Table of Contents
- Key Points
- What Is Dental Assistant Recognition Week?
- Are Dental Assistants the Same Thing as Hygienists?
- What Are the Main Responsibilities of Dental Assistants?
- How Patients Can Show Appreciation to Dental Assistants
- Learn More About the Role of Dental Assistants at Your Raleigh NC Dentist
Key Points
Dental assistants are a vital part of any practice. They provide invaluable services that often go overlooked.
The first full week of March is officially “Dental Assistant Recognition Week.” This is a formal recognition coordinated by the American Dental Assistants Association.
This article explains the importance of Dental Assistant Recognition Week, along with the many important services that dental assistants perform. Keep reading to find out why you should show appreciation for the contributions they make to your and your family’s oral health.
What Is Dental Assistant Recognition Week?
Dental Assistant Recognition Week is a time for the dental community and patients to take a moment to celebrate a vital part of every dental team: dental assistants. It is a chance to express gratitude for the very important work they do, as well as their dedication and contributions to the oral health of their patients. One of the most important aspects of dental assistants week is that it brings awareness about the many responsibilities of these professionals.
Are Dental Assistants the Same Thing as Hygienists?
No, while both dental assistants and dental hygienists assist the dentist, dental assistants generally perform more administrative tasks. The primary responsibilities of hygienists are more clinical. However, dental assistants do play a major role in helping both hygienists and dentists with certain clinical procedures, among other responsibilities.
What Are the Main Responsibilities of Dental Assistants?
To fully appreciate dental assist week, it is important to first have a comprehensive picture of what it is that dental assistants do. Dental assistants juggle many responsibilities that contribute to both the patient experience and the efficiency of the office. Their duties can be broken down into two categories: administrative and clinical.
Administrative Responsibilities
The administrative responsibilities of dental assistants include:
- Scheduling appointments
- Record keeping
- Office tasks
One of the main responsibilities of dental assistants is scheduling patients for appointments for examinations, cleanings, procedures, and follow-up visits. They also help maintain patient dental records and document treatments.
Dental assistants usually are responsible for answering phones, maintaining inventories (including dental equipment), and ordering dental and other office supplies. In many offices, dental assistants take the lead in processing insurance claims.
Clinical Responsibilities
Clinical duties of dental assistants include:
- Patient preparation
- Assisting the dentist
- Sterilization and infection control
- Radiography
- Taking dental impressions
- Patient education
Dental assistants prepare the dental chair and area for patients. They often complete intake forms, including a patient’s medical history.
Dental assistants help prepare patients for procedures, including taking vital signs or making sure that they are comfortable. Perhaps more than anyone in the office, they are key to creating a warm, positive experience for patients.
Dental assistants will help the dentist or hygienist during procedures. They often sterilize dental instruments and maintain a clean and sanitary work environment. They are available to hand the dentist or hygienist instruments or use suction hoses and other equipment to keep the patient’s mouth dry.
Dental assistants often conduct dental X-rays and impressions. They are the office staff responsible for giving patients instructions on oral hygiene practices and post-operative care.
How Patients Can Show Appreciation to Dental Assistants
One of the easiest but most impactful things patients can do to show appreciation for dental assistants is to thank them for their work and dedication. Whenever you are in the office, a sincere word of appreciation can go a long way.
Leaving positive reviews and testimonials on social media or Google is another way to show gratitude. Doing so only takes a few minutes, and it can have a positive impact on their careers, in addition to making them feel good for doing an outstanding job.
Learn More About the Role of Dental Assistants at Your Raleigh NC Dentist
We hope you found this information on Dental Assistants Recognition Week interesting and useful. Be sure the thank the assistants at your office for all the hard work and expertise they bring to the practice.
At Loren Dental, we are proud of our friendly, qualified, professional dental assistants who allow us to deliver the highest caliber of dental services in Raleigh NC. In addition to our stellar staff, what makes us unique is a focus on providing a curated experience for every patient in a spa-like atmosphere. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Raleigh NC.