Are you considering a career as a dental assistant and are curious about the top traits you’d use in the field? WVJC has compiled a list of the top five qualities of a great dental assistant!
Dental assistants are vital dental team members and play a crucial role in the dental office running smoothly. The comprehensive skill set that a dental assistant must have includes much more than just technical patient care. Continue reading to learn the top five qualities of a dental assistant and how a career in the dental field may be an excellent fit for you!
1. Strong Communication Skills
One of the most important skills to have as a dental assistant is the ability to communicate well with patients and other dental team members. Communicating with patients about their needs and care plans and explaining procedures can help establish a trusting relationship and make a patient’s experience in a dental facility much less stressful.
Dental assistants often work closely with dental hygienists and dentists during procedures and routine visits, so having the ability to communicate well with others in the field is also important. The dental assistant’s role is to assist in keeping things running smoothly; therefore, having strong communication skills will benefit both the patient and dental office team members.
2. Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are other traits that set a great dental assistant above the pack. For many patients, a visit to the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience. A compassionate dental assistant can help ease patients’ nerves and empathize with their fears and concerns. Being empathetic and compassionate can allow dental assistants to build stronger relationships with their patients and foster a supportive and caring dental office environment.
3. Attention To Detail
A good dental assistant must possess strong attention to detail skills, as many of their duties include meticulous tasks requiring accuracy and attention. Dental assistants may take impressions, sterilize equipment, manage patient records, and more. Ensuring these tasks are performed accurately is crucial to providing safe and effective dental care for the patient. Additionally, anticipating the needs of the dental team during patient care sets a good dental assistant apart. Being able to provide the correct instruments and materials for a procedure can help improve the patient’s experience.
4. Organizational Skills
Because of dental assistant’s broad responsibilities, they may be required to wear more than one hat at times. Being responsible for tasks such as managing inventory, assisting with patient procedures, scheduling appointments, and other daily projects requires them to have strong organizational skills. An organized dental assistant can stay on top of their responsibilities while minimizing disruptions within the dental office. As a result, this creates a smoother experience for patients and other dental office employees.
5. Professionalism
A dental assistant is often a patient’s first point of contact within a dental office, so it is important for dental assistants to act in a professional manner. Maintaining a clean appearance, adhering to patient privacy guidelines like HIPAA regulations, and possessing a strong knowledge of common dental procedures to answer any questions will help develop patient trust and create a positive image for the office they represent.
Can You See Yourself As A Dental Assistant?
Do you have the skills you need to succeed in a career as a dental assistant? WVJC is here to provide you with the hands-on dental skills, knowledge, and experience you need for a career in the dental field in two years or less!
Learn more about our residential and online dental assistant training programs by Requesting Information today!