Getting a raise from your dental practice employer can pose some challenges, such as not knowing how to stand out among other workers, or what you can do for the practice, and not knowing where to start. No matter if you are new to the dental assistant role or you are a seasoned assistant with 20 years of experience, the best way to get a raise is to stand out among your team. Therefore, to help you navigate your way to a possible pay increase, your dental practice consultants at Bryant Consultants are sharing five ways to be a star dental assistant.
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Work Hard
Dental practices have various tasks that need completing, but due to the busy nature of the office, they often do not get done. We get it, you’re running to and fro all day assisting the dentist, cleaning patient rooms, and sterilizing instruments. But, your operatories need attention too. They need to be stocked. Water supply lines need refilling, and suction traps need cleaning. When you have completed your tasks, our dental consultants recommend looking for additional ways to help your colleagues. Maybe you can offer your assistance catching up on filing paperwork, or making hygiene callbacks to schedule patients. Each office will have its own protocols for who is allowed to handle each task, but it never hurts to ask. Avoid asking a closed-ended question like, “can I help you with anything?” or “let me know if you need any help.” Instead, ask open-ended questions such as, “what can I do to help?” By offering to help others, you create a bond with your other teammates and show your employer that you care about the overall success of the practice and not just your own.
In the event your colleagues do not need your assistance, there are still other tasks to complete. From sprucing up the breakroom or waiting area to doing some much-needed deep cleaning around the office, additional duties are everywhere, and when you take the initiative to complete them without being asked, you show a strong work ethic. Once your employer and teammates notice your efforts, you appear vital to the practice. When it comes time to discuss your salary, your small business consultants, Bryant Consultants, recommend pointing out the extra tasks completed above and beyond your job description.
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Offer Additional Dental Services
Offering patients additional dental services that naturally complement their needs is a great way to maintain patients and help them maintain good oral health. Also, by offering different services, you may introduce a helpful service for the patient that they did not know about before. Your dental practice coaches at Bryant Consultants warn dental assistants not to be pushy when discussing additional services. Avoid making the patient feel guilty for not choosing a particular procedure, or using scare tactics by saying something like, “your teeth will fall out if you don’t do this procedure.” It could irritate a patient or deter them from returning. Explaining the service and how it will benefit the patient is a better approach and could build trust between the patient and the practice.
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Volunteer
Even if you currently hold a full-time position as a dental assistant, you could benefit from volunteering to help provide dental services to inner-city communities or other causes that promote good oral health. By volunteering, you show your employer that you genuinely care and have a passion for being a dental assistant. Volunteering not only looks good on your resume, but it also makes you more employable. Your leading dental consultants at Bryant Consultants understands that most dental assistants do no consider volunteering, so you could have an advantage over others when it comes to requesting a raise.
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Build Relationships with Patients
Developing relationships with patients builds trust with your dental team while making the patient comfortable in sometimes frightening conditions. Calming patients with anxiety can help the dentist administer treatment in a low-stress environment. Looking for verbal or non-verbal cues that a patient is worried or anxious and addressing their situation calmly and with compassion can make the patient less stressed. We recommend speaking to and working with patients to build a trusting relationship.
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Continuing Education Credits
As technology, treatments, and processes improve, your professional growth must include obtaining continuing education credits. By immersing yourself in the latest information, you show your employer your dedication to providing the highest level of care to patients. Although some states require dental assistants to obtain additional credits, your knowledgeable dental practice mentors at Bryant Consultants advise going above and beyond to surpass state requirements. Not only will it provide more knowledge when treating patients, but it will also show your employer how serious and dedicated you are to furthering your skills and career.
Dental Practice Experts at Bryant Consultants
By improving yourself, you can improve your financial status. If you would like to learn more or schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation, please contact Bryant Consultants by calling (877) 768-4799. To ensure that you receive the latest updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
