IT'S DENTAL ASSISTANT'S RECOGNITION WEEK, and we thought you might find it interesting to learn about the profession and our three amazing assistants!
How did you first get interested in being a Dental Assistant?
Danielle - "I have always had a interest in teeth, my roommate at the time (Rachel) is a dental hygienist and she mentioned they were hiring so I figured I would give it a shot."
Jennifer - "I needed a career change and a friend suggested I try dental assisting out."
Kelsey - "I have my Bachelors in Graphic design and after I graduated I realized that's not what I wanted to do. My parents actually informed me that there was going to be an open house for dental assisting. So I went and thought it would a good idea to get into the healthcare field. And I'm so glad I did, even helping Dr B open the practice back in 2012!"
What is the most rewarding part of being a Dental Assistant?
Danielle - "Seeing people come in with something they want to fix about their smile and being able to help in the progress of a more confident smile. Also building relationships with our our patients and making this a place they want to be."
Jennifer - "I am able to help restore their beautiful smiles!"
Kelsey - "Changing patients perspective of the dentist/Dental office. I want patients to feel comfortable and at ease when coming to see us. They might come in with some anxiety/fear, but I want to turn that feeling around, and when they leave our office they feel good and in a better state about coming to see the dentist."
Kelsey and Jennifer are EXPANDED FUNCTIONS Dental Assistants; How does earning an Expanded Functions Dental Assisting degree impact what you can do?
Jennifer - "I am able to be even more useful to the doctors by using my new skills with only general supervision freeing them up to do other things. "
Kelsey - "I can assist the dentist more, but separately. Free up some of the doctor's time to see other patients, while I make temporary crowns/bridges, take final impressions, etc. "
Without grossing anyone out, what is the coolest or most memorable experience you have had as an Assistant?
Danielle - "We had a patient who was born without a front tooth and being able to finally restore it and seeing their reaction to having a front tooth. Made us all tear up."
Jennifer - "There have been so many memories. I have helped give someone a brand new smile with an anterior restoration. Calmed frightened children at their first dental experience and had them leave with a smile. Given an elderly person new dentures so they can enjoy a regular meal and smile with confidence once again. It is a very rewarding career. "
Kelsey - "When I was a new DA, a kid came in with an emergency when we were about to close. They got hit in the face with a baseball. Their 2 front teeth were pushed back and Dr B had to place them back in. Still weirds me out thinking about it."
If our readers are interested in learning more about being a dental assistant, we recommend visiting the American Dental Association's page about dental careers. Also, for our high schoolers, the Carroll County Career and Tech Center has a Dental Assisting program, that we are happy to host interns from. In addition, you can go to Carroll Community College to gain the necessary skills to join our profession.