If you’ve been thinking about pursuing a career as a dental assistant, you might have quite a lot on your mind, and if you’ve already enrolled in a program and are gearing up to get started, you could be feeling a little lost. But if you have pressing questions, don’t worry—your dental assistant instructors have plenty of answers. Here are three must-ask questions to bring with you as you begin learning the ropes of dental assisting; by getting the information you need, you can confidently commit to your exciting new career!
What Do I Need to Do to Improve?
It’s important to realize that the dental field is constantly evolving; new technologies are emerging, as well as new techniques, that change and update how oral healthcare is planned and performed. This means you should never remain complacent with what you know; always be looking for new ways to improve, new things to learn, or new ideas to bring to the table. Plus, remember—your dental assisting program isn’t the end of your education, but rather, the beginning! Never hesitate to ask your instructors, mentors, and even your colleagues for feedback. You’ll also have access to a plethora of useful resources while enrolled in your program, all of which can help you to improve and build upon your foundational knowledge; your instructors can guide you to what you need.
What Will My Day Look Like When I’m Working as a Dental Assistant?
It’s not uncommon for dental assistant students to have no prior experience working in healthcare—and that’s perfectly okay! If you’re in this boat, you have nothing to worry about, as it’s natural to be confused or nervous about what comes next. However, dental assistant instructors are experienced, calm, and patient, and will happily share what they’ve learned to help you better understand what you can expect while on the job. Some of these duties and responsibilities could include things like assisting dentists with certain treatments, sterilizing equipment, reviewing patient records, processing payments, and other various tasks.
How Can I Land My First Job as a Dental Assistant?
You should be thinking about getting your first position as a dental assistant even before you complete your educational program—the early bird gets the worm, as the expression goes, and in a competitive job market, it doesn’t hurt to get a head start when searching. Your program’s instructors, as well as the dentists, hygienists, and other assistants you work with, are all excellent sources of information on how to find your first position; they may know of practices that are hiring, or they could point you toward a job fair or other networking opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for their insights; it’s important to know what the specific market in your area is offering.
About the Green Country School of Dental Assisting
Here at the Green Country School of Dental Assisting, we’ve helped countless aspiring dental assistants in Claremore and the surrounding area take their first successful steps in their new careers. If you have any questions about the blog, our program, or you’d like to get in touch with us to request enrollment information, please reach out online or call our office for assistance. Telephone: (918) 343-7188.