As many of us in the dental profession know, working as a dental assistant can be incredibly rewarding and full of opportunities for growth. Whether you are just starting out or have been in the profession for years, there is always something new to learn. After 35 years as a dental assistant, one thing I’ve learned is that I must be a constant student. Continued learning not only enhances your skillset but also opens doors for career advancement, personal growth, and satisfaction.
Dentistry is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and techniques emerging daily. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to make a habit of staying informed. Reading about new industry trends, watching podcasts from leaders in the field, and subscribing to newsletters can all be valuable tools. Even following dental blogs like this one can help you expand your knowledge and learn something new. Two excellent sources for insights into the latest advancements are the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Once you learn about a new trend in dentistry, seek out additional information to deepen your understanding. Broadening your knowledge and applying it to your role increases your value and contributes to the success of the practice.
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to grow as a dental assistant is by learning directly from daily experiences. As a constant student, I make it a point to pay close attention to the techniques and practices used by the dentist and other team members I work with. If I don’t fully understand a process, I ask questions to ensure clarity. There’s always a better way to do things! If I’m unfamiliar with a procedure, I take detailed notes and focus on understanding the “why” behind each step. Memorizing the steps is useful, but understanding the rationale behind them is essential for mastery.
Depending on the state where you work, you may be required to take continuing education courses to maintain your credentials as a dental assistant. Even if it’s not mandatory, enrolling in specialized courses is a fantastic way to expand your skill set and bring more value to your role. Certifications such as Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) – which in some states have varying levels like EFDA I and EFDA II – can significantly boost your career and make you an even more valuable asset to your practice.
As a dental assistant, you interact with patients, dentists, and other team members every day. Strong communication skills are essential for explaining procedures to patients, making them feel comfortable, and ensuring smooth coordination within the office. Practice active listening, show empathy, and work on providing clear and concise instructions. Effective communication helps ensure that daily tasks within the practice run smoothly and efficiently.
With the many social media platforms available today, connecting with experienced dental assistants and mentors has never been easier. Mentors and seasoned professionals can provide invaluable career advice, share their experiences, and guide you through the challenges you face. Don’t hesitate to ask senior colleagues for feedback or suggestions on improving your performance. I can’t begin to count the number of times I learned things the hard way by trying to figure it out on my own. Once I started asking questions and seeking guidance from more experienced assistants, I discovered better and more efficient ways to accomplish tasks. This experience is one of the reasons I am so passionate about clinical training – I want to help others avoid the frustration I faced and find simpler, more effective ways to succeed.
Dental offices are fast-paced environments, and staying organized is key to improving efficiency. Develop strong time management skills, use systems to track appointments and inventory, and create checklists to ensure all necessary tools and equipment are ready before each procedure. Being proactive in your role not only supports the team but also helps the entire practice run more effectively.
Growing and learning on the job as a dental assistant requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a curiosity about finding better ways to accomplish daily tasks. By staying informed, seeking mentorship, and honing your technical and communication skills, you can advance your career and become an invaluable member of your practice. Keep learning, keep growing, and enjoy the journey of becoming the best dental assistant you can be!
Sherri Merritt
Dental Consultant & Trainer
