Dental assistants are the unsung heroes of the dental office, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that everything within the practice is running smoothly—for the dentist and their patients! Their responsibilities include a wide range of tasks, from preparing patients for treatment to managing administrative duties. However, while classroom education provides a solid foundational understanding of dental assisting, hands-on training is undeniably the secret to preparing future dental assistants for the challenges they’ll face in their new careers. Keep reading below to learn more about the importance of hands-on training for dental assistants and how it ultimately contributes to their success in the field.

You’re Unlocking Access to Valuable Technical Skills

Skills learned during hands-on training are simply easier to pick up and learn compared to those learned through other methods of instruction, such as reading or watching videos online. Some of these proficiencies include:

• Preparing patients to receive dental work and instilling a controlled environment
• Acting as a second set of hands for the dentist and assisting with certain treatments
• Sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, and preparing materials
• Operating and assisting with the X-ray equipment
• Comforting and explaining things to patients

You’ll Get to Interact with Live Instructors

Instructors aren’t just knowledgeable, but they’re also approachable and available to help you when you need it. Hands-on training also puts students in direct contact with dentists, which is another bonus and wealth of knowledge. All of this live feedback and networking is incredibly valuable when you’re learning the ropes, as it facilitates quicker and more effective learning.

You’re Building Your Confidence

Online courses can sometimes be intimidating because they can cause you to fear failure before even stepping into the dental office. Similarly, videos and textbooks don’t offer any sort of interactive feedback or a way to gauge how you’re progressing. Hands-on training allows students to learn, practice, and finally master their skills which builds up self-confidence to prepare for any real-world situation.

In the world of dentistry, the importance of hands-on training for dental assistants cannot be understated—it’s the bridge between theoretical knowledge and technical skill and is certain to help them excel in their new role!

About NE Dental Academy

At the NE Dental Academy, we’ve helped countless aspiring dental assistants learn the ropes and successfully grow into their new roles! If you have any questions about the blog or would like to get in touch with our knowledgeable team to request additional information, feel free to visit us online or call us today! Telephone: (508) 392-5314.