Dental assistants use their minds and hands every day, so if you’re logical, quick-thinking, and hard-working, you’ll make an excellent one. Dental assisting programs are fast-paced. Students in these programs are required to learn many facts in a short period of time. While learning can feel like a daunting task, there are a few tips to make studying for your anatomy classes easier and maybe even fun.

• Never go to class on an empty stomach.

This tip may sound simple, but you would be surprised to learn how many students show up to class hungry. You won’t be able to concentrate on your lectures if all you hear is your stomach growling! Even if you don’t have time to eat a full-course meal, you should pack some sugar-free gum and a bottle of water so that you remain alert and engaged.

• Write things in your own words.

Are you having trouble remembering a definition or how to do something? Try rephrasing the information in your own words. When you express something in your own words, it provides a new way to access knowledge. This strategy is based on the idea that your ability to explain something in your own words demonstrates understanding, which will serve you well on exams and in the long run.

• Highlight the context and purpose.

Ask yourself why you are being asked to memorize these facts in the first place. If you can readily answer that question and picture future situations to use the information, you will be better primed to remember it.

• Ask questions.

We encourage you to ask us to repeat or clarify information if you don’t understand a concept. Remember, if you don’t understand the material we discuss in class, chances are you won’t understand it at home. If you have a question, there’s bound to be someone else who shares the same query.

• Make a study schedule or group.

An essential part of learning anatomy is doing it to make sure you retain the information. You might indeed be able to memorize a lot at once under pressure, but that kind of memorization is different from learning. To maintain your anatomy knowledge, you must schedule practice time to repeat and reinforce anatomy lessons. Each time you study, review what you did previously, and things will move from your short-term memory to your long-term memory. A study group will allow you to combine resources and will likely increase your confidence for tests. As is the case with other strategies, this may not work for everyone. However, there is an opportunity to share study tricks and tips, flashcards, and moral support.

If you have what it takes to become a dental assistant, you should enroll in Sanger Education Dental Assisting School in Waco, Texas. We don’t just tell you how – we show you. And then allow you to practice alongside our experienced instructors. Our fast, 12-week program sets us apart from other dental assisting schools. Contact us today.