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What other abilities should a dental assistant have?

What skills do you want to highlight about yourself as a dental assistant throughout your resume? Looking for a skills checklist as you write or update your dental assistant resume? 

We have a guide for that!

However, have you gone through the dental assistant checklist and wanted to know more?

Or maybe you are looking for information on essential soft skills for dental assistants that can help you stand out from the crowd when applying to a position? 

If so, then this blog is for you! 

In this article, we will be building on our checklist for assistant skills as we go over the ten duties of a dental assistant, and a valuable list of soft skills.

Let's get started...

What are the 10 Duties of a Dental Assistant?

The Dental Assistant will be in charge of overall clinic administration, upkeep, and lab work under the dentist's supervision. The primary function of the Dental Assistant is to sterilize instruments and ensure that all necessary equipment is ready for the dentist before each session. 

Here is a list of the 10 Duties of a Dental Assistant: 

1. Assist the dentist with the treatment and surgery of patients
2. Taking & pouring dental impressions (molds of the mouth)
3. Getting patients ready for surgery
4. Set up all of the dental devices and tools that will be needed for patient examinations
5. Prepare the patient for surgery by explaining the procedures and postoperative instructions
6. Performing administrative tasks
7. Educate patients on oral health care and respond to their queries and concerns
8. Preparing examination areas
9. Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized treatment room
10. Clean, sterilize and disinfect dental tools after every use

Up next is information on the soft skills you need to stand out and excel as a dental assistant . . . 

What Soft Skills are Needed to be a Dental Assistant?

Here is a list of eight soft skills that can help you excel and be a great dental assistant: 

1. Interpersonal Skills

Dental assistants are the ones that engage with patients the most daily. That necessitates exceptional interpersonal skills, particularly when it comes to patient care.

2. Reliability

Dental Assistants help dentists keep the dental office running efficiently and keep patients happy. You must arrive on time for each shift, dressed professionally and ready to work. 

3. Compassion

Patients, particularly children, are frequently apprehensive or afraid in dental offices, which may not suit the patients and the dentist. The most excellent dental assistants know how to calm and relax so that the examination runs well.

4. Attention to Detail

Good dental care requires excellent attention to detail. Shoddy work or mistakes, especially when it comes to sanitation and sterilization procedures, might have catastrophic consequences. You must also be attentive when scheduling appointments, taking X-rays, preparing for operations, updating records, and assisting the dentist at the chairside.

5. Strong Work Ethic

You may be working long shifts with limited breaks, which is standard in the dental field. Those who enjoy their work, on the other hand, find it fulfilling and energizing!

6. Organization

It would be best if you were prepared for everything in this position as a dental assistant, from scheduling patient visits to assisting during checkups, inventory management, and more.

7. Anticipation  

Dentists will be pleased and impressed with how well you anticipate their needs.

8. Interest in Dentistry

You'll be much more likely to remember important terminology, comprehend complex dental processes, and successfully explain treatments to patients if you're passionate about the field, making you a more confident practitioner.

More Information

Dental Assistant Skills Checklist 

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

 

 

 

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