Becoming a Dental Assistant is a big feat, but not everyone is cut out for the job. Some skills and qualities make some individuals better for the job than others. If you want to be in a position where you can help others in their dire moments, Dental Assisting may be right for you. But, what habits should Dental Assistants have?

1. Set Goals – You can set many goals for yourself to help achieve success in your role. Whether it is gaining new certifications, helping increase productivity, help generate more referrals, or gain financial independence, setting goals is a great habit to have as a Dental Assistant.
2. Honest Communication – Patients often have fears about going to the dentist. It would help if you were as warm and welcoming to the patients as genuine and professional with them. Honest communication can help alleviate those fears.
3. Empathize – There is a difference between sympathy and empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand how another person is feeling. You might also share those feelings. Empathy is different from sympathy, which involves feelings of sorrow or pity for the misfortunes of another. This is hard for some people to grasp. Work hard at making this a great habit.
4. Be Organized – Working in a dental office can be fast-paced, with patients coming and going from open to close. A dental assistant will be responsible for a patient’s paperwork, schedules, procedure preparation, and other tasks. It would be best if you were organized and prepared for upcoming appointments and always be ready to assist the dentist.
5. Listen – As a dental assistant, it is important to listen attentively to the patient’s concerns and relay them to the dental provider. Also, listening to instructions and being able to carry them out correctly is vital to patient care. Active listening is a habit that you should work on daily. Engaging in meaningful conversations with patients is key.

There are a lot more habits that you should work on or have as a Dental Assistant. However, these five habits can take you from a good dental assistant to a great dental assistant. If you have ever considered becoming a dental assistant, now is an excellent time. This career is not only growing, but you can make a decent wage as well. Learn more about Sanger Education Dental Assisting School in Waco, TX.