Chairside Assisting Basics: What Every Aspiring Dental Assistant Should Know

Chairside assisting is one of the most critical skills to learn as a dental assistant, as it allows procedures to go smoothly and patients to be comfortable. Assisting a dentist can be overwhelming without proper guidance, particularly regarding instrument handling, suction, and maintaining sterility.

Understanding the basics of chairside assisting gives future dental assistants the confidence and competence needed to work in this demanding field. Northwest Career College prepares students to gain hands-on skills that will help them excel in their careers. Keep reading to discover the must-know information any future dental assistant should learn before entering a dental office.

What is Chairside Assisting?

Chairside assisting is the hands-on assistance dental assistants provide to the operating dentist during treatment. It involves activities such as:

• Preparation of the treatment area and instrumentation setup.
• Handing instruments to the dentist during procedures.
• Suctioning, managing suction devices to keep the patient’s mouth clear.
• Ensuring comfort for the patient during all moments of the appointment in the chair.

In other words, chairside assisting makes the dental procedure more efficient and comfortable for the dentist and the patient.

Importance of Chairside Assistance

Chairside assisting is much more than the mere handing of tools to the dentist; it is an essential link in the procedure’s success, with the positive influence of the patient’s experience.

Here’s why it’s important:

• Efficiency: Dental assistants facilitate their tasks while dentists perform their work by organizing the instruments and materials needed, saving them much effort and time.
• Patient Comfort: Many people stress about visiting the dental clinic. A dental assistant caring and concerned for the patients keeps them at ease.
• Infection Control: In sterilizing instruments, dental assistants are tasked with cleaning the treatment area to protect patients.

The employment of dental assistants is projected to increase by 8% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, showing that their services are in demand.

Core Skills Required in Every Chairside Assistant

To be successful as a dental assistant, there are several key skills you will want to develop, including:

• Organization: You need to organize tools and materials to ensure the procedures go smoothly.
• Communication is necessary between the dentist and the patient in every appointment.
• Dexterity: Quick, precise hand motions are crucial in passing instruments or handling suction devices.
• Attention to detail: A person should be very focused and ensure that the treatment area is clean and all the tools one will use are prepared.
• Empathy: They might feel anxious or nervous, so being kind and supportive makes a big difference.

These skills can be developed through proper training and hands-on practice, which are central to any good dental assistant program.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Use

As a chairside assistant, you will work with several instruments and equipment. Common ones used daily are:

• Suction Devices: These are used to free the patient’s mouth during the procedure.
• Dental mirror and probe: These shall help the dentist examine the patient’s teeth and gums.
• Handpieces and burs: These are used by the dentist in drilling and polishing.
• Disposables: gloves, masks, and patient bibs for hygiene infection control.

Familiarity with these tools is essential for providing practical support and ensuring dentists have everything they need.

How Northwest Career College Prepares You for Chairside Assisting

The Dental Assistant Program at Northwest Career College is designed to give you all the skills and confidence you’ll need to shine as a chairside assistant truly. You’ll learn through hands-on training and expert instruction:

• How to set up treatment areas and manage the instruments.
• Techniques of comfort and support for patients.
• Best practices for maintaining cleanliness and safety.

Our program also offers externships to provide you with hands-on experience working in real dental offices. By combining classroom theory with practical work experience, we will set you up for success in your dental assisting career.

Enroll now and start on the path to a rewarding career in dentistry. You can explore our website for more information about our program, or call us today to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals.