Training a Dental Assistant: A Structured Approach for Specialty Offices
Since the pandemic, many offices have had more turnover and need to hire new dental assistants. Being a specialty office, we have specific ways of doing things, and it’s important to ensure that new assistants are trained to meet our standards. Regardless of whether an assistant has 20 years of experience or just 6 months, they still need to be trained on the exact way we do things in our office.
I’ve found that a well-organized training process is key, not just for the new assistant, but for the entire team. To make this easier, I’ve created checklists, labeled areas in the office, and outlined daily and weekly tasks to help guide the new employee through their first few months. I highly recommend you implement something similar in your practice.
Years ago, when I first started, I was told by my instructor, a retired hygienist, to always carry a small notepad and “mentally photograph” every drawer and storage area. That way, if I needed something, I would know exactly where to find it.
I’ve only encountered one assistant who followed this advice, and she was a quick learner! Unfortunately, she had to move away, and we lost her, but she made the training process much smoother.
Day One: Shadowing and Orientation
On day one, the new assistant spends most of their time shadowing myself or a seasoned assistant. We begin by ensuring they understand the procedures for setting up and breaking down treatment rooms, along with our sterilization processes. During this time, they also get familiar with the office software, x-ray techniques, and the proper verbiage for procedures.
It’s important to note that when an assistant is confident in explaining procedures and answering patient questions, it really helps patients feel more at ease.
Confidence, kindness, knowledge, and compassion are the qualities of a great assistant.
Week One: Getting Comfortable with Chairside Assisting
By the end of the first week, we begin introducing the new assistant to chairside assisting. We teach them the flow of “6-handed dentistry,” where the assistant assists the assistant, observing the dynamic between the doctor and the assisting team. This practice helps them understand how to read the room and anticipate the patient’s needs, which is essential in a specialty practice.
Reading the room is critical. A good assistant can sense when a patient is feeling anxious or uncomfortable and can respond to those cues, helping to diffuse anxiety before it becomes an issue.
I’ve seen assistants become too focused on charting or organizing instruments, which can cause them to miss signals from the patient. This can lead to a stressful procedure for both the patient and the provider.
Week Four: Assisting with Exams
By week four, the assistant is ready to begin assisting with exams. At this point, I remain available to step in whenever needed. While exams are relatively straightforward, it’s the documentation and reporting that can be overwhelming for a new assistant, especially in a specialty office. The assistant must pay attention to detail, write clear, concise reports, and ensure that all correspondence is accurate and professional.
I’ve found that it takes about six months to a year for a new assistant to truly grasp the full scope of their role in an endodontic practice. In that time, they develop confidence in their technical skills, patient interactions, and administrative tasks.
Ongoing Support and Team Collaboration
A great assistant is much like a skilled bartender: able to strike up conversations with anyone, empathetic, and attuned to the feelings of those around them.
A strong team dynamic is crucial, as assistants often need to lean on one another for support. I make it a point to be available and offer assistance when the new hire feels overwhelmed. It’s important that the assistant feels they can rely on me and the team.
Customizing Training for Your Practice
Every practice is different, and the training process should be tailored to fit your office’s specific needs. Whether you have one assistant or a team, taking the time to develop a detailed, organized training plan can help ensure that new hires are set up for success.
In conclusion, a structured, supportive training process is vital to developing strong, confident dental assistants. With patience, consistency, and teamwork, you can create an environment where assistants thrive, helping your practice run smoothly and ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
About the Author
Mari Allen, FAADOM
Mari brings nearly three decades of dedicated experience to the field of endodontics. She began her journey in dentistry in 1995 as a dental assistant. It was during those early years that she discovered a profound passion for endodontics.
Currently, Mari is celebrating her 19th year with McGuire Endodontics. Her commitment to excellence and her collaborative spirit have helped the practice deliver top-tier endodontic services throughout the Austin community.
