A thank-you note to dental assistants
Day in and day out, dental assistants make an impact on their patients and fellow dental professionals.
Dental assistants are caring and empathetic, which extends to all areas of their work and to everyone they interact with. They're natural helpers who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure their patients feel comfortable and their teammates can work efficiently.
But they don't always get appreciated for their contributions.
So, we're here to extend a much-deserved “thank you” to dental assistants — for all the following reasons and more.
You’re a valuable member of the dental team
Some feel like they're “just” an assistant. In reality, dental assistants are highly valuable, skilled, and educated clinical professionals. They play a critical role in the success of their practices. Simply put: everyone in the dental office relies on dental assistants, from dentists to hygienists, office managers, and everyone in between. Dental assistants are the glue between the front and back offices, ensuring each day stays on schedule and every team member is in the loop about patients, procedures, and any issues that crop up.
“Yes, dental assistants contribute to production,” agrees Melanie, CDA. “Our doctor lets us do as much as legally possible. The patients only see the doctor for a short time; the majority of the appointment, they spend with me. Without assistants, I believe operatory work would not get done. Thankfully, my doctors realize that.”
You’re the heart of the dental office
Some say that dental assistants are the heart of the dental office. This is because you are so compassionate — especially toward patients who may be nervous. Dental assistants are with patients during their appointments every step of the way, providing comfort and clarity about dental procedures. This doesn’t go unnoticed by the dental team. Both dentists and dental office managers say that good patient care skills are critical dental assistant qualities.
Cindy, CDA, shares a patient story that warmed her heart. “There was a 20-something patient in my chair who had been undergoing extensive dental treatment, including oral surgery,” she says. “Once, she hugged our dental team members and said, ‘thank you for treating me like a human being,’ because she hadn’t always been treated that way. It broke my heart to hear that, but I’m glad we were able to make a positive difference in her life.”
You keep patients coming back to the practice
So many patients have said their dental assistant’s presence at chairside, comforting and educating them, has improved their overall outlook about visiting the dental office — so much so, they’re inspired to return. DALE Foundation research supports this, as dentists and dental office managers reported that dental assistants contribute to patient retention.
Marcia A. agrees dental assistants play a key role in keeping patients returning to the dental office: “I believe a patient always comes back to an office that offers a caring environment, and who provides that caring environment? The assistant, of course. I feel rewarded when a patient sincerely says, ‘thank you, you were great, I’ll see you soon.’”
You play an important role in infection control
Last but not least, dental assistants’ contributions in the area of dental infection control and prevention are so important. Consider that, according to DANB's job task-analysis, nearly all dental assistants perform sterilization and disinfection duties. Dental assistants may even serve as the dental practice’s infection control coordinator.
“Dental infection control is critical, as it protects both patients and dental team members,” agrees Tania S., CDA. “As dental assistants, we are making a commitment to patients that we are doing everything we can to protect them and take care of them.”
Thank you for all you do, dental assistants!
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