Do you think you have what it takes to be a good dental assistant? Because the role is a crucial part of a dental practice, you may wonder how you can bring value to your team. Although having sufficient experience and knowledge is certainly important, you need to make sure that you have the right personality traits needed to be a good employee. With that in mind, read on to learn what dentists say are the ideal qualities a dental assistant should have.
The Right Personality
Since dentistry is all about building meaningful relationships, dental assistants need to be able to effectively support the dentist, staff, and patients. They should be someone who can put people at ease. Being adept at reading other people and knowing when to talk and when to listen is essential. Dental assistants with the right personality and work ethic can easily make patients feel comfortable. Plus, the dentist will know that they will work hard and show up when needed.
Commitment to Education
If you decide to pursue a career in dentistry, you need to be prepared to prioritize knowledge and learning. From the receptionist to the dental hygienist to even the most seasoned dentist, everyone in a dental practice is constantly learning and improving their skill set. Anytime a dentist learns a new skill, the dental assistant will need to learn it as well.
Great Organizational Skills
Working in the dental industry requires a long-term endeavor with a growth mindset. Think of it as a small team working together to serve a larger community! That said, each staff member must be accountable, well-prepared, and extremely organized. If you have solid organizational skills, working as a dental assistant will be a breeze. You can gain control of your time and plan and complete tasks confidently.
Detail-Oriented
Dental assistants need to focus on every detail of a patient’s experience. Whether it’s carefully setting up the treatment room or ensuring the patient is relaxed, you need to make sure everything is taken care of properly. No two patients are the same, meaning you might have to adjust your process accordingly depending on the case you’re working with.
Team Player
A dental assistant must be able to work effectively with other employees. Since it’s not a solitary position, you need to be good at working in a team. In fact, the majority of your day will involve working with either the doctor or another member of the staff.
About A-Z School of Dental Assisting & Front Office
At A-Z School of Dental Assisting & Front Office, we offer a highly efficient and fast-paced program that prepares students with the skills needed to qualify for a position as a dental assistant in a general dental office. Our team is dedicated to educating our students and valuing their pace and progress. If you’d like to learn more or enroll, visit our website or call (480) 457-8330.