A dental assistant operates hand in hand with dentists and dental hygienists. Where an assistant helps dentists conduct examinations and procedures there. On the other hand, they are also responsible for taking X-rays, handling management tasks, educating patients on proper oral care regimes, and more. Although it might seem that the job of a dental assistant and a dentist is very similar, there is a vast difference between their roles and responsibilities. A dental assistant job comes with many perks and advantages, which is why more and more people are enrolling in a Dental Assistant Program. The dental assistant program will help you scale your skill set in the right direction while providing you with the certification you need, as outlined by the CDSBC (College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia).
Skills You Need To Master For Becoming A Great Professional Dental Assistant
- Administrative Skills
It is one of the primary jobs of a dental assistant to handle administrative office tasks. This is why one must possess the right skill set for it. From answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining all the patient records to supervising all the in-house management staff, it is the job of a dental assistant. To handle all this efficiently, a dental assistant must have strong time management skills and a stronghold on the technology that helps maintain records.
- Communication Skills
A dental assistant is someone patients talk to when they enter the clinic or call. This is why it is prudent for a dental assistant to have a strong hold on communication. Most dental assistants are also in charge of jotting down a patient’s history, explaining the procedure, and clarifying the details of oral treatment, for which they need to have good sway on communication. A good communication skillset can efficiently leave a good impression on the patients while making them feel comfortable.
- Customer Service
It is usually the responsibility of a dental assistant to deal with patients. For this, having strong customer service skills can prove quite helpful. Greeting them with a smile while assisting them wherever and whenever they want is expected of an excellent dental assistant. In short, it is your job as a dental assistant to make patients feel comfortable and cared for at the clinic.
- Organizational Skills
Another important skill you need to master to become an efficient dental assistant is learning to organize things and schedule appointments properly. Since all this needs to remain confidential, a dental assistant must manage and organize it properly and patiently.
- Basic Dental Medicine Knowledge
Many states require dental assistants to graduate from dental assistant programs and have proper certification. At Western Community College, we have a Dental Assistant Program that will help you learn everything to become a professional dental assistant. Depending on what you want to proceed with in the field, you can choose between the different courses we have under our Dental Assistant program.
Bottom Line
These are some skills every dental assistant needs to have to prove their excellence in the field. If you are looking forward to building a career in helping people maintain good oral health and get proper dental assistance, this course is for you. With the right coaching and learning, you must also master the skills mentioned above to become a competent dental assistant. If you still have questions about the dental assistant program or anything related, you can contact us, and we will answer your questions.
