5 signs of a great practice for dental assistants to work
The majority of dental assistants are passionate about their work and feel it’s a career — not just a job. But where they’re employed, and how they’re treated by their employer, can make all the difference in whether they feel satisfied professionally and stay at their practices in the long run. As dental offices continue to face staffing shortages, it’s imperative to create a supportive, positive environment for assistants.
Dental assistants have shared in surveys by both DANB and the American Dental Association what they look for in a dental practice. Here are five indicators of a great practice for dental assistants to work.
Strong pay and benefits
Everyone wants to be paid what they feel they’re worth, and dental assistants are no different. Dental assistants are integral to the success of practices, performing a variety of tasks to keep the office on track and provide high-quality patient care. When dental assistants receive pay and benefits that reflect the value they bring and allow them to take care of their families, it shows that their practice regards them as individuals rather than just employees. Ultimately, strong compensation boosts dental assistant job satisfaction significantly and makes them more likely to stay with their practices over the long haul.
Appreciation and respect
Competitive pay and benefits can certainly demonstrate that a practice values its dental assistants. Dental assistants also want, and deserve, to feel respected by their bosses and teammates. Hearing “thank you” can go a long way for dental assistants, but expressing appreciation shouldn’t end there. Dental assistants are oral health professionals, and they should be regarded as such. They are educated and highly trained in dentistry, and their contributions make it possible for practices to stay on track and generate revenue. They shouldn’t be treated as “just” dental assistants, but as valuable, equal team members. Great practices also empower their dental assistants by listening to their ideas, thoughts, opinions, and concerns. This not only fosters a culture of strong communication that helps the team work better together, but it also helps dental assistants buy into the practice’s mission and core values.
Emphasis on work-life balance
Dental assisting is fulfilling, but it’s hard work. From the time they arrive in the morning (often before everyone else) to the time they leave in the evening, dental assistants are busy preparing exam rooms, sterilizing instruments, communicating treatment plans, stocking supplies, talking with patients, and helping the dentist during procedures. But dental assistants also need time to unwind and enjoy their lives outside the office. When practices are fully staffed, offer paid time off, and encourage their staff to take breaks and leave on time each day, they help support a healthy work-life balance for dental assistants — and show that they value their staff as people.
Positive, team-first culture
While pay, recognition, and work-life balance are highly valued by dental assistants, office culture can make or break a practice. In the dental environment, every team member works together in some capacity; it’s critical for everyone to be in sync. To do so, practice leaders should focus on developing a culture of collaboration and open, respectful communication where all team members are treated equally. It’s also important to celebrate individual and team accomplishments, whether a dental assistant just earned their CDA certification or the practice hit their goal for new patients. When team members are invested in each other’s success, it makes work more enjoyable for everyone, aligns the team, and allows the practice to provide better patient care.
Support for professional goals
Another way practices can show they care about their dental assistants is supporting their career development. Many dental assistants aspire to take on new responsibilities or positions as they gain more experience. Practices can promote professional development for their dental assistants in a variety of ways, such as giving them opportunities to lead team meetings, paying for continuing education and certifications, or encouraging them to pursue expanded functions credentials. When dentists and office managers are invested in their dental assistants’ success, it keeps them motivated, builds trust, and makes them more likely to stay at the practice. Plus, expanding dental assistants’ knowledge and skills can improve patient care and efficiency in the office — a win for everyone!
DANB wants to spotlight practices that foster a supportive, positive environment for dental assistants. To that end, we recently announced the winners of the first Great Practice for Dental Assistants to Work award. Read more about the award and the winners here.