Dental Assistant

3 Ways Dental Assistant Graduates Can Help Reduce Patient Anxiety

May 01, 2017

patient holding mouth

Whether out of fear of a high bill, a dislike of having dental instruments in their mouth, or other factors, many patients feel anxious when they visit the dentist. As dental assistants spend a fair amount of their time interacting with patients, they’re in a great position to use some of their training to try to put these anxious patients at ease.

Curious about some of the ways dental assistant courses can help you prepare for this responsibility? Here are a few examples of things you can learn that will help.

1. Dental Assistant Courses Can Help You Clear Up the Unknown for Patients

Dental knowledge is quite specialized, meaning it’s likely that many of the patients you see won’t have a deep understanding of oral health and care. Since it’s normal for people to have a bit of fear when dealing with things they don’t understand, odds are quite good that this simple lack of understanding will lead some people to feel anxious when going to the dentist.

Enrolling in a top-quality dental assistant course can help you address this fear once you begin your career. Through deliberate and thorough study of teeth, gums, oral health practice, and other important concepts, you can gain a deep understanding of dental health care. Sharing some of this knowledge with patients will allow you to clear away misconceptions, fill in gaps in knowledge, and grant people the peace of mind that comes with understanding.

2. Dental Assistant Courses Help You Develop Good Communication Skills

A professional demeanour and clear explanations go a long way towards making people feel welcome and secure, which is a big part of why it’s great to study in a training program that emphasizes soft skills like communication. Because this is a priority at Medix College, you can expect to develop your communication skills to a high level by the time you’re done your training.

It’s worth noting that communication skills aren’t just about talking to patients—it’s also about listening to what patients have to say. Don’t forget that for many, going to the dentist can be a little scary, so taking care to listen to questions and concerns will help soothe any worries. By making patients feel heard and cared for, you can help them feel much more at ease.

Dental assistant with patient
Listening to patient questions and concerns can help you set people at ease

3. Dental Assistant Courses Make You Great At Your Career

One of the best ways to alleviate patient concerns is to simply be confident and capable in your role. When people feel as though they are in good hands, they can relax in the knowledge that they are getting quality care.

The Intra Oral Dental Assistant training program at Medix College is perfect preparation, covering everything from sterilizing instruments, to clerical work, to assisting dentists with treatments, and beyond. You’ll leave school with all the skills employers want, and won’t be out of place no matter what your responsibilities are in the dental office.

Dental assistant talking to the patient
Confidence in your skills will help set patients at ease

Better still, an externship component ensures that you put your skills to the test in a real-world dental office before you even graduate. It’s the perfect opportunity to find your professional bearings, and ensures that you will be able to work with the confidence patients like to see once you begin your career.

Are you looking to attend Dental Assistant College in Ontario?

Contact Medix College to sign up today!

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