It goes without saying that the impact of a good dental assistant is profound; they’re one of the essential cogs that keep the entire practice running! That said, when it comes to finding success in the dental assistant role, one of the most important skills worth honing is communication. Whether it’s collaborating with a dentist, a hygienist, or a current or future patient, effective communication can vastly boost what a dental assistant is capable of bringing to a practice. Keep reading to learn more.
Good Communication Streamlines & Improves Treatment
In short, ineffective communication increases the risk of misunderstandings that raises the potential for poor patient outcomes. However, effective communication helps to ensure the transfer of correct information, which in turn streamlines the treatment process and reduces the margin of error. Often, a dental assistant serves as a form of proxy between the patient and the dentist and their hygienists; if there are clear channels of communication present, the dental team generally has an easier time caring for the influx of patients they see daily.
Patients Leave with More Knowledge
Dental assistants also perform some level of basic patient education. One of the most important aspects of patient education is to help them maintain awareness of what’s going on throughout the visit, what they need to do, and what they need to keep in mind once they’ve left the office. By assisting patients and educating them about various things pertaining to their smile, you’re improving the quality of care that your practice can provide and also helping to retain patients.
A Positive Office Atmosphere Is Established
Dental offices can be very busy places; amidst the flow of patients entering and leaving, the telephone ringing, the fax machine buzzing, and the various other stimuli that are present, it’s possible for things to seem hectic. If you’re able to answer the phone and ensure a positive interaction, effectively direct and navigate patients around the office, and ensure that the flow of information and ideas is uninhibited all around the building, you’re fostering an atmosphere that’ll have patients eager to come back.
Good communication skills are not difficult to learn; however, they do take a bit of practice to fully master and utilize to your benefit. That said, once a dental assistant can use those skills effectively, the entire practice will gain!
About NE Dental Academy
Here at NE Dental Academy, we’re excited to provide budding dental assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their field. We’ve already helped hundreds of students transition into successful careers and would be thrilled to work with you next! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to request additional information, please visit us online or give us a call at (508) 392-5314.