When you visit your dentist, whether it’s for routine preventive care or an important and necessary treatment, the doctor listed on the name plaque isn’t the only person you interact with. Throughout your appointment, you’ll also engage with dental assistants! These are invaluable team members of any dental office, and they do quite a bit of the heavy lifting that keeps the practice running smoothly and at peak efficiency. In honor of Dental Assistant Recognition Week, here are four reasons to celebrate dental assistants!
1. They Assist with Preparation and Takedown
Before you’re even seated in the dentist’s chair, a dental assistant has been hard at work prepping the space for your appointment. Everything including tools, charts, and machinery must be sterilized and prepared for patient care, and there are various cleaning procedures and methods that need to be carried out, in accordance with strict safety and infection protocols. This also includes cleaning anything left over from a previous session. Once a patient has completed their appointment, this same process is repeated for all subsequent patients.
2. They Provide an Extra Set of Hands for the Dentist
The dental assistant typically assists with taking the patient to the examination room and discussing their needs. They can also take X-rays and other assessments for the dentist. Most importantly, they assist the dentist with various tasks during the appointment including instrument handling, rinsing and suction, keeping things tidy, and limiting the spread of bacteria. Dental assistants can also take impressions of teeth and provide post-care instructions.
3. They’re Instrumental in Office Management
Dental assistants don’t just help with patient-facing tasks; they also keep the whole practice operating smoothly and without issue! This includes responsibilities like ordering supplies, scheduling appointments, submitting claims, billing customers, and other various administrative tasks. Dental assistants are some of the best multi-taskers around!
4. They Possess Ancillary Knowledge
A dental assistant can actually elevate the level of care a practice provides purely through the dispersion of knowledge. Whether it’s providing a patient with additional oral hygiene tips, brushing and flossing techniques, or simple information about the expected course of the visit, a dental assistant serves as an invaluable and supplementary wealth of information.
The job duties of a dental assistant are multi-faceted, but certainly not thankless. Because of what they do, your dentist can provide an exceptional and comprehensive level of care that keeps your smile looking and feeling its absolute best.
About the Practice
The team at Giamberardino Dental Care is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Medford, MA community. The practice is led by Dr. Anthony Giamberardino, who received his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of several notable organizations including the American Dental Association. If you’d like to arrange an appointment with the practice, feel free to visit their website or give them a call at (781) 396-3800.