a grind at times, but it's just another example of the drive dental assistants have to be as helpful as they can.
"After 42 years, I may arrive home a little more tired, but I'm that same enthusiastic person that greets everyone with a warm smile and does the very best for my patients and my team," says Leann.