What are the Three Key Traits a Dental Assistant Needs?
If you’ve ever considered a career as a dental assistant you may be wondering, what traits do you need to become one?
Keep reading to find out what key characteristics good assistants need.
Dedication
Dental assisting is not always an easy job. Like any position, there will be both good and bad days, and a good assistant will know how to take that in stride. You will also need to be committed to your studies while preparing to be an assistant so you’ll be more than ready for your first day on the job.
Compassion
It’s not uncommon for children and even adults to be scared or nervous at the dentist. The best assistants know how to keep their patients calm, and reassure them that they will be safe during their visit. Additionally, you will need to have as gentle of a hand as possible when performing any sort of procedures as to not cause undue pain or discomfort to your patients. A smile, listening ear, and empathetic demeanor can go a long way with helping patients feel comfortable in the dental office.
Work Ethic
As a dental assistant, you’ll need to be hard working. Assisting involves being on your feet for long hours, and working long shifts with limited breaks. You’ll need to be committed to your work and ready to help out whenever necessary. Needless to say, lazy people do not thrive in this industry. Additionally, you’ll need to be reliable by showing up to your scheduled shifts on time. Assistants are vital to the dental office, and if you are regularly late or absent from work this will not be the career path for you.
How Do You Become an Assistant?
If you have the aforementioned qualities, dental assisting may be right for you. But how do you become an assistant? First, you’ll need to find a high quality certification program. You’ll want to look for a program that’s accredited, hands-on, informational, and highly recommended by past students. Once you’ve found the right program for you it’s time to begin attending classes. Many programs have flexible training schedules so you can work toward your goal at your own pace. After you’ve earned your certification it’s time to enter the job market and begin your career. Luckily for you, dental assisting is one of the few professions projected to grow within the coming years so you should have no trouble finding a job.
Contact Dental Fundamentals
If you embody these traits, a career as a dental assistant could be for you. Consider studying dental assisting at one of the best facilities in the state, Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting. We offer hands-on training on a highly flexible schedule so you can become an assistant in your own time. Take the first step toward your new career and contact Dental Fundamentals today, we service students from the Utah cities of Salt Lake City, West Valley, Murray, Layton, and more