If you want to become a dental assistant, building your stamina and dexterity is essential. However, if you need to build these skills, Meridian College is here to help. Our Dental Assistant program teaches the skills you need to succeed as a dental assistant, like stamina and dexterity. So, why do dental assistants need stamina and dexterity?

Why Do Dental Assistants Need Stamina & Dexterity?

Dental assistants play an important role at dental offices, and their work requires a combination of physical stamina and manual dexterity to meet the demands of the job. Here’s a few reasons why stamina and dexterity are important:

Stamina & Dental Assistants

There are many reasons why building up stamina can make you a successful dental assistant. Here are some of the reasons why stamina is so important:

Extended Work Hours: Dental assistants are often on their feet for long periods of time, moving between treatment rooms, retrieving supplies, assisting the dentist, and interacting with patients. This constant motion requires physical energy. Procedures can last hours, especially in root canals, dental implants, or oral surgeries. Maintaining focus and energy over long periods is essential to support the dentist and keep the patient comfortable.

Repetitive Movements: Many tasks involve repetitive motions, such as positioning instruments, cleaning equipment, or preparing treatment rooms. Over time, these actions can lead to fatigue, so maintaining stamina is critical to prevent strain or injury.

Stressful and Fast-Paced Environments: Dental offices can be high-pressure environments where dental assistants must multitask. They need the physical and mental stamina to manage emergencies without compromising the quality of care.

Patient Interaction: Dental assistants often spend a lot of time reassuring patients. These emotional and physical demands require a strong ability to remain calm and composed throughout the day.

Dexterity & Dental Assistants

As a dental assistant, you need precision in small spaces. This is where dexterity comes in. Here are some of the reasons why a successful dental assistant needs strong dexterity:

Handling Delicate Instruments: Dentists work with small, sharp, and often delicate instruments. A dental assistant must handle these tools precisely to make sure they are correctly passed to the dentist and to avoid any accidents.

Working in Constrained Spaces: A patient’s mouth can be a small and sensitive area, making it essential for the dental assistant to maneuver tools carefully. Even minor errors can cause discomfort or harm to the patient.

Efficient Instrument Management: Dental assistants assist in real-time by providing the dentist with the correct instruments or adjusting suction. This requires quick and precise movements to anticipate the dentist’s needs without disrupting the procedure.

Adapting to Patient Needs: Every patient is slightly different, and dental assistants must adapt their approach accordingly. For example, some patients may have smaller mouths or limited jaw mobility, requiring more dexterity.

Detailed Administrative Work: Beyond clinical duties, dental assistants often handle administrative tasks like preparing patient charts or managing x-rays, which also demand fine motor skills for accurate and efficient record-keeping.

How Can Dental Assistants Build Stamina & Dexterity?

Building stamina and dexterity is essential for dental assistants to succeed. Here’s how they can develop and strengthen these critical attributes:

Building Stamina

There are many ways you can build your stamina, here are a few:

Maintain Physical Fitness: Engage in cardio activities like walking, running, swimming, or cycling to improve endurance. Strength training can enhance physical resilience for repetitive tasks and lifting equipment. Use stretching exercises or yoga to improve flexibility and posture and reduce fatigue during long hours on your feet

Hydration: Stay hydrated to avoid getting tired, especially during busy shifts with limited breaks

Practice Good Posture: Proper posture reduces strain on muscles and joints, preventing fatigue. Focus on ergonomics when assisting or sitting at a workstation.

Gradual Endurance Building: If you are new to the field or returning after a break, start with shorter, focused work periods and gradually increase your tolerance for more extended hours by pacing yourself.

Take Breaks When Possible: Take short breaks to stretch, walk, or rest your eyes. Even quick breaks can help maintain stamina throughout the day.

Develop Stress Management Techniques: Stress can deplete energy levels. To stay mentally and physically refreshed during and after work, practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques.

Improving Dexterity

Use the following hand strength and coordination exercises to help improve your dexterity:

Stress Balls: Squeezing stress balls or hand grippers can improve grip strength.

Finger Exercises: To enhance fine motor skills, practice activities like finger tapping, piano playing, or rolling small objects between fingers.

Theraputty or Clay Manipulation: Use theraputty or modeling clay to strengthen hands and fingers through repetitive kneading and shaping.

The following can also help you improve your dexterity:

Precision Practice: Use activities that require detailed hand-eye coordination, such as sewing, knitting, or drawing. These hobbies can mimic the fine motor skills needed in handling dental instruments. Try practicing instrument handling outside patient care, such as using tweezers to pick up small items or maneuvering tools in a confined space like a box.

Simulated Training: When completing the Dental Assistant program at Meridian College, you will participate in simulation exercises or practice with dental models. These hands-on opportunities help develop muscle memory and confidence in tool manipulation.

Ergonomic Techniques: You will learn proper hand and wrist positioning when holding instruments to prevent strain and ensure precision. Use techniques like light gripping and controlled movements to improve control.

Continuous Learning: Attend workshops or continuing education courses that focus on ergonomics. These can help improve your stamina and dexterity.

Workplace Adaptations: Ensure that workstations and tools are ergonomically designed to reduce unnecessary strain. Adjustable chairs, proper lighting, and well-designed instruments can make tasks less physically taxing.

Want to Learn More?

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training, including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients. This can help you build and improve your skills like stamina and dexterity.
Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors who offer dental assisting training that can help you get an entry-level position at a dentist’s office or dental clinic. You get to work in real-world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skills during lab work.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post Why Do Dental Assistants Need Stamina & Dexterity? appeared first on Meridian College.

Do dental assistants take X-rays? The short answer is yes. The longer answer; depends on your role at a dentist’s office. Fortunately, taking X-rays is something you will learn about in the Dental Assistant program at Meridian College.

How Do X-Rays Work?

X-rays use an invisible form of light. Unlike light rays visible to the naked eye, X-rays penetrate soft tissue without being absorbed. They help create images of the teeth, gums, and jaw. One of the roles of a dental assistant is to take high-quality images that let dentists peer into the mouth without performing invasive procedures.

Why are X-Rays Done in a Dental Office?

X-rays, or radiographs, are essential for diagnosing dental issues like cavities and abscesses. They allow dentists to see teeth, nerves, and bones below the gum line. They’re used preventively and to diagnose dental issues when patients have symptoms.

X-rays can detect many different dental issues, including:

• Cavities
• Abscesses
• Loose crowns and fillings
• Changes in the root canal
• Impacted teeth
• Irregular bites
• Abnormal tooth development
• Cysts & Tumors

What Types of Dental X-rays a Dental Assistant is Responsible For?

There are five X-rays typically done in a dental office. They include:

Periapical X-rays

Periapical X-rays capture images of one or two teeth in the mouth from the crown above the gumline to the root below. Periapical X-rays provide a complete view of a tooth that helps dentists diagnose changes in teeth structure that needs intervention.

During a periapical X-ray, the dental assistant places a small strip of film in a plastic holder in the patient’s mouth. Attached to the plastic holder is an X-ray frame that mirrors the position of the film, helping the dental assistant align the X-ray machine properly. The patient bites down on the holder while the X-ray is taken.

Bitewing X-rays

Bitewings capture complete sections of both the upper and lower teeth. They diagnose and prevent issues from impacting the patient’s mouth. The process is similar to taking periapical X-rays. All five methods are reviewed in the Dental Assistant program at Meridian College.

Full Mouth X-rays

Full-mouth X-rays merge periapical with bitewing radiographs. These X-rays give the dentist a baseline impression of a patient’s oral health that can later be used for comparison.

Occlusal X-rays

Occlusal X-rays image the top and bottom of the mouth. Pediatric dentists use them to help monitor the development of teeth that haven’t yet broken through the gums. A dentist may order them in adults to help find tumors or cysts.

Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic X-rays are extraoral. The film isn’t placed in the mouth, but the patient must maintain a complete smile to properly align the jawline. Instead of film, a rotating arm captures a two-dimensional image of the entire mouth.

Panoramic X-rays assess a patient’s bite or dental issues that may extend to the jawbone. They’re also used to plan implants, dentures, braces, and extractions.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do When Taking X-rays?

Some of the related duties of a dental assistant that takes X-rays include:

• Preparing patients for X-ray procedures by explaining what they can expect.
• Using lead aprons and protective devices to minimize that patient’s radiation exposure.
• Setting machine parameters to obtain clear and high-quality images.
• Proper positioning patients and equipment
• Processing X-ray images for dentists to review.
• Reviewing and assessing the quality of the images to ensure there are no artifacts.
• Maintaining accurate patient records.
• Performing maintenance and quality control checks on X-ray equipment.
• Providing patients with education about post-procedure care

Want to Learn More?

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training, including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.
Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors who offer dental assisting training that can help you get an entry-level position at a dentist’s office or dental clinic. You get to work in real-world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skills during lab work.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post Do Dental Assistants Take X-Rays? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Is Good Communication?

Good communication refers to effectively exchanging information and ideas between groups and individuals. While it can be somewhat subjective, it has several essential characteristics:

Clarity

Good communication is clear and easy for the listener to understand. Messages should be concise and to the point, avoiding ambiguity, technical jargon, or unrelated tangents.

Empathy

Empathy is the acknowledgment of others’ feelings. It demonstrates genuine concern about their unique perspectives.

Cultural Competence

Good communication is sensitive to the cultural and generational differences between people. It requires respecting others regardless of their background, beliefs, or worldview.

Adaptability

Communication should be adaptable to the listener’s emotional, cognitive, intellectual, and sensory needs. Appropriately tailored messages are always better received.

Timing

Sharing information promptly enhances its impact and relevance. Knowing when to speak and when to listen is a vital part of effective communication.

Positive Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal cues, including posture, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice, convey more than words. A good communicator controls what their body language projects.

Active Listening

Effective communication requires giving speakers your full attention. It demonstrates empathy and engagement, allowing for feedback, clarification, and mutual understanding.

Confidence

Confidence conveys knowledge and credibility. Among healthcare professionals, it establishes expertise and builds trust.

Openness

Good communication requires a particular vulnerability. The ability to share personal experiences opens the door to dialogue.

Grammar

Proper grammar, including spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation, ensures your message is clear.

Etiquette

Communication etiquette is an integral part of professionalism. Following established norms for oral and written presentations demonstrates respect for your audience and limits distractions.

Why Is Communication Important for Medical and Dental Assistants?

Effective communication is vitally essential for medical and dental assistants. It impacts the quality of care in these critical areas:

Data Gathering

Medical and dental assistants gather health information used to make treatment decisions. Clarity and accuracy are crucial.

Patient Comfort

Patients often feel anxious about medical or dental procedures. Confident, compassionate, and open communication is reassuring.

Team Collaboration

Medical and dental assistants work as part of a healthcare team. Effective communication with peers and providers ensures that care is coordinated and seamless.

Safety

Miscommunication in healthcare settings contributes significantly to medical errors. Clarity and good grammar prevent misunderstandings.

Documentation

Medical and dental assistants are responsible for maintaining patient records. Clear and comprehensive documentation allows all team members to track the patient’s progress, promoting continuity of care.

Professionalism

How medical and dental assistants communicate with patients projects a powerful image. As ambassadors of first impressions, courteous and respectful communication positively impacts patient relations.

Conflict Resolution

Workplace conflicts aren’t uncommon. Strong communication skills diffuse stress and encourage mutual support.

Patient Education

Dental and medical assistants educate patients about oral and healthcare topics. Effective communication ensures that they understand treatment recommendations.

What Is Unique About Medical Assistant Communication?

Medical and dental assistants have similar roles, but there are aspects of communication unique to medical assistants, such as:

Terminology

Medical assistants work in broader healthcare settings, such as hospitals, assisting patients suffering from various conditions. They must communicate using more general medical terminology that dental assistants may need to be more familiar with.

Patient Relationships

Patients are three times more likely to see their doctor than their dentist. Medical assistants engage with the same patients more often, encouraging more profound and open communication upon which long-term professional relationships are built.

Guidance and Education

Medical assistants communicate with patients about various health concerns, including oral health. General health conditions have a lesser impact on dental services, so dental assistants primarily discuss oral care issues.

What Is Unique About Dental Assistant Communication?

Dental assistants have their communication challenges, including:

Procedures

Medical assistants help doctors with occasional minor procedures. Dental assistants provide day-long chairside support, so communication with the dentist or hygienist must be laser-focused.

Patient Comfort

Because of the prevalence of dental phobia and dental anxiety, dental assistants need a powerful sense of empathy and emotional intelligence to work with fearful patients.

Billing and Insurance

Medical assistants may be involved in billing and insurance issues. However, because dental coverage plays a more significant part in the affordability of dental procedures for most clients, communication for dental assistants is more likely to include financial matters.

How Do You Hone Your Communication Skills?

Good communication is cultivated through education and experience. For medical and dental assistants, it begins with vocational school training. Programs emphasize practical communication techniques and soft skills in many ways, such as:

Coursework

Many vocational schools offer specific courses on communication skills, covering professional and therapeutic communication techniques.

Role-Playing and Simulations

Courses may include role-playing and simulation exercises to help students develop communication skills. You’ll practice real-world scenarios with instructors and peers.

Cultural Competency Training

Healthcare vocational schools encourage cultural competency, training students to respect a broad range of cultural and generational differences.

Professionalism

Medical and dental assistant programs stress the importance of professionalism. You’ll learn to maintain a polished dress, conduct, and communication demeanor.

Communication Technology

Technology plays a pivotal role in healthcare. Vocational schools teach students to use e-mail, electronic health records (EHR), and other communication tools effectively.

Clinical Rotations and Externships

Most medical and dental assistant programs include off-site clinical rotations or externship opportunities where students work alongside experienced healthcare professionals. You’ll practice your communication and collaboration skills in a supervised setting.

Final Thoughts

Dental and medical assistants rely on strong communication skills to succeed in their roles. The foundation of quality care is the cornerstone of empathy, trust, and safety.

Dental Assistant Program

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training, including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients. We also have dedicated school instructors who offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist’s office or dental clinic. You get to work in real-world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skills during lab work in dental assisting.

Medical Assistant Program

Meridian College offers a hands–on Medical Assistant training program taught by experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical or dental assistant.

The post Why is Communication Important for Medical and Dental Assistants? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Medical Assistant do?

Medical assistants support clinical and administrative professionals in healthcare office settings.

Duties consist of:

Triaging Phone Calls

Medical assistants take clinical calls, screen patients for serious symptoms and flag priority issues before directing inquiries to the appropriate provider. As the doctor’s representative, you’ll help the administrative team squeeze urgent care appointments between well-care visits.

Greeting Patients

Medical assistants are the first clinical representatives to see patients when they arrive. Their job is to update patients’ health records and perform certain clinical tasks on the provider’s behalf. They manage the most important resource, time, so that doctors can be more productive while patients get the best possible care.

Taking Vital Signs

Medical assistants use advanced equipment and their clinical expertise to measure vital signs at each visit. Trends in body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate can indicate illness or an increased risk of disease. Changes in height and weight can signal serious medical conditions, from osteoporosis to congestive heart failure.

Performing Diagnostic Tests

Medical assistants can now perform diagnostic tests that once required a hospital visit. Examples include EKGs, pacemaker evaluations, urine pregnancy screens, occult fecal blood testing, fetal heartbeat monitoring, and urinalysis.

Phlebotomy

Drawing blood is among a medical assistant’s most sought-after skills. You’ll do basic draws and process samples in an office setting, saving patients a trip to the hospital.

Administering Medications

Medical assistants can give oral medications and most injections under the supervision of professional staff. You’ll vaccinate patients, assist with tuberculin skin testing, and apply topical treatments.

Assisting with Procedures

Medical assistants support doctors with minor procedures, from mole excisions and skin biopsies to vasectomies and laceration repairs. You’ll set up the surgical equipment, pass instruments and monitor the patient’s comfort and safety.

Wound Care

Medical assistants can’t assess wounds. However, they can perform basic wound care, such as changing bandages and removing sutures with a doctor’s approval.

Infection Control

Healthcare offices can harbor harmful, drug-resistant organisms. Medical assistants safeguard patients from infectious diseases through symptom screening, sanitation measures, and instrument sterilization.

Medical Coding

Alphanumeric medical codes are used to describe symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments on health insurance claim forms. Using the superbill created at check-in, medical assistants note the services rendered and the supplies used during each patient encounter, so doctors can be reimbursed promptly for their time and resources.

 Managing Inventory

Doctors need dozens of supplies to perform exams. Medical assistants stock the shelves daily with the preferred items, reordering when inventory gets low.

Educating Patients

Medical assistants play a vital role in educating patients on various aspects of their health, such as medication management, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications. You might demonstrate procedures, such as how to take a blood pressure reading at home and explain diagnostic test results on the provider’s behalf.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant’s duties are similar to a medical assistant’s, they are to oral care professionals what medical assistants are to licensed healthcare providers.

Their responsibilities include:

Scheduling Appointments

Dental assistants are well-versed in the clinical aspects of dentistry, which makes them ideally suited to handle complex scheduling tasks. You’ll guide the front office staff when they need to know how long procedures, like x-rays and fillings, will take.

Greeting Patients

Visiting the dentist is a stressful experience for most patients. The first interaction they have with staff can make or break their confidence. A good dental assistant guides patients through their visit while making them feel at ease.

Obtaining Health Histories

General and oral health are linked, so dentists need to know patients’ medical diagnoses before treating them. To kick off each visit, a dental assistant sits down with the patient and reviews recent changes in their medications, allergies, and health conditions. It’s an important part of providing safe care.

Taking Vital Signs

Abnormal vital signs are a contraindication to some dental treatments that require an anesthetic. Dental assistants take this measurement and inform the dentist of any irregularities.

Preparing Treatment Rooms

Dental assistants prepare the equipment and supplies dentists need before patients arrive. Keeping exam rooms well-stocked ensures treatments proceed smoothly.

Infection Control

Infectious diseases can spread between patients if treatment areas and instruments aren’t properly sanitized. One of a dental assistant’s most essential roles is to keep patients safe by sterilizing instruments, sanitizing surfaces, and disinfecting equipment between visits.

Taking or Assisting with x-Rays

Dental assistants assist hygienists with x-rays by preparing the necessary supplies and helping to position patients for the best possible images.

Working in the Laboratory

Dental assistants help in the lab by cleaning and polishing removable appliances. In a restorative practice, you’ll make alginate impressions for dentures, implants, and crowns.

Chairside Dentistry

During treatments, dental assistants provide chairside support by managing equipment and passing instruments to the dentist or hygienist. They also monitor patient safety, provide emotional support, and keep a running record of findings as the dentist examines patients’ teeth.

Applying Sealants

Fluoride treatments rebuild enamel while sealants form a protective barrier against harmful bacteria. You may perform both as part of a preventive treatment regimen.

Coronal Polishing

While dental assistants can’t clean teeth in most states, they can polish them above the gum line once the hygienist is done. This process, known as coronal polishing, not only removes surface discolorations but also smooths out minor imperfections in the enamel that attract sticky bacteria.

Ordering Supplies

Dental assistants are jacks of all trades. Familiar with what the office, laboratory and treatment rooms require for supplies, they monitor inventory practice-wide and reorder when necessary.

General Office Duties

Dental assistants are trained to handle clerical tasks such as data entry, filing, sending invoices, and accepting payments. They are always ready to lend a hand wherever they are needed so that the schedule runs efficiently.

Patient Education

Teaching patients about oral health is among a dental assistant’s most rewarding responsibilities. Whether it is helping children learn to brush their teeth or providing guidance to patients with toothaches, dental assistants have the opportunity to share their passion for oral health and improve the wellness of the next generation.

What is the Difference Between a Medical and Dental Assistant?

Medical and dental assisting are both healthcare careers you can be proud of but with similarities and differences to consider, such as:

The Job Market

Medical and dental assisting are both expanding fields. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% increase in demand for medical assistants through 2031. The outlook for dental assistants is also strong at 8%.

Employment Settings

Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and insurance companies. Dental assistants work primarily in oral care practices. In most areas, there are more jobs available for medical assistants.

Emotional Impact

Dentistry has its ups and downs, but you’ll rarely deal with sick patients. A dental assistant’s responsibilities extend only to occasional oral care, so there’s less emotional involvement in patients’ personal situations.

Medical assistants, however, may forge deeper professional relationships with ill and vulnerable people. The psychological impact can take a toll if you’re not prepared for it.

Colleagues and Supervisors

Medical assistants work under the direction of administrators, physicians, and other licensed clinicians. Dental assistants are supervised by dentists and dental hygienists.

Both are members of the clinical and administrative teams, providing support for both departments. However, while dental assistants rarely interact with non-oral care professionals, medical assistants engage with a wider range of clinicians.

Advancement Potential

Advancement opportunities are similar for medical and dental assistants. With continuing education and certifications, they can advance into supervisory or specialized roles.

Both can also build upon their education by getting a degree. Many medical assistants become nurses or practice administrators while dental assistants become licensed hygienists.

How Do You Become a Medical or Dental Assistant?

Medical assisting doesn’t require a license, so there are no formal education requirements. Practically speaking, however, a vocational school diploma is the gold standard. Healthcare is a complex and highly regulated field, so employers are incentivized to hire trained applicants with proven skills. You need a diploma to be a competitive applicant.

Vocational programs are comprehensive but take less than a year to complete. Students graduate work-ready and qualified for certification.

Coursework covers:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical and laboratory procedures
• Billing and coding
• Office protocols

Higher education requirements for dental assistants vary by state. Most require training but not licensing or certification, and this is true in Florida. Employers may insist on a training program and licensure or a certificate. Vocational programs prepare students for any scenario with a broad curriculum and certification preparation.

Topics include:

• Dental terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Oral care techniques
• Chairside dentistry
• Laboratory procedures
• Radiography
• Communication
• Office protocols
• Customer care

Both medical and dental assisting programs have an externship component in which students work off-site with a veteran member of the profession, so nothing will be unusual or intimidating as you begin your new career.

Final Thoughts

Whether you become a medical or dental assistant should depend on your interests, aptitudes, and career goals, the roles are different enough to affect your career satisfaction. So, research both fields, talk to professionals in your area and consider your skills and preferences before taking the leap.

Medical Assistant Program

Meridian College offers a hands–on Medical Assistant training program taught by experienced school faculty who know how to prepare you for the daily challenges you’ll face on the job. From assisting doctors with patients to important administrative tasks, our experienced teachers will train you for a rewarding new career.

Dental Assistant Program

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a medical or dental assistant.

The post What is the Difference Between a Medical and Dental Assistant? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Do Dental Assistants Do?

Dental assistants work side-by-side with dentists and dental hygienists, providing critical clerical and clinical support. Typical responsibilities include:

Overseeing the Schedule

Effective scheduling is more than just making appointments, it’s about allocating practice resources in ways that maximize revenue and enhance patient satisfaction. With both administrative and clinical expertise, dental assistants manage the schedule like a symphony, making the most of limited equipment and human resources to provide prompt care while keeping the practice profitable. It’s a win-win for both staff and patients.

 Welcoming Patients

Many adults report skipping dental appointments because of stress or dental phobia. However, when the first person patients see is a knowledgeable and friendly dental assistant, they’re more likely to feel at ease. By demystifying the oral care process, dental assistants help patients feel comfortable and engaged, encouraging future visits and better long-term oral health.

Taking X-rays

Each state determines what dental assistants can do. Some allow them to take x-rays with additional training while others limit their responsibilities to managing equipment and developing film. However, because radiography is vital to diagnosing oral care issues, such as cavities and abscesses, most dental assistants will help with at least part of the process, including patient preparation and education.

Infection Control

Dental assistants safeguard patient health by ensuring the office environment is as clean as possible. Instruments and equipment can harbor dangerous pathogens if they’re not properly sanitized, even a dirty waiting area can spread common infections.

Using their clinical know-how and the latest techniques, a dental assistant disinfects equipment, instruments, and exam room between patients, preventing the potential spread of disease.

Ordering Supplies

Proper dental care is only possible with the right supplies. Because dental assistants understand both the administrative and clinical needs of their practice, they’re the ideal team member to order and restock supplies.

Billing and Insurance Claims

With the cost of dentistry rising, the use of dental insurance plans is increasing. To keep pace, practices hire both billing specialists and dental assistants to do a range of tasks from obtaining pre-authorizations to filing direct claims.

Unlike medical care, which is mostly funded through third parties, affording oral care can be more challenging. Dental assistants help patients by working with their insurers and assisting with private financing options.

Managing Dental Records

Dental procedures come with many of the same risks as medical services, and it’s essential to ensure patients are in good physical condition. Before each visit, it’s a dental assistant’s job to screen patients for illnesses and review recent changes in their health, including allergies and any new medications they may be taking.

During treatments, dental assistants sit chairside and take notes. By keeping detailed records of the services performed, they help dentists make safer and more efficient treatment decisions.

Coronal Polishing

Dental assistants can’t clean teeth in most states, but they can perform coronal polishing above the gum line. Coronal polishing removes surface stains, but it’s more than just an aesthetic procedure, it smooths out imperfections on the surface of teeth that can harbor bacteria and contribute to decay.

Helping in the Lab

Dental offices produce dentures and appliances using in-house laboratories. Dental assistants are qualified to clean dentures and bridges, take mouth impressions, and make orthodontic appliances.

Chairside Assistance

Both dentists and dental hygienists need an extra pair of hands to do their job. Dental assistants help by passing instruments, managing suction, hold devices, and observe patients for emergency needs.

Patient Education

Despite the growing importance of dentistry in overall health, the public is largely unaware of the link. While nearly most adults say seeing a doctor at regular intervals is important, fewer say the same about the dentist.

Among a dental assistant’s most meaningful responsibilities is patient education. They help patients learn more about oral care topics, including:

• How to brush and floss
• Choosing the right toothbrush
• Preventing gum disease
• Nutrition for dental health
• Caring for dentures and orthodontic appliances
• Restoration procedures and financing
• Acute dental conditions

Why is Dental Assisting a Great Career?

Jobs provide a paycheck, but careers offer meaning and lifelong personal benefits. Dental assistants enjoy:

A Quick Start

Full-time dental assisting students can be out of the classroom and ready to earn in under a year. Vocational schools offer lifestyle-friendly programs, career counseling services and job placement assistance.

A Strong Job Market

The demand for dental assistants is expected to rise by more than 8 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today’s graduates can expect a vibrant job market and diverse opportunity.

A Monday Through Friday Schedule

Working in healthcare can be exhausting. Many doctors and nurses consider different careers because of the stress of 24/7 responsibilities. Most dentists, however, keep regular weekday hours, and emergency duty is limited. Dental assistants can expect a traditional Monday through Friday schedule with evenings, weekends, and holidays off. It’s an excellent career for working parents of school-age children.

Opportunities for Professional Growth

Dental assisting can be a lifelong career or just one step toward higher learning. With experience and additional training, dental assistants can rise to more responsible positions, becoming office managers or clinical supervisors. Some choose to build on their learning by becoming dental hygienists.

A Sense of Purpose

There’s no greater sense of satisfaction for staff than to feel like what they do matters. Whether it’s chatting with patients about their dental concerns or saving smiles with cutting-edge technology, a dental assistant is a valuable member of a team dedicated to promoting the best in dental care. Jobs pay the bills, but careers are a mission.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an occupation is exciting, but it’s also a big step. It’s critical to ask the right questions. How does the job market look? Which skills are the most marketable? Will a field meet my changing needs?

No one knows for sure what the future holds, but in a world with so many promising careers, students with a passion for oral care should ask, is becoming a dental assistant worth it? It is, and there’s no better time to get started.

Want to Learn More?

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors, which offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist office or dental clinic. You get to work in real world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skill during lab work in dental assisting.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post Is Becoming a Dental Assistant Worth It? appeared first on Meridian College.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant supports licensed oral care professionals by managing a wide range of clinical and administrative responsibilities. On an average day, duties may include:

Scheduling Visits

Dental assistants know how much time treatments take, so they give the front office staff a hand with scheduling. You’ll help with the logistics, ensuring the right staff and equipment are available for the necessary procedures.

Greeting Patients

Seeing the dentist is stressful, so the first encounter patients have with staff can make or break their experience. As an ambassador of first impressions, you’ll greet patients, escort them to the treatment area and make them comfortable. A welcoming approach establishes trust and sets the tone for the entire visit.

Updating Medical Records

Before each visit, dental assistants update patients’ medical records, noting changes in medications and any new medical issues or medication allergies that may impact their treatment.

Preparing Treatment Areas

Dental assistants prepare the equipment and supplies the dentist needs before patients arrive. From setting up instrument trays to disinfecting shared equipment, they prevent the spread of infection and keep the schedule running smoothly.

Taking X-Rays

Dental assistants prepare patients for x-rays. Depending on their training, they can take and develop the film or assist a qualified hygienist who can.

Ordering Supplies

No one knows better what supplies to order than dental assistants. They keep track of inventory and place orders before supplies run out.

Chairside Support

Dentists need help managing tools during treatments. Dental assistants sit chairside, mixing filling materials, adjusting the light, and passing instruments while keeping a close eye on the patient.

Assisting in the Lab

Dental assistants spend time in the lab, cleaning and polishing dental appliances from partials to retainers. They also pour molds and take dental impressions for crowns, implants, and dentures.

Polishing Teeth

Polishing teeth is more than cosmetic. It removes surface stains, but it also smooths out imperfections in the enamel and discourages bacterial growth.

Sterilizing Equipment

No instrument that’s been in a patient’s mouth can be reused until it’s disinfected or sterilized. Using the best in chemical and heat treatments, dental assistants prevent the spread of infection by sanitizing equipment.

General Office Procedures

Dental assistants can handle clerical as well as clinical tasks. In their rare downtime, they may assist the office staff with tasks from filing to data entry. As the dentist’s liaison, they manage most referrals, sending and receiving clinical records as needed.

Patient Education

Whether it’s taking phone calls from anxious patients or teaching kids to brush, educating patients about oral care is a dental assistant’s most impactful responsibility. It’s a chance to bring better dental health to patients and help the next generation improve their oral wellness.

What Education Do You Need to Become a Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants have choices when it comes to their education. Some students choose to get a college degree, but many are turning to vocational schools for lifestyle-friendly programs. Practical, affordable, and no less comprehensive, diploma programs prepare you for the same jobs in half the time.

What Do You Learn During a Dental Assistant Program?

Dental assisting programs vary, but the best programs teach expanded functions, clinical skills beyond what lesser-trained dental assistants can handle. You’ll learn how to manage the daily tasks mentioned above and more, such as:

Clinical Charting

The rule in dentistry is that if it wasn’t documented, it wasn’t done. But charts are legal documents and clinical notes must be clear, objective, accurate and timely. Easier said than done, it requires the touch of a trained dental assistant with clinical expertise.

Preparing Instrument Trays

Dental assistants prepare equipment trays for procedures from fillings to root canals. In school, you’ll learn to identify the instruments used for examinations, cleaning, extractions, and oral surgery, plus how to arrange them properly for easy accessibility and to prevent cross-contamination.

Sterilizing Equipment

Keeping equipment sanitized is an important infection control measure that helps keep patients safe. Dental assisting programs cover the basics of microbiology, how pathogens spread and how to stop them. You’ll learn about the different methods of sterilization and how to safely use heat, pressure, and chemical sterilizers.

Performing Fluoride Treatments

Not all children drink fluoridated water, so topical fluoride treatments are a powerful tool for preventing cavities. A painless procedure, it’s one you’ll learn to perform on children, so they can experience a lifetime of better dental health.

Applying Sealants

A sealant is a thin liquid barrier applied over the teeth to protect them from bacteria. In a technical, multi-step process, you’ll work closely with dental hygienists to perform this essential service.

Applying Topical Anesthetics

Anesthetic injections prevent nerve pain during dental procedures, but the injections can be uncomfortable. To ease the pain, you’ll learn how to apply topical Lidocaine to the injection site.

Placing and Removing Matrices

Dental assistants position the matrix, the mold dentists use to create multi-surface fillings, and prepare the amalgam or ceramic filling material.

Fabricate and Cement Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are applied to a prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made. Dental assistants learn to fabricate the crown and cement it into place.

Polishing Crowns and Restorations

Fillings initially have a rough texture. After shaping, they need to be polished with an ultrasonic device to smooth the surface, so it’s less irritating to the tongue and oral mucosa. Polishing crowns helps give them a more natural look. In a dental assisting program, you’ll learn how to polish teeth using the latest high-tech equipment.

Taking Alginate Impressions

Dentists need a mold of the patient’s mouth to create custom appliances like dentures. Dental assistants mix and pour the materials and take the impressions.

Obtaining Bacteriological Specimens

A dental infection may require antibiotics to treat, but because not all antibiotics kill all bacteria, the organism causing it must first be identified. As a dental assisting student, you’ll learn how to swab skin and exudate, obtaining bacteriological specimens that meet laboratory criteria so patients can be treated promptly.

Wound Care

Periodontal surgery may require deep incisions that require stitches or packing. Dental assistants are trained to apply and remove dressings and assist with stitch removal.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School?

Why get a degree in dental assisting when vocational schools offer these benefits?

A Quick Start

Vocational school programs give students the skills they need in a fraction of the time of a degree program by focusing on practical skills. There are no prerequisites or elective courses, you’ll dive right in and be ready for your first job interview in a few short months.

But don’t be fooled by the length of vocational school programs. The curriculum is just as rigorous and includes the instruction you’ll need to succeed.

Seasoned Instructors

Some skills are best learned from people employed in the industry. That is why vocational schools invest in highly qualified instructors with first-hand experience that can fill the gap between classroom and real-world learning.

Flexible Schedules

Full-time students graduate faster, but if you can’t quit your job to attend day classes, why not attend part-time? You can learn at a slower pace and meet your personal goals while managing other responsibilities.

Small Class Sizes

If small class sizes appeal to you more than crowded lecture halls, you’ll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at vocational schools. Instruction is personalized, and you’ll have time to connect with your peers. Few students fall behind academically.

Career Services

Vocational schools do more than educate. They work hard to place their students in rewarding jobs. By partnering with local dental practices, they create goodwill for their students who are often among the first to learn about job openings. Better vocational schools offer lifetime job placement services.

Why Be a Dental Assistant?

Jobs come and go, but dental assisting is a career with perks too good to ignore, such as:

Job Security

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs openings for dental assistants are projected to grow 11-percent in the coming decade. So, while opportunities evaporate in other fields, erased by technology and automation, the job outlook for dental assistants just keeps getting better.

A Team Environment

Dental assistants work in a supportive, team-based environment in which their skills and input are valued. Everyone works together toward a common goal, bringing the patients the best in oral health care.

Professional Respect

When was the last time you truly felt appreciated at work? Dental assistants, like most healthcare workers, hold positions of trust. The work they do is respected by their peers and their communities.

Personal Rewards

People are the happiest when they know that what they do matters. We all want to feel like we’re making a difference. As a dental assistant, you’ll have a meaningful impact on others’ lives and make connections with people that enhance your growth as a person. Every time you help a fearful patient through a difficult procedure or teach a child how to brush their teeth, you create your legacy.

Final Thoughts

All learning is honorable, but it’s not necessarily practical. As a dental assisting student, do you want to spend years in college or get a jumpstart on your career with a vocational school diploma? If you have a passion for oral health and the courage to take the first step, your new career is just months away.

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors, which offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist office or dental clinic. You get to work in real world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skill during lab work in dental assisting.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post What Education Do You Need to Become a Dental Assistant? appeared first on Meridian College.

Both dental assistants and hygienists care for the requirements of patients. However, it is important to understand some of their roles and responsibilities are diverse. We will shed light on these two professionals by defining them and discussing their responsibilities.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant is an employee in a dental practice that ensures the dentist has all the required tools to work on the patient. Sometimes called, four handed dentistry, the dental assistant is an extra set of hands. The dental assistant is responsible for a wide range of responsibilities. Their work includes patient care, keeping work areas clean, as well as administrative and clinical work in the office.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists clean and polish patients’ teeth. They provide oral screenings to detect any infections or diseases such as cancer. They also inform patients on proper hygiene. They are usually the first line of defense in a dentist’s office, reviewing the patient’s teeth and letting the dentist know about any concerns they may find.

What are the Benefits of Both Professions?

Many employers will hire dental assistants and hygienist as part of their team, as these positions require a great deal of patient interaction. They will be required to have a strong work ethic. Also, dental therapists and other health professionals will appreciate their ability to put a smile on the faces of patients.

A dental assistant will have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, a lifelong benefit. While they may not know their patient’s history, they will learn all they can about their teeth and help them achieve optimal oral health. They will also network with other professionals in the field.

As a dental assistant, you will work with patients, including children and the elderly. It is a rewarding experience to restore smiles. You will also help people improve their self-esteem and self-confidence. As a dental assistant, you will be a valuable member of the dental team. It is worth considering this career if you are looking for a rewarding job in the healthcare industry.

Education Level

Dental assistants and hygienists have different education and certification requirements. Each state has its professional paths. However, attending a vocational school is an easy way to learn the ropes of a dental assistant job, and can be completed in as little as a year. Whereas most dental hygienists must attend 2-year and 4-year colleges. A dental assistant can also earn additional qualifications such as certification from the American Red Cross (CPR) or a topical an aesthesia certification.

However, in addition to their education and training, dental hygienists must have a license to work in Florida. To become a dental hygienist, a candidate must pass a national licensing examination. Also, they must be registered by the state’s board of dental examiners.

On-The-Job Duties

A dental assistant is responsible for helping dentists perform their work. They collect medical and dental histories and vital signs. They also give preoperative instructions and maintain supplies and equipment inventories. A dental assistant must be well-versed in infection control procedures to keep everyone safe. They must also have a responsibility to answer the patient’s questions and help guide them through dental procedures.

Other duties of a dental assistant include collecting and updating patient files. They must maintain the confidentiality of patient records and help to protect the privacy of patients’ information. They must also use computer software and password-protected systems to store patient records.

On the other hand, the primary responsibility of a dental hygienist is to conserve the practice’s resources. This includes taking x-rays, a job that requires sensitivity and a commitment to follow precise protocols. Many dental offices use new x-ray machines that take a series of images in less than five minutes. Some dental hygienists also take impressions of patient’s teeth for dental appliances.

Most of the duties of a dental hygienist revolve around the treatments they provide to their patients, which includes brushing and flossing the teeth. They also apply fluoride to weak teeth, sealants to damaged teeth, and remove tartar and plaque. Aside from routine cleanings and exams, dental hygienists also perform preventive procedures. They document their patients’ care plans and educate them on maintaining their oral hygiene. Dental hygienists may also administer local anesthesia, prescribe fluoride, and place temporary restorations.

Licenses and Certificates

Although the requirements for becoming a certified dental assistant vary by state, there are some common prerequisites. A limited permit allows dental assistants to practice without obtaining a license for a year. To qualify for this license, they must complete a board-approved program for dental assisting. They must also have a specific number of hours of relevant work experience.

A certificate is an industry-issued document stating that a professional has passed a set of standards. This certificate can make this professional stand out in a competitive job market, but it doesn’t guarantee legal permission from a state. A license is a government-issued document verifying that a dental professional has the knowledge and experience necessary to perform the role in a professional capacity and have voluntarily agreed to practice in a certain field.

To practice as a dental hygienist, students must obtain a license and endorsement. To obtain a license, they must apply with the Office of the Professions. There are two requirements to obtain licensure. A dental hygienist must complete continuing education courses, earn CPR certification, and maintain that CPR certificate. They must also complete a two-year college program to earn a license.

A state dental board will issue a license to a dental hygienist. The process involves written and clinical boards, CPR classes, and plenty of paperwork. After being licensed, the dental hygienist can practice dentistry in Florida.

Benefits of Attending a Vocational School

There are many benefits to attending a vocational school and becoming a dental assistant. From a quick start as a dental assistant to career services to find a new job, and everything in between. The many benefits include:

A Quick Start

Unlike a dental hygienist that must complete a 2-year or 4-year degree program and get licensed, a dental assistant can get the necessary training in under a year, attending full-time. Instead of on-the-job training that might not be complete and leave knowledge gaps, a vocational school program will offer the information that a dental assistant needs to prepare for a new career. They will also be ready to start earning after graduating from a vocational program. Dental assistants can graduate quicker because the coursework is streamlined, leaving out all the electives that make a well-rounded student. A dental assistant program teaches the student what they need to start working, and nothing else.

Small Class Sizes

Instead of being one in a thousand students sitting in a large lecture hall, vocational schools offer small class sizes to allow instructors to create unique coursework for each student. Each student may learn in a different way or at their own pace, and a small class size allows instructors to offer more individual time to each student, so no one is left behind.

Industry Experienced Instructors

One of the many benefits of attending a vocational school, is mentorship and guidance from industry experienced instructors. They have dental experience and understand what employers are looking for in a dental assistant. Instructors offer one-on-one attention to students and answer any questions they may have about the coursework. Many instructors will have close ties with the community and may find out about jobs even before the public. Instructors and even classmates are a great source of networking opportunities, so students can find a job after graduation.

Career Services

The best benefit of attending a vocational school is the career services. Most vocational schools will follow graduates throughout their career offering assistance when the time comes to find a new job. Around graduation, the career services department works with graduates to perfect their resume, prepare for interviews and offer job opportunities that fit their passions. They work to find the job that matches the student’s passion, so they enjoy everyday of their new career.

Final Thoughts

While dental assistants and hygienists are equally vital, they perform different tasks. Both dental hygienists and assistants work within a dentist’s office. However, the two jobs have different responsibilities but share common traits. This includes specialized knowledge of dentistry and strong interpersonal skills. Both jobs involve patient care and follow a strict protocol. If you are interested in becoming a dental assistant and want a rewarding career, then it is time to learn more about Meridian College.

The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors, which offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist office or dental clinic. You get to work in real world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skill during lab work in dental assisting.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post What is the Difference between a Dental Assistant and Hygienist? appeared first on Meridian College.

Although infection control is making headlines these days, it has always been a standard part of dentistry. Limiting the spread of germs keeps patients and staff safe. It’s good for both health and business. But it takes teamwork to stay ahead of the microorganisms that cause disease, and whether it’s sterilizing instruments or getting an annual flu shot, dental assistants play a key role.

What is Infection Control?

The term “infection control” refers to procedures that minimize the risk of infections in healthcare settings. Only three things are required for infections to occur, a source, a host and a mode of transmission.

A Source

A reservoir for germs exists wherever conditions are favorable for their growth. Examples in a dental office include bathrooms, dental instruments, sinks, human mouths, and skin.

A Host

A host is a person vulnerable to infection. In a dental office, that includes patients, staff and guests.

A Mode of Transmission

For germs to cause infections, they need to move from the reservoir to the host. Pathogens in a dental office can travel via instruments, skin and body fluids, including saliva and respiratory droplets.

How to Control Infections?

Universal infection control protocols prevent the spread of disease by creating barriers between sources and hosts and by eliminating modes of transmission. Standard practices in a dental office include handwashing, cough etiquette, personal protective equipment, environmental sanitation, health screenings, and immunizations.

Handwashing

Handwashing for 20 seconds with soap and water removes almost all bacteria from the skin. Dental assistants should wash their hands, scrubbing vigorously, before donning gloves and after removing them to keep pathogens on their hands at the lowest level possible.

Cough Etiquette

Cough etiquette limits the spread of germs through respiratory secretions. All dental staff should cover their mouths with a tissue when they cough, disposing of it immediately after use. Handwashing then prevents the spread of bacteria that may have contaminated skin.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) creates a physical barrier between staff and patients, decreasing the transmission of germs. A dental assistant uses gear such as masks, gloves, gowns and face shields to protect themselves against contaminated body fluids. PPE must be changed between each patient and before leaving the room to prevent cross-contamination of other surfaces.

Environmental Sanitation

Regular use of chemical cleansers to sanitize hard surfaces and equipment from chairs and countertops to tools and instruments limits the growth of surface bacteria. Non-disposable instruments must be sterilized.

Health Screenings

If a patient with influenza sits with nine others in a waiting area, that individual is likely to infect at least one additional patient. Policies that prevent sick staff or patients from coming to the office eliminate potential reservoirs of infection.

Immunizations

As an oral care provider, it’s a dental assistant’s professional responsibility to protect patients from contagious diseases whenever possible. Vaccinations can protect staff from infection by patients and vice versa.

The Importance of Infection Control in a Dental Office

Germs are a part of life, millions of species exist naturally in the air, water and soil. Up to 500 types of beneficial bacteria live in the body, aiding with metabolism and digestion. Only a small number of microorganisms are known to be pathogens; bacteria, viruses or fungi that cause disease.

But because healthcare settings, such as dental offices, treat high volumes of patients, they harbor a greater number of potentially harmful germs, including those that are resistant to treatment. Healthcare-associated infections are a leading cause of illness in the United States, making pathogen control a must for the safe treatment of patients and protection of staff.

The Dental Assistant’s Role in Infection Control

One of the dental assistant’s primary and arguably most important roles in a dental practice is infection control, patient’s lives depend on it. Their responsibilities include sanitation, patient screening, and PPE Use.

Infection Control Through Sanitation

There are three levels of chemical cleaning done in healthcare settings, each has a unique purpose.

Level #1: Sanitation – kills some bacteria and viruses, less than half in some cases. Solutions are effective but comparatively mild, making them suitable for sensitive and low-risk surfaces. Examples include desks, restrooms, doorknobs, office equipment and floors.

Level #2: Disinfection – eliminates a higher percentage of potential pathogens. Chemicals are more potent and best used to clean the surfaces and equipment patients touch. Exam chairs, sinks and nearby surfaces are disinfected between visits for safety. Particular attention should be paid to moist surfaces because they’re more hospitable to bacterial growth.

Level #3: Sterilization – kills or inactivates all pathogens, but the process is harsh, involving high heat or powerful chemicals. Dental assistants sterilize all instruments used in patients’ mouths plus linens, fluids and other equipment used during oral surgery.

Patient Screening for Infection Control

It’s a dental assistant’s duty to protect high-risk patients but knowing which are vulnerable and need additional precautions requires understanding their medical history. What medical issues do they have? What prescription drugs are they taking? Do they have allergies to medicine?

High-risk patients include:

• Smokers
• Diabetics
• Pregnant women
• Those with artificial heart valves or joint prosthetics
• People with allergies to antibiotics and dental anesthetics
• Chemotherapy patients

Before an exam, a dental assistant helps patients complete or update medical history forms, clarifying responses and identifying concerns for the dentist to review before providing care. Those at high-risk for infection may require antibiotics before treatment or special precautions to limit their exposure to bacteria.

PPE Use for Infection Control

Humans are reservoirs for infection, but PPE serves as a roadblock. Gloves, masks and face shields prevent contaminated body fluids from contacting a dental assistant’s skin during procedures. PPE must be donned, removed and disposed of carefully between procedures to avoid contact with contaminants on the outside of the equipment. It’s not foolproof, but when worn consistently, it’s one more pathogen barrier a dental assistant has between themselves and their patients.

Skills for Success at Infection Control

Infection control is more than a set of procedures; it’s a philosophy. It’s critical to know the rules, but not every infection control situation is obvious.  These skills help dental assistants see the big picture. They include attention to detail, communication skills, clinical judgement, consistency and leadership skills.

Skill #1: Attention to Detail

Infection control is a meticulous process. Everything from mixing disinfectants and sterilizing instruments to donning and doffing PPE must be done according to strict standards. Attention to detail prevents the complacency that comes with doing repetitive tasks.

Skill #2: Communication Skills

Experts blame most infection control breeches on poor communication. One incidence of infection in a hospital, for example, could be linked to a malfunctioning heat sterilizer. A technician noted the problem over a weekend and stopped using it, but maintenance was never notified, and the unit was never tagged. Weekday staff continued to use the device without knowing it didn’t reach proper sterilization temperatures, resulting in infections. Mechanical safeguards have since been added to prevent future issues, yet the incidence could have been averted with communication.

Communication is also critical when interacting with patients. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests reaching patients through signage and social media improves their awareness of infection and how to prevent it. During cold season, a notice at the door, by a hand sanitizer dispenser, cues patients to think about their behavior. Dental assistants play an important part in planning these infection control interventions.

Skill #3: Clinical Judgement

Dental assistants use their knowledge of pathogens to make infection control decisions. Some feel automatic, like putting gloves on before handling a patient’s dental appliance. Others are less obvious, such as questioning if patient bathrooms are being cleaned as often as they should during flu season.

Sound clinical judgment empowers dental assistants to question infection control protocols and suggest improvements. It’s the definition of proactive, front line care.

Skill #4: Consistency

Infection control is an everyday practice, but bacteria are invisible, there are no obvious cues to remind staff that a surface or instrument could be contaminated. People can have infections or be colonized with germs and not show symptoms.

Research cited by the CDC pinpoints consistency as the key to effective infection control. Following policies and procedures is essential.

Skill #5: Leadership Skills

Infection control begins with knowledge, non-clinical staff and patients depend on dental assistants to spread the word, not the germs, by exemplifying good work habits and sharing valuable know-how. What they learn in school and through continuing education governs their personal practice, but it’s leaderships skills that help them guide others.

Final Thoughts

Dental assistants minimize the risk of illness to their patients and staff by following infection control procedures and helping others do the same. It’s an everyday responsibility with a profound impact. As oral care professionals, keeping people safe is always the top priority.

Are you concerned with infection control and keeping your dental patients healthy? Are you ready to become a dental assistant?  The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post Dental Assistants Play Key Role in Infection Control appeared first on Meridian College.

Dental assistants handle a broad range of essential administrative and clinical tasks in a dental practice. They support dentists, hygienists and office mangers but among their most critical responsibilities is patient management. It’s the very heart of dentistry.

What is Patient Management?

“Patient management” is an umbrella term describing how patients and oral care professionals relate in a business setting. It encompasses every interaction from the time an appointment is scheduled to post-procedure care. It’s both an art and a science, requiring the technical skills necessary to provide safe dental services plus the soft skills it takes to manage people. It’s an indispensable role for which dental assistants are well prepared.

Patient Management: The Dental Assistant’s Role

As the first and last person patients connect with when they visit their dentist, dental assistants use their expertise to serve as guides. They help vulnerable people get the quality oral care they deserve by making patients feel comfortable, explaining procedures, assisting at chairside, managing aftercare and handling nervous patients.

Making Them Feel Comfortable

Seeing the dentist is no one’s idea of fun, but when the first person a patient sees is warm and welcoming, they’re more likely to feel comfortable. From offering a hospitable reception area to meeting patients’ physical and emotional needs while they wait for services, a compassionate dental assistant helps sets the stage for a successful visit.

Explaining Procedures

Most patients know what to expect when they see their physician, but fewer than half say the same about seeing the dentist. Some Americans have never seen an oral care professional, and of those that do, only about half visit annually.

That means most patients are not familiar with the range of care a dentist can offer. Many can’t name more than the basic preventive services, such as cleanings, fillings and x-rays. There’s a significant knowledge gap among dental patients, a gap dental assistants can help fill. Demystifying procedures and answering questions about the oral care process helps patients feel engaged and willing to explore advanced dental services.

Assisting at Chairside

Dental assistants serve as an extra pair of hands for dental professionals at chairside, passing instruments, managing air and suction and monitoring patients for emergency needs. They make procedures more efficient, freeing the dentist to move on to the next patient faster.

But the benefits of a chairside assistant for the patient can’t be underestimated. By providing emotional support and positive feedback during care, they help patients stay relaxed, enhancing their comfort and satisfaction.

Managing Aftercare

No procedure is considered successful until the patient has recovered and expresses satisfaction with their care. So, whether it’s after a cleaning, a filling or an implant, giving patients clear follow-up instructions is a must.

Dental assistants explain self-care measures after a procedure as well as how to report unexpected symptoms and handle emergencies. They serve as liaisons between the patients and their dentist, taking an active role in patient education wherever they can.

Handling Difficult or Nervous Patients

Difficult patients are not uncommon in a dental practice. Yet most who are demanding or unpleasant are simply nervous. More than half of adults report forgoing oral care because of stress, and the incidence of dental phobia is prevalent. Due to nervousness, many patients may exhibit signs of anxiety ranging from irritability to panic.

Above all, nervous patients need a calming presence and a voice of reassurance. Responses to dental anxiety are rarely rational, but with help, they can be controlled. Part of patient management for dental assistants is to be a support system, helping nervous patients overcome their fears.

Skills Dental Assistants Need to Manage Patients

There are many different skills that can help a dental assistant manage patients. They include communication skills, a positive attitude, compassion, professionalism, time management skills, and open-mindedness.

Skill #1: Communication Skills

A dental assistant spends more one-on-one time with patients than any other member of the oral care team, so they need good verbal and written communication skills to relate to patients and to dentists on patients’ behalf. They also need a grasp of non-verbal communication, or body language. Understanding how a patient is feeling by responding to their non-verbal cues helps dental assistants better meet patients’ needs and ensure their safety.

Skill #2: A Positive Attitude

Visiting a dentist is stressful, so patients are always grateful to receive care from friendly, positive staff. When a dental assistant loves their job, it shows. Patients feel at ease and cared for, like they’re in the company of old friends. It’s an especially vital skill for working with children and seniors, and it enhances relationships with peers. Dental offices are fast-paced, and staying positive helps control workplace stress.

Skill #3: Compassion

Few people without compassion pursue careers in healthcare but working with dental patients requires an extra measure of empathy. Whether it’s validating a worried patient’s concerns, holding a toddler’s hand, or repeating instruction to a senior who’s hard of hearing, for the third time, a little compassion goes a long way toward ensuring cooperation and repeat customers.

Skill #4: Professionalism

Dental assistants represent the entire oral care team. The way they approach patients reflects on the practice as a whole, and the utmost professionalism is expected. By demonstrating only, the highest standards, dental assistants inspire patient confidence and help the practice maintain a good reputation in the community. It’s the essence of patient management.

Skill #5: Time Management Skills

The patient management process is critical to both patients and professionals. Dentists care about the people they serve, but they’re also running a business that must remain profitable to stay afloat. To do that requires staying on schedule, and that takes the keen time management skills of a dental assistant.

Dental assistants manage the flow of patients through the practice. They greet patients at the door, handle their concerns, and direct them from one service to the next, until it’s time to check out. By staying one step ahead of what the dentist and the patient need and troubleshooting issues promptly, dental assistants keep things running smoothly.

Skill #6: Open-mindedness

A dental assistant works with patients from all walks of life, and although they’re seeking care, some may not value dentistry as much as others. There are nations in the world today where oral care is uncommon and poor areas of America where it’s still considered a luxury.

As oral care specialists, dental assistants want patients to receive the most advanced services possible, but they need to be open-minded and respectful of what patients want. Patients without insurance, for example, may opt for an extraction over restoration because of financial barriers.

While it’s a dental assistant’s job to advocate for what’s best, it’s never their role to judge. They can only aim for the best results based on the patient’s values.

Final Thoughts

Patient management is more than a buzzword, it’s the spirit of oral care. Working as a dental assistant is exciting because it’s technically challenging, and there’s something new to learn every day. But ultimately, it’s helping people that makes it gratifying. Few careers offer as great an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, to go home every day feeling satisfied in the day’s accomplishment. It’s a tremendous responsibility that comes with never-ending rewards.

Did reading about dental assistant patient management interest you? Are you ready to become a dental assistant? The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

The post Patient Management: A Dental Assistant’s Guide appeared first on Meridian College.

A dental assistant handles a wide range of clinical and administrative responsibilities in a dental office, but among the most meaningful is chairside assisting. Passing the dentist instruments, managing water and suction, and working with patients to keep them comfortable and relaxed is an essential role. Also known as four-handed dentistry, chairside assisting is how a dental assistant best supports both the patient and dentist, by serving as a second pair of hands during oral care procedures.

What is Chairside Assisting?

Chairside assisting includes procedures from fillings and root canals, to extractions and implants, require more tools and equipment than two hands can hold. Patients also need to be closely monitored for comfort, safety, and physiological needs. The bottom line is dentists can’t do it alone. A chairside dental assistant’s two hands and watchful eyes are necessary to make four-handed dentistry a success.

From before procedures begin to the moment a patient walks out the door, dental assistants make care safer and more efficient by:

• Setting up the right tools and equipment
• Educating patients about their dental care
• Preparing patients physically and emotionally
• Passing the dentist instruments and filling materials
• Managing suction and air-water syringes
• Encouraging patients to stay properly positioned and relaxed
• Providing clear aftercare instructions

Skills for Success as a Chairside Dental Assistant

Being a partner to both professionals and patients has challenges and requires unique skills, including good communication skills, foresight, time management skills, empathy, compassion, focus, attention to detail, the ability to educate, open-mindedness, team spirit and a positive attitude.

Skill #1: Good Communication Skills

A dental assistant is the cornerstone of a three-person team, the dentist, the dental assistant and the patient. Dental assistants provide hands-on chairside support, staying focused on the dentist’s needs while also being aware of the patient’s responses to treatment. They’re communication managers.

Dental assistants maintain a running dialogue during procedures, letting patients know what to expect during each stage of care while offering feedback and responding to body language that suggests fear or discomfort. A frightened patient, for example, may pull away at the wrong moment, compromising a filling. Being aware of nonverbal cues helps the dental assistant comfort the patient and keep them safe.

As a liaison for the oral care team, a dental assistant spends the most one-on-one time with patients chairside, so oral care professionals depend on them to relate concerns on patients’ behalf. For example, letting the dentist know a patient is worried about aesthetic outcomes allows them to review expectations while patients concerned about cost can be counseled about payment and financing options in advance.

Skill #2: Foresight

Acting as a dentist’s hands requires foresight, the ability to anticipate the dentist’s needs. It begins by setting up equipment and supplies for each procedure. Trays for a simple filling could have two dozen or more instruments, while the extraction of wisdom teeth requires anesthesia and surgical equipment.

During procedures, a chairside dental assistant anticipates the dentist’s every move. This requires in-depth knowledge of each process as well as the terminology describing dozens of treatments and hundreds of instruments. Since procedures can be performed with different approaches, each dentist tends to have their own unique preference that the dental assistant should be aware of. It’s never easy at first, but once the dentist and dental assistant achieve a working rhythm, they work together like a well-oiled machine.

A dental assistant also needs the foresight to predict patient behavior. Patient cooperation is a must for procedures to be safe. By observing patients before and during care, chairside dental assistants can identify potential issues before they occur, and they can intervene more quickly if they do.

By foreseeing patients’ questions about topics from insurance copayments to pre-procedure medication restrictions, dental assistants can better prepare patients for their visit. It’s also helpful when designing written aftercare instructions that include the information patients may need to care for themselves at home under most circumstances without calling the office.

Skill #3: Time Management Skills

A dentist’s time is valuable, and the more patients they see in a day, the better the financial health of the practice and the faster patients receive care. By delegating tasks that don’t require professional attention, dentists maximize their time.

A good chairside dental assistant takes care of everything short of the actual service so dentists can move on to the next patient who requires their expertise. It takes top-notch time management skills, but it helps the schedule run on time, and that’s a win-win for both dentists and patients.

Skill #4: Empathy

More than half of adults have delayed seeing a dentist because of stress. Of those, some admit to dental phobia, and a small portion say they will only see a dentist when tooth pain becomes unmanageable. Part of a dental assistant’s job is to explain treatments and expectations to patients while overcoming objections such as anxiety and fear, but everyone is unique and requires a different approach.

Empathy, the ability to see events from others’ point of view, makes it easier to understand what patients are thinking and why. It helps dental assistants better understand patients’ motivations and tailor care to their unique needs.

Skill #5: Compassion

Compassion is the desire to help those in need. In theory, it’s easy, but it’s much more difficult in practice. Few students would choose a career in dentistry if they didn’t have a genuine concern for others, but when difficult patients don’t reciprocate the feeling, it’s hard not to take it personally.

Dental assistants want to offer the best chairside care possible, but anxiety can get the best of patients who then act out in unpleasant and frustrating ways. Being compassionate means putting aside expectations and working with people despite their emotions.

Skill #6: Focus

Dental assistants are asked to be multi-taskers, but when working with patients, it’s critical to be attentive and focus on a patient’s needs. Patients pay for time, and they expect undivided attention.

From reviewing the services to be performed to answering questions about care, a dental assistant that focuses on patients’ needs minimizes the potential for errors, ensures services go smoothly and inspires patient confidence.

Skill #7: Attention to Detail

Attention to detail reflects how thoughtful someone is toward their work. It’s a pattern of accuracy and professional consistency when accomplishing tasks. Attention to detail is critical in any role where mistakes can affect patient health.

For example, if a dental assistant misspells a patient’s name, it could result in far-reaching errors. Over a million medical mistakes are attributed to name glitches annually. Multiplied over the number of clinical and administrative tasks as a dental assistant does, getting the details wrong can be costly.

Skill #8: The Ability to Educate

A dental assistant is a teacher at heart. Their knowledge and experience combined with their approachable demeanor make them patients’ go-to-source for information. As an ambassador for the oral care field, they take a leading role in educating patients about timely topics, including:

• Pre- and post-procedure care
• Brushing and flossing techniques
• Choosing the best dental health products
• Preventing gum disease
• Nutrition and oral health
• Cleaning and preventive care
• Dentistry for kids
• Restoration procedures
• Dentures and orthodontic appliance care

Patient education is a challenging but rewarding role. Dental assistants work chairside with patients from all walks of life and connecting with them in ways they can understand can be tough, but it’s a smile-saving effort. Simple adjustments, such as limiting technical jargon, improves comprehension and helps patients feel more informed and comfortable in general with dentistry. The goal is to make patients feel like partners in their care.

Skill #9: Open-mindedness

Dental assistants work with people from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, most of whom hold different opinions about the value of dentistry. As an oral care specialist, a dental assistant wants patients to receive the best care, but good dentistry begins and ends with what the patient wants.

Patients without dental insurance, for example, may choose less expensive treatment options over the most advanced techniques while others may put cosmetic outcomes over health concerns. It’s not a dental assistant’s job to judge, their role is to work with the dentist and patients to achieve the best possible results based on the patient’s values.

Skill #10: Team Spirit

Quality dentistry is a team effort, everyone from the receptionist to the dentist has a specific role, yet they all work together toward a common goal. Members acknowledge each other’s responsibilities and support their efforts, and as trust builds between individuals, care becomes more efficient.

At the heart of the oral care team, dental assistants work closely with all members of the staff toward meeting patient expectations, and when they work well together, it shows. It conveys the sense that everyone is on the same page and boosts patient confidence in their treatment plan. Surveys consistently show that patients are more satisfied when they can tell the staff collaborates.

Skill #11: A Positive Attitude

Employers and patients alike appreciate people who bring a positive attitude to work. Visiting the dentist is stressful for patients but working with positive and friendly staff makes it less intimidating.

It also makes a workplace more productive. Studies show the US economy loses money to workplace stress. It’s been linked to health problems, accidents and lost revenue. Meanwhile, a growing body of research suggests that working with positive people has dramatic benefits for both employers and staff.

Final Thoughts

Working chairside with a dentist is challenging but exciting. Dental assistants get a bird’s eye view of what dentistry has to offer while making a lasting difference in the lives of the patients they serve. Few careers offer such a sense of personal accomplishment and the benefits of collaborating with a dedicated team. It’s a great responsibility with an even greater reward.

Did learning about a dental assistant’s chairside assisting skills interest you? Do you need to become a dental assistant first? The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.

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