5 dental assisting myths debunked
As a dental assistant, do you ever feel like people may not understand your job?
Some assume that dental assisting doesn’t entail much. This assumption can be made of any career, as it’s the mark of a great professional to make doing any job in any field look effortless. Usually, only those who have spent time in the role understand all the work it must take to be successful. But onlookers may think: “I could do that! How hard could it be?”
We know these assumptions — maybe from your patients, your friends and family, or even your dental team members — can be frustrating. Here, we take a closer look at common dental assisting myths and strive to dispel them by setting the record straight.
Myth: Becoming a dental assistant isn’t hard
Fact: It is possible for dental assistants to enter the profession without first attending a formal dental assisting education program. Those who choose this path learn the ins and outs of dental assisting on the job — which can be challenging! A dental office is a fast-paced environment, and training on the job requires assistants to learn extensive terminology and protocols quickly.
Those who pursue a certificate or diploma from a formal dental assisting program begin by studying in the classroom. During this time, they accumulate experience through clinical courses and dental office externships. These dental assisting programs typically require a year-long commitment from start to finish.
In other words, becoming a dental assistant requires dedication and hard work!
Myth: Dental assistants don’t need to know much
Fact: Dental assistants don’t just need to know all about instruments, equipment, and procedures. They also need to know the ins and outs of the office, infection control, how to communicate effectively with a variety of people, and more. On top of that, they must be familiar with federal and state laws, standards, and guidelines. This can be challenging, because dental assisting requirements, job titles, and allowable functions vary from state to state.
Additionally, most dental assistants are constantly looking to further their education. Dentistry is an ever-changing field, with new technology, trends, and procedures always emerging. Because dental assistants regularly provide patient education, having accurate knowledge of terminology and procedures is a must. That’s one reason why dental assistants who hold certification through DANB must earn continuing education credits each year — to remain on the cutting edge.
Myth: Dental assisting is an easy job
Fact: You may sometimes hear you’re “just” a dental assistant. This can be frustrating, because dental assistants know the role requires a specific skill set and knowledge base. Plus, dental assistants perform a variety of tasks and duties beyond supporting the dentist chairside. In fact, dental assistants manage more than 200 different tasks in the practice, according to DANB’s Job Analysis Report. Some of these responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the office schedule
- Setting up exam rooms
- Taking x-rays
- Implementing dental infection control protocols
- Seating and interacting with patients
- Educating patients and ensuring they understand and feel comfortable with the procedure
- Updating patient records and charts
You stay one step ahead of the dentist at all times and keep everything running smoothly throughout the entire day. This is no small task!
Myth: Assistants aren’t that important to the team
Fact: Some assistants feel underappreciated in the dental office. But the truth is that assistants are just as important as any member of the dental team. Many dentists say they could not do their jobs without dental assistants — at least not without sacrificing their productivity significantly. Additionally, 94% of dentists say that dental assistants are pivotal to retaining patients, according to the Financial Impact of Dental Assistants on the Dental Practice report.
Dental assistants also help other members of the team. By setting up trays, preparing exam rooms, seating patients, and taking x-rays, dental assistants improve efficiency by allowing both dentists and hygienists to finish their current appointments or focus on other priorities. Dental assistants can also help the front office by answering patient questions, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and more. Only through working together, and with the support of dental assistants, can the team be successful!
Myth: Dental assisting doesn’t have career growth
Fact: Dental assisting is a lifelong career for many people, with some spending four or five decades chairside! But the profession can also open many other doors. By pursuing continuing education, earning certifications, and taking initiative, you can take on more responsibilities in your practice, such as expanded functions, or become a lead dental assistant or infection control coordinator. Some dental assistants move to other areas in the dental field, whether inside the practice (e.g., office management or hygiene) or outside (e.g., teaching or sales).
Career growth can also come with opportunities to increase your salary. For instance, the median Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) earns $26 per hour — nearly $4 more per hour than assistants who are not certified, DANB’s Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey shows. The research also found that lead dental assistants make about $2 per hour more than those who are not team leads.