4 tips for dental assistants adapting to a new office culture
Starting a job at a new dental practice is exciting, but it can also be nerve-racking no matter how experienced you are as a dental assistant. You have to learn a new office layout, figure out where supplies are located, and adapt to day-to-day operations that may be different from what you’re used to. You also have to adjust to a new doctor and teammates, as well as how they prefer to work. Getting used to a new office culture undoubtedly takes time, but with these tips, you can help make the transition a smooth and successful one.
Ask questions
Whether you’re starting your first dental assisting job or transitioning after many years spent at another practice, you probably won’t know the ins and outs of the office or your new position right away. That’s OK! Getting up to speed on a new employer’s policies and protocols takes time for every dental assistant. Be willing to ask questions as you adjust. Your new team should be happy to provide answers, whether you’re not sure where supplies are located, how the doctor prefers to work during procedures, or how the staff handles certain aspects of patient flow or infection control.
Connect with coworkers and patients
Your teammates and patients can help you get through the day and make work more enjoyable. Starting to build these relationships can help you get comfortable in your new role. Fortunately, dental assistants have excellent people skills! Rely on this superpower as you get to know your new patients and coworkers. Most dental assistants enjoy patient care above all else. Focusing on making your new patients feel comfortable and answering their questions can help you settle into your new job. Getting to know new coworkers can take time, but in addition to making small talk and learning about their lives, you could join your new teammates for lunch or invite them to get a coffee outside of work hours. Even if you don’t become best friends with your coworkers, building this chemistry will make the job more enjoyable and help you work together seamlessly.
Observe communication styles
A dental office can’t function well without good communication across the entire staff. As you get used to your new job, observe how the team prefers to communicate. Does the practice have morning huddles to discuss the day’s schedule and any problem areas, and do the other dental assistants participate in these meetings? How does the staff communicate about schedule changes or patient updates, and what are the assistants’ responsibilities when these items come up? How is feedback given? Communication is especially important as you get used to working with a new doctor. They may have different preferences regarding things such as how you pass them instruments, position the suction, and communicate during procedures.
Be flexible
Every practice does things a little differently. You might be used to the workflow in your previous office, but remember that the members of your new office have their own routines, too. Try to be open-minded and patient when it comes to learning new protocols, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Some dental assistants choose to look at it as an opportunity to learn something new and expand their skill sets. Your new teammates may just open your eyes to a better way of communicating, turning over an exam room, or setting up trays. Once you feel comfortable with the new team and their processes, you can provide feedback or even make suggestions to help improve the workflow without feeling like you’re stepping on toes.