Dental assistants are the power behind the practice
A dental practice is like a car, with many moving pieces coming together seamlessly to provide safe, quality, and efficient care to patients. But the engine behind it all — often working in the background — is a dental assistant.
“We are literally the power of the office.”
— Denys Rivera
Anna Strack shares the same sentiment.
“We are the backbone of the office, doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff that allows offices to run smoothly while providing excellent patient care,” says Strack.
Linda Mayton, CDA, puts it another way: “Dental assistants are the heart of the dental office. Your skill, dedication, and compassion make quality patient care possible every single day.”
Engine. Power. Backbone. Heart. Whatever metaphor you choose, there’s no denying the importance of dental assistants. That’s why, Dental Assistants Recognition Week (March 1-7, 2026) should be circled on the calendar each and every year.
It’s commonly known that dental assistants help the dentist chairside, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
“We are typically the first ones the patient encounters in the treatment area,” says Tiffany Thompson, CDA, CDIPC. “We get them ready for treatment. We assist with the treatment. We walk them out. Then we turn over the room, getting it ready for another patient.”
The Swiss Army knife of dentistry
Dental assistants also connect the front and back offices, serving as the liaisons that communicate key information about the day’s schedule, procedures, and patients. They carry out strict infection control protocols that keep their patients and teammates safe. They prepare instrument trays for each procedure. They educate and comfort patients. They restock inventory, order supplies, and may even answer phones.
“We are the backbone of the office, doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff that allows offices to run smoothly while providing excellent patient care.”
— Anna Strack
And those are only some of the more than 200 duties dental assistants perform.
Simply put: It’s incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for practices to operate without dental assistants.
“We do everything. Without us, the dentist wouldn’t be able to function,” says Jessica.
And there’s data that helps support that assertion. According to the Financial Impact of Dental Assistants on the Dental Practice report, dental offices lose productivity — and, therefore, revenue — when they have vacant dental assisting positions.
“Because of assistants, I am able to move from room to room more expeditiously and provide care to a larger number of patients,” explains Sharon Gaylord, D.M.D. “The assistants’ preparation, attentiveness, and follow-through for each procedure help keep the schedule running smoothly throughout the day.”
A special set of skills
Dental assistants possess a unique range of skills — some may call them superpowers — that help them, and their practices, thrive.
They are multitasking masters, able to juggle numerous tasks simultaneously and adapt to whatever is thrown at them. During procedures, dental assistants have to focus on what their doctor needs while paying attention to the patient and their body language. Between appointments, dental assistants are busy cleaning operatories and preparing them for the next patient. Multitasking is a skill they make look easy, even though it isn’t.
“From charting, chairside, patient relations, insurance, and more, we handle so many duties that allow the doctor to focus on their treatment,” says Gabrielle Garbacik. “Without us, the dentist won’t have the time the patients deserve.”
Being a strong multitasker requires other key traits as well. Dental assistants also have excellent attention to detail, from carrying out infection control policies to taking x-rays and managing inventory.
“Because of assistants, I am able to move from room to room more expeditiously and provide care to a larger number of patients.”
— Sharon Gaylord, D.M.D.
Arguably, however, a dental assistant’s most important skills are empathy and communication. As natural helpers, dental assistants are always attuned to what their patients and dentist need. If a patient is feeling anxious or uncomfortable, a dental assistant offers calming words and a hand to hold. Whenever the dentist needs a particular instrument during a procedure, a dental assistant knows and is already handing it over.
“You are the first friendly face patients see, the calm voice that explains procedures, eases fear, and builds trust,” explains Nicole Pahl, CDA. “You are the steady presence that keeps everything moving — anticipating needs, supporting everyone else, and holding the office together.”
The brainpower to back it up
While dental assistants lead with emotional intelligence, never underestimate the wide range of knowledge dental assistants possess.
Dental assisting requires comprehensive training and education. Many in the profession attend a dental assisting school to acquire the knowledge they’ll need to start in the profession. And those who don’t go to a formal program undergo extensive on-the-job training.
While dental assistants need to know the ins and outs of dental instruments, technology, and terminology, their knowledge extends far beyond.
They also know all about dental anatomy, helping them take x-rays, write accurate patient notes, communicate with the doctor, and provide safe care. They implement dental infection control protocols, not only memorizing the steps needed but also understanding the “why” behind each one. Expanded functions dental assistants may know how to apply sealants, take impressions, or perform coronal polishing.
“Dental assistants have so much knowledge of the whole practice and each dental procedure,” says Gretchen Bogner, CDA, CDIPC. “They are literally the glue holding the office together.”
Moreover, dental assistants don’t rest on their laurels. They continually level up and build their knowledge by seeking mentorship from other assistants, taking continuing education courses, earning certifications, and pursuing expanded functions credentials.
“I am eager to expand my knowledge and discover new ways to support doctors and dental office managers,” shares Eva Meyer.
Combining this wide range of knowledge with a versatile skill set and a drive to improve, dental assistants truly are powerful and invaluable assets.
“Ultimately, dental assistants are not just ‘helpers.’ We are skilled clinicians, communicators, and coordinators,” believes Courtney Anderson, CDA. “The success of a dental office depends on our ability to blend technical expertise with patient-centered care, making us an essential part of both the clinical and human side of dentistry.”