The dental field is full of opportunities, and if you’re pursuing a career in it, the dental assistant path is an excellent place to begin. It’s a rewarding yet challenging option, and while going through dental assistant training, you’ll learn everything you need to know to be successful. Below, you’ll find a brief guide to a typical day in their shoes.

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

1. Keeping Everything Organized

A dental assistant is a crucial backbone in any dental office. They’re responsible for prepping workspaces for the day, keeping patient information organized, and ensuring everyone has a welcoming experience. During the dental assistant training, you’ll learn valuable lessons on how to prepare and sterilize dental tools, manage office tasks, and keep a clean workspace for colleagues. 

2. Offering a Hand

Throughout the day, you’ll also work alongside the dentist to help with X-rays, general care, and other treatments. This is an integral role that requires extensive dental assistant training. You’ll play an important part in treating patients and may do so in a private practice, clinic, dental emergency treatment center, or hospital. Each comes with different challenges and opportunities, and a dental assistant school will prepare you for all of them.

3. Creating the Best Patient Experience

In most cases, you’ll be the first person the patients meet following the receptionist, and it’s your job to ensure they’re comfortable. You’ll need excellent intrapersonal skills for this aspect of the job. Each patient is unique, and many will need your people skills to ensure they’re calm. You’ll work to soothe any concerns and will go home knowing you’ve made a positive impact on their experience.

If you’re interested in exploring dental assistant training, enroll in Westchester School for Dental Assistants. Located in Elmsford, NY, this school offers both dental assistant certifications and medical assistant programs. They take a hands-on approach to training and provide a number of convenient payment options so that every student can pursue a career. Call (914) 682-9001 to speak with a team member, or visit their website to explore their programs further.