top of page
  • Writer's pictureStynt

Everything Employers Are Looking for in a Dental Assistant: The Top Qualities



When it comes to finding the perfect dental assistant, employers are looking for a few specific qualities. If you want to make yourself stand out from the other job applicants, be sure to showcase these qualities in your resume and during your interview.


In this blog post, we will discuss the top qualities that employers are looking for in a dental assistant. Stay tuned!


Listening Skills

Being a good listener is one of the most important skills a dental assistant can have. After all, patients will be sharing sensitive information about their oral health, and it’s crucial that this information is accurately conveyed to the dentist.


Furthermore, patients may have questions or concerns that need to be addressed in order for them to feel comfortable with proceeding with treatment. A dental assistant who is an active listener will be able to put patients at ease and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes and a more positive experience for everyone involved.


Have Compassion

Compassion is one of the most important qualities an employer looks for in a dental assistant. As the saying goes, “The customer is always right.” In other words, no matter how challenging or frustrating a patient may be, it’s important to be able to see things from their perspective and respond with kindness and understanding.


This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything they say or do, but it does mean being respectful and finding ways to build rapport.


Additionally, employers want to see that you’re able to handle difficult situations with grace under pressure. After all, dentistry can be a high-stress profession and it’s important to be able to remain calm in the face of adversity. If you can show that you have compassion for others, it will go a long way in demonstrating your suitability for the role of dental assistant.


Have an Excellent Work Ethic

Employers are looking for dental assistants who have a strong work ethic and take pride in their professional appearance and conduct. This means being punctual, dressing appropriately, and maintaining a positive attitude at all times.


It’s also important to be able to work well independently as well as part of a team. Dental assistants need to be able to take initiative and be proactive in their approach to work. This means being able to think on your feet and make decisions quickly when necessary. If you can demonstrate that you have a strong work ethic, employers will be more likely to want to hire you.


Always Be Reliable

A dental assistant who is reliable is someone that an employer can count on to show up to work on time, every time. This person is also someone who follows instructions well and takes direction well. Furthermore, a reliable dental assistant is someone who is able to work well under pressure and handle last-minute changes or cancellations without complaint.


Multitasking Skills

Last but not least, employers are looking for dental assistants who have strong multitasking skills. This is because dental assistants need to be able to handle a variety of tasks at any given time. From sterilizing instruments to taking x-rays to seating patients, there is a lot that needs to be done in a typical day.


If you can show that you’re able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, it will demonstrate your ability to work well under pressure and manage your time effectively. This is a valuable skill that employers are looking for in a dental assistant.


Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the qualities that employers are looking for in a dental assistant. If you have these qualities, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and landing the job of your dreams.


Stynt is here for you every step of the way. We can help you find dental assistant jobs that are a good fit for your skills and qualifications.



bottom of page