I’ve read several articles on the characteristics of a great Dental Assistant and although they were good, I didn’t always agree they summarized the best characteristics. I once worked for a Dentist who said: “I can teach a monkey to assist. What I need outstanding character, work ethic, and focus.”  So, I decided I would write an article on what I’ve learned after over 45 years in the Dental Profession. There are four characteristics that stand out in my mind.

An Awesome Dental Assistant is a Multitasker

Great Dental Assistants can keep several balls in the air at one time. They can thoroughly turn a room while remembering there’s an impression to pour, a lab case to go out and documentation to complete. They can set up a room while anticipating anything that may go wrong and prepare for it; they know their Dentist.

They can see problems in the schedule and solve them before they become obstacles in the Dental Practices daily production or problems with the patient. They know how to prioritize tasks to stay on schedule; they automatically know which patients need to be seated first, which to seat second and they do it all with a smile on their face. They are fully aware the dental patient is the reason they receive a paycheck.

An Awesome Dental Assistant Possesses Team Spirit

They are the kind of player every great Dental Team wants. It’s no different than playing football or basketball; they’re not above picking up the ball and running with it when another Team player needs help. They never determine a task is “not their job”; on the contrary, they work for the betterment of the patient, and the rest of the Dental Team. At the end of the day, they don’t leave the office without helping everyone complete all tasks.

An Awesome Dental Assistant Understands Professionalism

A Great Dental Assistant knows what to talk about and what’s off limits at work. They don’t talk about their personal problems at work, not only because they are focused on the day at hand, but it’s inappropriate to bring problems into the office. They can listen to patients and any problems they might discuss, but they keep their conversation lighthearted and positive.

An Awesome Dental Assistant is a Great Communicator

Great Dental Assistants are excellent communicators. When things happen that may affect any forward movement of the day, they communicate with the Dentist, Dental Office Manager, the other Dental Assistants and even the Dental Hygienist if necessary. They don’t embellish or add their opinion; they understand the importance of clear, insightful communication with the entire Dental Team.

Admittedly, there are other characteristics that make an Awesome Dental Assistant, but if you acquire these skills, you will prove to be an invaluable Dental Team member and undoubtedly stand out as a Leader in the field of Dentistry. 

60 Minute Complimentary Consultation

When you spend your time and energy dealing with non-clinical issues such as insurance, employee turnover, accounts payable and receivable, you can’t enjoy the work you were trained to do. At DentalStaffing.org, our consultation will work with you to identify the issues and give you solutions for moving forward. Then you can start running your practice instead of your practice running you.

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“We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”
- Aristotle