Dental assisting by the numbers
It can be challenging to quantify all the work dental assistants do and the value they bring to their practice. Thanks to new research, however, key data points have emerged that show just how vital dental assistants are. Here are some key figures about dental assistants and the value they bring to practices, teammates, and patients every day.
Performing numerous duties
Dental assistants often feel they have countless tasks to perform to help keep their practices running efficiently and ensure patients receive excellent care. It turns out they perform over 200 essential duties in the dental office, according to DANB’s Job Analysis Report!
Dental assistants handle duties such as dental infection prevention and control, radiography and imaging, preparing the operatory, and supporting the entire dental team. They also perform preventive and restorative functions such as applying sealants, polishing teeth, and assisting with composite fillings. Additionally, dental assistants are essential in helping patients improve and maintain their dental health by providing patient education. Plus, their interpersonal skills — communication and empathy — ensure that patients feel at ease during procedures and fully understand their treatment plans.
Making a major financial impact
With all they do in the practice, dental assistants clearly bring significant value. Research from DANB and the DALE Foundation on the Financial Impact of Dental Assistants on the Dental Practice highlights just how important dental assistants are from a monetary standpoint.
For example, dental practices could experience a 6% decrease in revenue for each day the assistant role is vacant. That could add up to nearly $110,000 if the position were vacant for a year. Without dental assistants, offices see lower patient volume and less productivity. Additionally, the practice must recruit, hire, and train a new dental assistant, a process that can be lengthy (approximately five months, on average) and costly. On average, it costs 25% of the dental assistant’s annual pay to replace them.
This is why it’s important for practices to focus on retaining their dental assistants. In addition to showing appreciation and recognition to dental assistants, increasing pay is a highly effective strategy. DANB and the DALE Foundation’s research showed that offering a 15% increase in pay can help to prevent dissatisfied dental assistants from leaving their jobs and offset the potential costs of turnover.
Influencing patient retention
Patient retention is a key metric for the sustained success of a dental practice, and without dental assistants, it can be more difficult. In fact, the Financial Impact of Dental Assistants on the Dental Practice report revealed that 94% of dental practice leaders believe dental assistants improve patient retention. By answering questions, alleviating fears, and providing education, dental assistants build trust with their patients every day. These efforts make patients feel more comfortable in the dental office and build relationships with the staff, which can ultimately make them want to come back for future appointments.
Pursuing knowledge and career growth
Dental assistants often refer to themselves as “lifelong learners.” They’re continually perfecting their techniques and routines, striving to be better teammates, employees, and patient caretakers. And this often means they’re eager to take on new challenges in the dental office, whether it’s pursuing expanded functions, becoming a lead dental assistant, or taking on an infection control coordinator position.
Becoming certified is one way dental assistants further their professional development. Many dental professionals hold one of DANB’s seven certifications, including over 31,000 Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs). Additionally, many others hold certificates of knowledge-based competence from DANB. For example, more than 230,000 people have passed the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam! In addition to opening professional development opportunities, the benefits of certification include increased confidence in performing everyday duties, a sense of pride, and demonstrated commitment to the profession, patients, and teammates.