How Can You Show Your Dental Assistant That You Appreciate Them?

Dental assistants are vital to the success of a dental practice. The truth is, they’re responsible for so much more than you’d guess they were. Read on to learn what your dental assistant does behind-the-scenes and how you can show them you appreciate them this March during Dental Assistant Recognition Week.

Preparing & Breaking Down Treatment Areas

Before you even arrive to your dentist’s office for your appointment, your dental assistant has begun preparing the area to get you back as soon as possible. With new COVID-19 safety protocols in place, that means that they’re doing even more to keep you safe, including conducting medical-grade sanitizing and cleaning practices in addition to their normal daily preparation. Once your appointment is over and you leave, they’re in charge of breaking everything down and sanitizing the area again in accordance with strict, new protocols.

Assisting the Doctor in Treatments

Whether you’re receiving a tooth-colored filling for a cavity or cosmetic bonding to fix a chipped tooth, dental assistants are usually the ones in the room helping the dentist repair your smile. They help take the X-rays that the doctor uses to diagnose the issue, handles the instruments that the dentist needs, and rinses and suctions the area to keep bacteria from spreading to surrounding surfaces and the air.  

Helping Manage the Office

Dental assistants are expert multi-taskers, and they’re definitely not limited to one type of role or responsibility. In addition to helping during treatments and preparing and breaking down treatment rooms, they’re also responsible for helping manage the office and making sure the dentist’s schedule runs smoothly. They order supplies for the practice, submit insurance claims, and answer any questions that patients may have about an upcoming treatment or their oral health.

Show Them You Care with a Thoughtful Gift!

This March, show your dental assistant that you care by bringing them a thoughtful gift at your next checkup and cleaning. Here are some great ideas to help get you started:

• Cater a special lunch for the dental staff or order them delicious bundt cakes or cupcakes to snack on throughout the day.
• A gift card to a local car wash.
• A new coffee machine for their break room.
• An ergonomic, comfortable office chair.
• A subscription to an audio book platform, like Audible.
• Flowers and a gift card to Starbucks.

A simple and thoughtful act to show you care is a great way to brighten your dental assistant’s day!

About Our Dental Assistant

Our dental assistant, Mick, is experienced, caring, and a dedicated professional who is passionate about helping patients feel calm and comfortable each time they visit the dental office. She always makes sure to provide patients with the information they need to maintain healthy, happy smiles for a lifetime. If you’re due for a visit, check out White Oak Dental’s website or call 952-448-2868.