Habits of a Highly Effective Dental Assistant

Improve Efficiency & Reduce Stress

A highly effective dental assistant contributes to the overall efficiency of the practice while reducing stress for the Doctor and team. Developing a “clinic vision” is critical for success. Doctors and dental hygienists tend to work with a focus on their own schedule; the dental assistant monitors everyone’s schedule. They are able to direct the Doctor to the appropriate operatory at convenient times for exams while utilizing the skills of the hygienist to keep the restorative schedule on track. This skill goes beyond completing a set of tasks throughout the day, it incorporates ongoing critical thinking skills. While individual states mandate specific tasks dental assistants are allowed to perform, all dental assistants can incorporate the following habits that will contribute to positive work culture.

1. Expand Skills to the Maximum Allowed Under State Law
   It is ineffective for a Dentist to perform a task that could be completed by a dental assistant. Review procedures that can be performed by a dental auxiliary and maximize those opportunities. Job satisfaction will increase for the dental assistant while time is afforded the Dentist to complete other tasks, such as recare exams. A highly effective assistant recognizes weak areas and seeks mentoring from the Dentist or outside training opportunities for improvement. To be highly effective, the dental assistant must master his/her technical skills.
2. Remain Highly Organized
   There is no greater waste of time in a busy clinic than the time spent trying to find a material, instrument, curing light, or sensor. Use a lean principle to dictate a designated place for everything. Returning items to their proper place after use is a hallmark of organizational skills. A high level of organization incorporates premade procedure trays, material tubs, cassettes, and an inventory tag system for supplies. Time spent organizing will be saved throughout the day as measured by reduced stress and smooth appointments. Effective dental assistants plan in advance for each procedure, eliminating the need for them to leave the patient to find something.
3. Develop a Clinic Vision
   Some dental assistants call this “directing traffic.” When dental assistants master this skill the rest of the clinical team can focus on the patient in their chair and feel confident the dental assistant will direct the Doctor to complete exams at appropriate times. When states allow, the dental assistant can also direct the hygienist to provide anesthetic to keep the restorative schedule on time. Hygienists must be willing to let the Doctor interrupt during their procedure to provide an exam at a time that works for the entire clinic. The dental assistant monitors emergencies added to the schedule and makes sure pre-scheduled patients take priority. They communicate readily and frequently with the rest of the team throughout the day.
4. Understand How Long Procedures Take
   Scheduling the correct amount of time for procedures is critical. A general scheduling guideline should be in place for the front office team, however, the dental assistant should be the point person when timing questions arise.
5. Huddle the Schedule 2-3 Days in Advance
   Identifying scheduling challenges 2-3 days in advance allows time for correction. It also provides time to track down lab cases and necessary special materials. At the morning huddle, the assistant identifies proper times to schedule day-of emergencies.
6. Provide Thorough Transitions from the Clinic to the Administrative Area
   The final impression the patient takes away from their dental visit occurs at the end of the appointment. Provide a recap at the front desk that summarizes the treatment provided and the next steps. The recap is designed to benefit the patient and help the front desk team member know what to schedule next. This transition should be a comfortable habit as it is performed numerous times each day.