Many people are drawn to the idea of becoming a dental assistant because it’s a rewarding career, offering job security, convenient scheduling, and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. But one common concern that dental assistant students often share is “What if I’m squeamish?”
If the thought of blood, saliva, or dental tools makes you a little uneasy, you aren’t alone—plenty of successful dental assistants start out with this same fear! But the good news is that it doesn’t have to hold you back from succeeding in this field. Here’s what you need to know.
Being Squeamish Isn’t a Dealbreaker for Dental Assistants
Dental assisting is about more than just helping with dental procedures; it’s about making patients comfortable, preparing treatment rooms and instruments, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for the whole dental team, as well as lending a helping hand to the dentist whenever possible. While it’s true that you may occasionally see blood or deal with an unpleasant sight or odor, those moments are a small but inevitable part of the job.
In truth, most of the squeamishness you might feel comes from inexperience, and when you’re new, everything can feel extra unfamiliar and seem jarring. But just like anything else, the more exposure you have, the more accustomed you’ll become to the nature of the dental office. Plus, dental assisting programs are designed to ease students into the clinical environment. You won’t be thrown into anything too complex at first, and you’ll work your way up to the tasks that might’ve made you squeamish at the beginning!
Tips for Managing Squeamishness as a Dental Assistant Student
If you’re worried about queasiness, here are some strategies that can help you out:
- Use protective barriers and clothing like gloves, masks, and eyewear to protect yourself; it can also help to make you feel more comfortable and less anxious.
- Focus on the patient, not the treatment. Shifting your attention to how you’re helping someone feel better can distract you (and them) from what’s going on inside their mouth.
- Practice deep breathing exercises and use them as needed; staying calm and steady can help you to stay focused.
- Talk with your instructors, as they’ll be able to provide encouragement and help you through challenging moments. They’ve been in your shoes before!
The bottom line is that feeling squeamish doesn’t mean you can’t become a dental assistant, but you will need to anticipate needing some time to adjust. But with a little training and support, it won’t be long before you’re making a difference in the lives of patients!
About the Green Country School of Dental Assisting
Here at the Green Country School of Dental Assisting, we’ve assisted countless aspiring dental assistants in Claremore and the surrounding area in kicking off their new careers, and we’d love to help you take your first steps as a new dental assistant. If you have any questions or you’d like to get in touch with our staff to request additional enrollment information, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (918) 343-7188.