Communication Skills: Why Are They Important for a Dental Assistant?

A dental assistant interacts with patients throughout the day; they are often the first point of interaction at a dental office. Moreover, they have to schedule appointments, answer phone calls, work with the dentist, etc. Therefore, dental assistants interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. This article will explain why communication skills are essential for dental assistants.
Why Communication Skills Are Important for Dental Assistants
Effective communication skills can come in handy as a dental assistant. It is important for them to be good at communication, as:

They Communicate with Patients
Patients often come across dental assistants before and after their procedures. Certified dental assistants can help patients understand their condition and the procedure they will go under. For this, they need to be empathetic and sympathetic to their patients. Empathy is vital to understanding their situation; sympathy will help them feel sorry for the patient. Therefore, it is essential to have a good command of communication skills. Many people experience anxiety and doubts before their procedure, but the dental assistant can help them relax. Similarly, children are often afraid of the dentist’s office. A credible dental assistant can help them by speaking the right words and knowing what to say.
Communications are also crucial to assess the patient and incorporate suitable techniques to converse with them. In addition, they can also utilize their communication skills while educating
the patient about their oral hygiene.

They Help the Dentist While They Work
Usually, dental assistants help dentists manage the workflow and offer hands-on support. To work efficiently, a dental assistant needs to be good at anticipating what the dentist needs next. Therefore, they need to be good at both verbal and non-verbal communication. Moreover, they need to be attentive and focused on the task at hand. Being adept at their job also requires them to be aware of the patient’s responses. If a patient is frightened, they might pull away. Hence, the dental assistant should be prepared to comfort them with words and gentle touches.
They Interact Over Telephones
Telephone communications are over the phone and do not allow us to see the other person. This makes it hard to assess who you are talking to and guess if they got what you were saying. Therefore, listening again comes to play here. Listening to the other person’s tone and way of speaking can help determine if the communication is effective. Pauses, volume, sighs, pace, and other signs can give an insight into communication problems. Hence, it is always helpful to clarify communication problems.

What to do?
Communication and intrapersonal skills are a must-have for dental assistants. They need to be active listeners and provide appropriate feedback. Dental assistants must be skilled at communication as they interact with patients and other dental professionals and talk to other people to perform their duties.
At Greatwood Dental Assisting Program, you can now become a dental assistant. Dial (281) 728-6012 for more information.
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