Dental assistant training can start you on the road to a very rewarding career. As an assistant, you’ll be a part of a team that increases the efficiency of a dental office, helping to improve the quality of care. You’ll be responsible for many different tasks which might vary from day to day. These tasks may include procedures, various office duties, and patient communication.
Assisting in treatment: job duties
When you attend dental assistant schools in Albuquerque, you’ll learn how to assist with a number of dental procedures and tasks, such as:
• Taking dental X-rays
• Making teeth impressions for study casts
• Preparing tools and materials for restorations and impressions
• Sterilizing equipment and instruments
You may also be asked to assist with direct patient care under a variety of specialties, such as oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and periodontics.
Office duties of a dental assistant
While you may spend much of your time helping the dentist with treatments after dental assistant school, you’ll also be responsible for making sure the office runs as smoothly as possible. Many times this means performing varied office management tasks, such as:
• Scheduling appointments
• Ordering supplies
• Updating patient charts
• Answering phones
• Billing patients and suppliers
You may also need to work with patients and insurance providers to ensure a specific treatment or product needed is paid for. Because of these tasks, certain personal and positive qualities, such as organization and strong attention to detail, are essential.
Working with patients
If working as a dental assistant is your dream, it’s important that you begin your dental assistant training with your future patients in mind. Once you begin your career, these individuals will be part of your daily life. Good communications skills, listening skills, and interpersonal skills are essential if you want to make the most of this challenging, yet lucrative career.
As a dental assistant, it will be your responsibility to make patients feel comfortable and at ease before, during, and after their treatment. You’ll be responsible for obtaining their medical history, as well as taking their pulse and blood pressure before a procedure or office visit.
You’ll also play an important role in the dental education of your patients both young and old. You’ll help them develop the right strategies to maintain their oral health; these include nutritional counseling, flossing, and tooth brushing. It will be your job to ensure they understand the importance of oral health and know how to take care of their teeth and gums.
This is just a general overview of the numerous responsibilities you’ll have if you choose a career in dental assisting. Are you ready to take on this rewarding role? If so, start your dental assistant training now with the American Institute of Dental Assisting in New Mexico and step into your bright new future!