Visiting your dentist can be a stressful experience for some. When receiving dental care, it is often times your dental assistant that you see more than anyone else; they are there from the moment you step in the office to receive you, and in many cases, they schedule follow up visits with you after receiving care. It pays to form a respectful relationship with an assistant that you receive care from, as they are a very qualified and respected part of dental care.
An assistant can add a lot to your care process. Having gone through extensive training in patient care, dental hygiene practice, and diagnostics, they can provide exceptional care from start to finish. Here is why it pays to get to know your dental professional:
1. They Represent The Whole Dental Practice
Your assistant is the face of the dental practice. A cheerful, competent, and qualified professional can make patients feel at ease with care. They are able to send the message that everyone in the entire practice is qualified, reputable, and professional.
2. They Make You Feel Better!
A lot of people have anxiety about going to the dentist. A good assistant can make you feel comfortable, at ease, and pain-free when delivering care. They are able to explain complicated procedures, calm frayed nerves, and answer questions that will help to put your mind at ease.
3. They Fight Germs & Prevent Infections
By delivering top-notch preventative and hygiene procedures, an assistant is able to fight off germs and infection that could lead to more serious dental complications. Their knowledge of cleaning and sterilization procedures allows them to clean and prepare equipment in ways that prevent infections from occurring. This knowledge is beneficial to you as they clean your teeth with the highest quality materials, ensuring your optimal oral health.
4. They Are A Dentist’s Right Hand
In a dental office, the assistant is a dentist’s right hand. Preparing for patient exams, scheduling appointments and taking x-rays are some of the many duties that are expected of a qualified professional, and every detail that goes into your total care is of benefit to the dentist as they make decisions about your future care.
5. They Keep The Office Running Smoothly
Whether making appointments, dealing with billing, or keeping schedules straight, a qualified assistant attends to logistical matters of running a successful dental practice to ensure that all parts function harmoniously together. Every small task that they complete contributes to your quality care, and for that, they should be commended and valued.
An assistant undergoes a rigorous education and training process that qualifies them to operate in many capacities as part of a dental care team. They are trained in all aspects of patient care, administration, and the mechanics of the mouth as it pertains to total health. When certified, they are able to perform many different responsibilities around a dental office in an attempt to make the practice run like a well-oiled machine. Without qualified assistants, quality patient care would not be possible for most dentists.
It pays to get to know your dental assistant on a personal level; as you build this trusting relationship, it benefits both of you as you move forward to design a comprehensive dental plan that works for both of you. They are involved in all aspects of your care, and they are able to provide valuable advice and treatment advice that you can use to make decisions about your oral health. They are an invaluable resources for ensuring your ongoing dental care. Here’s to your continued dental health!
