Dental assistants help patients of all ages maintain clean, healthy smiles. Working as a dental assistant, however, is a unique experience. And for those who are interested in becoming a dental assistant, it is paramount to understand what it’s like to perform in a dental office day after day.

Here are three things you need to know about a typical day in the life of a dental assistant:

1. No two work shifts are identical.

Dental assistants serve as versatile dental professionals who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide support in a number of areas.

The American Dental Association outlines many daily tasks a dental assistant commonly performs, including:

• Helping the dentist – Whether it’s a routine teeth cleaning or taking patient X-rays, a dental assistant ensures a dentist can perform day-to-day responsibilities to the best of his or her abilities.
• Communicating with patients – A trip to the dentist’s office can be stressful. Fortunately, dental assistants are happy to chat with patients, allowing visitors to express their concerns and receive answers to their queries without delay.
• Delivering oral hygiene tips – From educating children about the proper way to brush their teeth to teaching adults about the value of flossing, dental assistants serve as informative resources for patients young and old.

Dental assistants wear many hats on a day-to-day basis. As such, becoming a dental assistant guarantees you can enjoy an exciting career in which each day delivers new challenges and opportunities.

2. Dental assistants must possess extensive skills and expertise to succeed.

No one said becoming a dental assistant is easy, and those who receive the necessary training to serve as dental assistants apply what they learned in the classroom to their everyday work.

Remember, dental assistants are highly trained professionals who boast a wide range of skills about everything from how to handle plaque build-up to the different types of tooth surfaces. And to obtain this knowledge, students must complete a comprehensive training program that teaches them how to deliver effective support in a dental office.

To become a dental assistant, a student must participate in both classroom and hands-on courses. These sessions ensure a dental assistant is prepared to handle any challenges that come his or her way consistently.

3. Dental assistants serve as masters of their craft.

Dental assistants want patients to receive the best support possible – without exception. Thus, these dental professionals work hard to gain the training needed to thrive in their day-to-day roles, as well as continuously explore ways to enhance their skill sets.

Whether it’s working in a solo dental practice or at a hospital dental clinic, dental assistants serve as experts in the dental field. They frequently collaborate with dentists and search for feedback from patients to find out if they can make improvements in any way possible. That way, dental assistants are able to provide the best care possible to patients, regardless of the day or time.