While communication might not be the first skill that comes to mind when thinking about a dental assistant career, this particular skill is essential within any health care role. Dental assistants not only perform administrative and supportive duties around the office, they also spend much of their time communicating with patients, family members, dentists, dental hygienists, and other professionals within the office setting. If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, you’ll be responsible for assisting dentists and dental hygienists with procedures, surgeries, and general patient ..read more

While generally preventable, cavities are unfortunately one of the most common oral health problems. Cavities are caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth when we eat or drink. These bacteria form plaque, which sticks to the teeth and erodes the layer of enamel, leading to cavities. There are many ways to prevent cavities, and if you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, patients will be relying on you to advise them on the best ways to keep cavities at bay. Due to the effects of COVID-19, patients are staying home more frequently and many have been changing their health habits ..read more

Beginning a job search in any industry during a pandemic is an intimidating prospect. COVID-19 has affected almost every industry in some way, leading to all kinds of new challenges and worries. You might be wondering how COVID has impacted the hiring landscape, what changes have been made to the interview process, or what you can expect as you prepare to launch your career in an uncertain world. The new virtual aspect that the coronavirus pandemic has introduced to the job search process comes with both advantages and disadvantages. What are they? Here’s a look at how you can navigate the jo ..read more

Training to be a dental assistant can set you up for a new career with plenty of variety. Whether you’re performing intra-oral duties, helping dentists with their tasks, or taking care of clerical responsibilities such as invoicing, you’ll be moving around frequently and likely won’t find yourself doing the same thing too often. But how will you know if this career is the best fit for you? If you’ve been considering a career in the dental industry, it’s worth determining what qualities you need to help ensure success for you in this field, and how they can help you while working as a dental a ..read more

When cases of COVID-19 began cropping up across Canada, dental offices were forced to suspend non-essential services such as routine check-ups and cleaning. But as provinces put their reopening plans into motion, and some dental offices resume normal service, staff and clients alike are wondering what a trip to the dentist will look like during the pandemic.  Safety is currently the number one priority for dental teams, and every office will have regulations and protocols in place to curtail transmission. Each province also offers its own set of recommendations for dental teams.  Wh ..read more

Organizational skills are valuable in any career, but particularly if you want to work as a dental assistant. It’s a varied role which can differ from practice to practice. The day-to-day may include assisting dentists chairside, managing the appointment schedule, calming down any younger or anxious patients, and implementing health and safety procedures. But wherever you work, your organizational skills will be crucial. Read on to find out how to improve your organizational skills for dental assistant training and beyond. Get Organized Outside of Work and School First If you’re not a natural ..read more

When you study dental assisting, you will be guided through a number of subjects including how to prepare clients for dental examinations, placing temporary crowns, and taking preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts, among many other things.  You will gain the confidence needed to work as part of a dental team, and help with many different tasks. In order to maintain this confidence when you assist a dentist or hygienist chair-side, it is necessary to have a familiarity and understanding of the tools they use for procedures. This is one of the many ways in which you directly contrib ..read more

A career as a dental assistant may appeal to you because you are compassionate and enjoy helping people. Dental assistants must be able to make sure clients are comfortable and informed throughout their visit to the dentist. Kindness and care are indispensible qualities for this job, but there are other professional qualities that will also help you succeed as a dental assistant. Similarly, being a good communicator is a well-known requirement of the job and those with strong interpersonal skills may also be drawn to this profession. Your ability to communicate professionally with dentists, h ..read more

As an intra-oral dental assistant, you will support and assist dentists, dental hygienists, and dental therapists as they complete examinations and treatments of patients. Assisting and supporting dental professionals can mean a variety of different things. Intra-oral dental assistants might be required to do anything from preparing patients for examinations and treatments, to sterilizing instruments and equipment, and educating patients on oral health and hygiene. Keep reading if you want to learn more about some of the different responsibilities of an intra-oral dental assistant. 1. What Yo ..read more