Dental assisting is a profession that can lead to many opportunities. For many in the field, moving into a lead dental assistant role is a natural step in their career progression. What does the job entail, and how do you become one? This guide shares what you need to know about being a lead dental assistant in your office. Lead dental assistant duties At the most basic level, a lead dental assistant supervises a staff of dental assistants. This person still performs many of the same duties as other dental assistants, such as helping dentists with procedures, preparing exam rooms, sterilizing ..read more

When you’re looking to take the next step in your career, transitioning to an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) may be right for you. In this role, you can perform duties beyond the scope of a normal dental assistant. It’s a chance to get more variety in your work and take on additional responsibility around the office. Whether the job title is completely new to you or you’re already interested in becoming an EFDA, you may have a few questions. This guide is here to help! How can you become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant? Each state has different requirements to fulfill befor ..read more

When you’re applying for dental assisting jobs, the first step is usually writing or updating your resume. But it requires more than simply writing down your work experience and calling it a day. With the right approach, your resume can grab the attention of dentists or practice administrators and help you land a dental assisting role. Here are some tips and tricks to get started. Make it concise, direct, and easy to read As you know, a day in the dental office is busy. Dentists and practice administrators have limited time to read resumes and applications. For this reason, try to keep your r ..read more

By Heather Colicchio, AADOM Founder and President One of the keys to growing your practice and having it thrive is to be constantly learning. Even if what you are doing is working for you now, what if you can learn something to make it even better? Easier? More fun? In your dental practice, how are things? Good? Status quo? That’s not good enough. And that is why educating everyone on the team is the key to a successful practice. There is no shortage of quality dental education, whether it be local, regional, or national events. Attendance is crucial to learn what is new and cutting ..read more

We hear many stories from dental assistants about the joy they get from helping patients and building relationships with them. It often goes both ways! For patients, a dental assistant can make the appointment go smoothly and even make it an enjoyable experience. Here’s why patients truly appreciate what you do. You educate them on dental care. A clean, bright smile isn’t the only benefit patients receive from visiting a dental office. Dental assistants also educate patients about the importance of oral hygiene, how it affects overall health, and how to best care for their teeth. Throughout a ..read more

With Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) on the horizon, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate dental assistants for their many contributions. Dental assistants undoubtedly enjoy when they get appreciation from anyone, whether it’s a co-worker or a patient. But it can mean a little extra when it comes from their dentist. Like employees in any profession, dental assistants want to know their employer values their efforts day in and day out. It helps dental assistants stay motivated and engaged, and it keeps office morale high. In turn, that can create loyalty and increase retention among ..read more

Just like dentists and hygienists, dental assistants are key contributors to any successful dental office. Without them, it’s extremely difficult for any practice to function efficiently. It’s important to show respect to dental assistants not just during Dental Assistants Recognition Week, but throughout the year. Here are a few reasons why. They work hard. Dental assistants are committed to their profession, and they show it every day. They’re on the go all day long, performing a variety of duties. These include preparing exam rooms, disinfecting the office, helping dentists with procedures ..read more

When many people think of dental assistants, they think of the person who helps the dentist during cleanings and procedures. But the job goes far beyond that. Behind the scenes, dental assistants perform many other tasks to keep their practices running like a well-oiled machine. “A dentist will cancel their schedule without a dental assistant — that is how critical their role can be,” says JoAnn Brandt, CDA. In honor of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, we want to shine a light on some of the underappreciated duties a dental assistant takes on every day. Cleaning and preparing exam rooms Be ..read more

When you’re a dental assistant, no two days are ever the same. Dental assisting is an ever-evolving profession, one that offers continual opportunities to take on new challenges and learn new things. Chances are, even if you started in the field just a few years ago, you’ve seen plenty of changes in your daily work. Naturally, dental assisting will continue to change and progress in 2022. Here are some of the dental assisting trends to keep an eye on as the year unfolds. Ongoing developments in technology Perhaps the biggest change for dental assistants over the years is increased use of tech ..read more

Ask any dental assistant what their favorite part of the job is, and you’ll hear a variety of answers. Some enjoy the camaraderie of working in the office. Others enjoy getting to apply their technical knowledge as they help with various dental procedures. But perhaps the most common response you’ll hear is: “I love working with my patients.” “My patients are truly my family,” says Jamie Vowell, CDA, CRFDA, RDA. “I know about their kids and husbands and everything going on in their lives. They know the same about me.” Kelly Goodin, CDA, EFDA, agrees: “It’s a blessing to care for patients every ..read more