Dental assisting is a unique career that comes with its own set of memorable moments. As a dental assistant, you will face many situations that evoke strong emotions – from happiness to sadness, and everything in between.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most emotional moments that dental assistants experience on the job. We hope that this gives you a better understanding of what to expect as a dental assistant!
The moment you first see your patient and they open their mouth to reveal the most horrific dental condition you've ever seen
We have a personal story for this one:
The first time I ever saw a patient with a horrific dental condition was during my externship. I was shadowing the dentist as she saw patient after patient with problems ranging from cavities to gingivitis. Then, the next patient came in and opened their mouth. I was shocked at what I saw. Their teeth were in the worst condition I had ever seen.
There were gaping holes where teeth used to be, and their gums were so inflamed that they were almost purple. I had no idea that such conditions Could exist. The dentist calmly went to work, and within a few minutes, the patient was smiling and laughing like nothing was wrong. It was then that I realized the emotional side of dental assisting.
Seeing patients in pain and helping them to feel better is an incredibly rewarding experience. The moments you'll never forget are the ones where you make a difference in someone's life.
The times a little one comes in for their appointment and you end up crying with them after they get their tooth pulled
We all know how scary it can be to go to the dentist. Now imagine how petrified a small child must feel! Dental assistants are often tasked with helping to calm down little ones who are about to have a procedure done.
Sometimes, you just can't help but get emotional along with them. There have been times when we've had to hold a child's hand during a procedure, and we both ended up crying by the end of it. It can be a tough experience, but it's also one that you'll never forget.
When you had to tell a patient that they needed extensive dental work and it would be very expensive
No one likes to give bad news, but sometimes it's unavoidable. As a dental assistant, you will occasionally have to give patients tough news about their dental health.
One of the most difficult things to do is tell a patient that they need extensive dental work and that it will be very expensive. This is a hard conversation to have, but it's one that you'll never forget.
You have to be compassionate and understanding, while also being honest about the situation.
The look on a patient's face when they get their braces off and their teeth look amazing
There's nothing quite like seeing the look on a patient's face when they get their braces off and their teeth look amazing. It's a moment of pure joy, and it's one that you'll never forget.
The best part about being a dental assistant is that you get to see patients transform right before your eyes. It's an amazing feeling to know that you played a part in making someone's smile look beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Dental assisting is a rewarding career, but it's not always easy. These are just a few of the most emotional moments that dental assistants face on the job. If you're considering a career in dental assisting, be prepared for some tough experiences. But know that they will be moments that you'll never forget.
When you're ready to start working as a dental assistant, or if you are looking for a new position, look no further than Stynt. We are the leading online platform connecting dental professionals with top employers.
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