5 Secret Powers of Superhero Dental Assistants

Celebrating Dental Assistants This Week and Every Week

Often overlooked and misunderstood, dental assistants (DAs) are the lifeblood of smooth-running dental offices. And it isn’t until they take a day off (which rarely happens) that everyone else realizes that they are the glue holding the office together. 

The first week of March is set aside to celebrate this unsung superhero in the dental office and all the gifts they bring to their team and practice.

Here are five secret powers of dental assistants: 

1. Dental Assistants Are Mind Readers! 

DAs can seriously read minds. It’s amazing to watch them work. They are always one step ahead and know what instrument the dentist needs before they even realize it. Patients’ concerns are addressed and soothed before they are even uttered. And they know just when everyone needs a snack break. They have a sixth sense of how to keep things running smoothly. 

2. They Are Always Prepared 

Like a good Scout, a dental assistant is ready for anything. Two-surface filling just turned into a crown? No problem! Last-minute cancellation?  Before you can even breathe a word, they are already on the phone calling Mrs. Smith, who has been waiting for an appointment. And, they remember and prepare regular patients’ preferences before even being asked. DAs can see into the future like an oracle. 

3. They Are The Finder of All The Things 

Dental assistants know where everything in the office is without even leaving the assisting chair! They can tell you how many boxes of gloves are left on the shelf and when the next boxes are coming in. They have a mental Air Tag on lab cases, knowing where they are and when they’ll be delivered. Nothing is lost until your dental assistant can’t find it! 

4. DAs Make Real Connections With Patients  

Depending on the gifts of your dental assistant, they might know everyone’s names, all about their kids, the last vacation they took, and what flavor topical they like. Or they might be able to tell with freaky in-depth detail the last restoration placed, how the patient fared, and what’s next on the treatment plan. DAs have a knack for building strong connections with patients when they are most vulnerable. They hold that relationship sacred. 

5. They Are Treatment Plan Translators 

When it comes to the treatment plan, dental assistants help patients understand. As soon as the dentist leaves the operatory, patients look quizzically at their dental assistant. DAs have a gift for making the complex simple. All of those words and pictures that the dentist drew trying to explain what is going on are then put through the DA translator and made clear. Once their treatment is translated into words they understand, patients trust and value the recommendation of their DAs. So often, they ask, “what would you do?” Dental assistants guide their patients in selecting the right treatment and timeline. They have an uncanny way of understanding the treatment and the patient simultaneously. 

DAs Deserve All The Love!

Let’s shout out to all the dental assistants who work tirelessly to keep the office running, make the dentist(s) and practice look good, and love on all the patients. You are seen and appreciated. Thank you for all you do to elevate dental care!

Related DA Articles:

8 Ways to Recognize Dental Assistants

Here’s Why Expanded Function Dental Assistants Earn More

Continuing Education for Dental Assistants Is Essential!