With school starting back and students starting to think about jobs and career paths, I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about a few of the positions that make up the dental team. There are many moving parts and they have to all work together to create a successful practice. So let’s start with discussing some of the positions that make up a dental office: administrative support, dental assistants and dental hygienists.
Administrative Positions within the dental office
There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make a patient’s visit a success and this begins with the first phone call. The front office is where your experience begins. These positions wear many hats – from answering the phone, to scheduling appointments, coordinating your insurance claim, treatment plan estimates, addressing concerns, ordering office supplies, sending reminders for appointments, answering questions, registration paperwork and so much more. Without the front office, there would be no dental appointment. The staff up front makes it happen. They exemplify great customer service as well as the incredible ability to multitask. Having a friendly smile, a pleasant demeanor and organization skills are important skills in this position. Experience can be helpful, but more importantly is their willingness to want to serve the patients they encounter on a daily basis.
Dental Assistants
After the appointment is made, you will then encounter a dental assistant. Dental assistants can have varying levels of training and experience. There are different types of certifications that a dental assistant can obtain and it varies by state. Courses can range anywhere from four months to two years. There are different levels of pay based on certifications, skills and experience. Dental assistants offer a variety of services such as taking x-rays, placing fillings, coronal polishing, assisting the dentist chairside, sterilizing instruments, applying fluoride, making whitening trays, making temporary crowns, doing dental impressions, preparing patients for surgery and ordering dental supplies… just to name a few of their many responsibilities. The role of a dental assistant varies by their employer. Offices that dental assistants can work for include: a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, an endodontist, an oral surgeon, an orthodontist, a periodontist and a prosthodontist. Being a dental assistant is a fun, fast-paced and challenging career. A broad set of skills is needed to succeed: technical, administrative and people. As we know, not everyone loves going to the dentist. The dental assistant is likely to be one of the first faces they see – so friendliness and compassion are a must. As they seat the patient, this is a great time for them to make the patient feel comfortable, go over medical history, be a good listener and provide good oral hygiene care and instruction. Legally, a dental assistant will have to be trained and certified in CPR.
Dental Hygienist
Most often you will see a dental hygienist two times a year. A dental hygienist will have completed either an Associates or Bachelor’s degree and is licensed in the state they are practicing. They will have had to pass a written board exam and a clinical exam. Hygienists are required to have 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Some of the responsibilities of a hygienist include: oral health assessment, reviewing health history, dental charting, taking x-rays, removing calculus and plaque from all surfaces of the teeth, numbing with local anesthetic, applying preventive materials such sealants and fluoride, oral hygiene instructions, discussing good nutrition and documenting the visit for the patient’s legal record. A career in dental hygiene can be very rewarding. Fulfillment can come from being able to provide a valuable service while establishing a trusting relationship with the patient. Based on level of education, hygienists can pursue a variety of career paths such as: teaching, research, marketing and sales. Good communication skills, patience and positivity are key in this career.
As you can see, a lot goes on behind the scenes to prepare for a patient’s visit, but it’s a team approach that makes an office run effectively and efficiently. Being professional is essential and making your patient a priority is key. Staff working together equals success. I hope this article addresses some of your questions about the different roles in a dental office. Please feel free to reach out to us at SKY Pediatric Dentistry if you have questions about positions within a dental office or about a dental visit. We are here to help you if you think a career in the dental field is something you would be interested in pursuing, as well as provide a positive dental experience for you. We always welcome individuals to come shadow in our office. Shadowing is a great way to learn how an office operates, and even make you feel more comfortable for your dental experience. We always value your feedback.
-by Dr. Mandy Ashley and Dr. Madison Galloway
About the Authors: Dr. Mandy Ashley and Dr. Madison Galloway are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists proud to serve the communities of Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Glasgow! Our goal is excellent comprehensive dental care that is fun for children.
SKY Pediatric Dentistry has been providing dental care to children and adults with special needs since 2013. As board-certified specialists in dentistry for children, our team strives to make going to the dentist as fun as possible while maintaining high-quality treatment and preventive measures. We tailor treatment plans to each child and offer a wide range of treatment options, including sedation, in-office general anesthesia and also hospital-based dentistry. With over 25 YEARS of doctor experience, SKY Pediatric Dentistry is a great choice for children’s dental care in Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and now Glasgow, too!
