Have you considered a dental assistant career and want to know the top traits you’d use in the field? East Ohio College brings you the top five qualities of a good dental assistant.
Dental assistants are essential to the smooth running of a dental office, and their skill sets expand to more than technical patient care. Read on to learn the five top qualities of a dental assistant and how a career in a dental office may be perfect for you!
1. Strong Communication Skills
One of the most essential skills a good dental assistant must have is the ability to communicate with patients and other dental team members. Communicating patient needs, treatment plans, and procedures effectively can establish a trusting relationship and make a patient’s experience in a dental facility less stressful.
Being able to communicate with other dental professionals within the office is also an essential skill for dental assistants. Often, dental assistants work alongside dentists and dental hygienists during procedures and routine visits, so having the ability to communicate can keep things running smoothly, benefiting both the patients and employees.
2. Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are other positive traits that set a good dental assistant apart. For many patients, a visit to the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience. A compassionate dental assistant understands a patient’s fears and concerns, then knows how to ease their worries by creating a supportive and caring environment. Being empathetic can also allow dental assistants to build strong relationships with their patients, which makes the patient experience much more enjoyable.
3. Attention To Detail
Strong attention to detail skills should not be overlooked in the dental assisting field. Dental assistants can be responsible for meticulous tasks such as taking impressions, sterilizing equipment, and managing patient records. A dental assistant can accurately complete these tasks to ensure safe and effective dental care.
4. Organizational Skills
A dental assistant may sometimes be required to wear more than one hat. They could be responsible for tasks like managing inventory, assisting with patient procedures, scheduling appointments, and other tasks that require them to be organized. Strong organizational skills will help dental assistants stay on top of their responsibilities while minimizing disruptions within the dental office to create a positive environment.
5. Professionalism
Dental assistants can sometimes be a patient’s first point of contact within a dental office, so acting professionally is imperative. They should maintain a clean appearance and adhere to patient privacy standards like HIPAA regulations to instill patient trust and develop a positive image for their dental office.
Ready To Become A Dental Assistant?
Do you have the skills you need to succeed as a dental assistant? East Ohio College is here to provide you with hands-on dental training combined with developing your existing soft skills to help set you up for a career as a dental assistant!
Learn more about our Online Dental Assisting program by calling 833-EASTOHIO or Requesting Information today!