Do you have the necessary skills to work as a dental assistant? 

This article will cover which hard skills are most important as a dental assistant and the importance of including them on your resume to catch the eyes of recruiters and office managers sifting through applicants for a dental assistant position. 

We also put together an article on other skills for your dental assistant resume if you're looking for more than just soft skills. Or may check out our dental assistant skills checklist.

Let's get started. . . 

What are Hard Skills? 

Hard skills are abilities that can be learned and improved through repetition, practice, and education.

They are significant because they increase employee productivity and efficiency, resulting in higher employee satisfaction. 

Employers look for hard skills when reviewing applications, so include them on your resume.

Now on to hard skills every dental assistant should have. . . 

4 Hard Skills for Dental Assistants and Why they are Important

Suppose you want to be a successful dental assistant. In that case, you must first learn some hard skills, often covered when completing an education program on dental assistants. 

 It's worth noting that you can always learn and improve even if you're not a natural at something. These abilities include:

1. Technical Skills

A dental assistant must be familiar with dental medicines and be able to predict the steps in complex dental procedures. In addition, a dental assistant should be able to:

• Process X-rays
• Assisting with basic dental procedures (fillings, crowns, extractions and polishing, etc.)
• Prepare dental supplies
• Disinfect tools and rooms
• Maintain equipment
• Take dental impressions

All of these responsibilities require great attention to detail and critical thinking.

2. Computer Knowledge

Computer literacy and a fast typing speed are two requirements for success as a dental assistant. It helps you manage patient records, transcribe notes, and file insurance claims.

3. Visual Requirements

From at least a few inches away, you must be able to see the patient's teeth. It would help if you had good hand-eye coordination for fine motor control. 

Now you may be asking, how are visual abilities contribute to a hard skill for dental assistants? 

There are many aspects to the hard technical skill of being able to perform x-rays and conduct radiology tasks. 

Your eyes should visually differentiate the colors of the spectrum to identify changes in tissue conditions and discern subtle radiographic density changes. 

Wondering what the checklist of hard skills looks like in detail for radiology? Read more here: Radiology and other skills checklists for dental assistants.

4. Motor Skills

Now you may be asking how motor skill abilities contribute to a hard skill for dental assistants. 

You'll need fine and gross motor skills for effective and safe patient care and effectively complete specific technical skills as a dental assistant. 

Controlling the hands and fingers in conjunction with the eyes is essential for every dental assistant. You must have sufficient tactile skills to utilize small instruments with appropriate control. You must also have complete manual dexterity (the function of both arms, wrists, hands, and all the fingers). 

More Information 

• 5 Dental Assistant Resume Skills List
• Soft Skills You Need As A Dental Assistant
• Dental Assistant Job Description
• Dental Assistant Working Interview
• How To Become The Best Dental Assistant You Can

 

 

 

---