There is a lot to do in a dental office and the assistant must know what the dentist needs when he asks for it. Therefore, a solid knowledge base is required. In order to gain quality knowledge to be the best dental assistant that you can possibly be, you will need to sign up for a dental assistant program in Clearwater, FL that offers a comprehensive curriculum that will prepare you for plenty of solid job opportunities. The following is an overview of knowledge that is needed, what your job duties may be, and the skills you will need to work in the field:
What does a dental assistant do?
A dental assistant has many duties, but the most common duties include:
- Assisting with Chair Side Procedures
- Prepping Necessary Instruments and Equipment and Ordering Supplies
- Sterilizing Instruments and Equipment
- Preparing patients for procedures
- Recording Treatment Plans, Medical Histories, and Other Important Patient File Information
- Taking Dental x-rays
- Take, Monitor, and Record Patient Vital Signs
- Assist in Handling Dental Emergencies
- Provide Aftercare Information to Patients
- Teach Patients about Oral Hygiene and Plaque Control
- Fabricate Dental Appliances and Take Impressions
- Clean Teeth Using Professional Dental instruments
- Schedule Appointments, Talk to Patients, and Prepare Insurance Forms
- Maintain Record Manually or Electronically
- Although Not Common, Some Dental Assistants Will Help with Accounts Receivable and Payable
What skills does a dental assistant need?
In addition to clinical skills that dental assistants will learn as a part of their educational certification programs, they also need basic communication, comprehension, and interpersonal skills such as:
- Communication and Interpersonal. Dental assistants must be able to actively listen to their patients, and they must be able to communicate well as far as terminology and treatment information is concerned. They must also have extensive knowledge to be able to answer questions that patients may have. Patients will want to feel at ease, so they must have good interpersonal skills as well to give their patient’s compassionate care.
- Comprehension and Service Orientation. Dental assistants must have excellent reading comprehension skills to read patient charts correctly, and they must ensure that the information is presented accurately when conveying it while procedures are being performed. They must also work to ensure that patient services are given in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
Different programs will focus on different things, but all programs will teach universal elements that will prepare dental assistants to provide an exceptional level of care.
Hopkins Institute of Dental Assisting offers quality dental assistant programs in Clearwater, FL. Contact us for additional information.
