From dental assistant to leader: How to elevate your role and boost your value

This article is contributed by the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). 

As a dental assistant, you’re already juggling multiple roles in the office. But what if you could elevate your impact, become a go-to team member, and set yourself up for a leadership position down the road? Whether you’re interested in becoming an office manager or simply want to add value to your practice, AADOM has a few tips to help you unlock your full potential.

1. Communication skills

Great dental assistants are skilled in listening and relaying important information. With strong communication skills, you can help prevent misunderstandings, build trust, and create a smooth patient experience. If you’re thinking of moving into management, communication will be especially crucial for leading a team, delegating tasks, and addressing patient concerns.

2. Office systems and scheduling

A well-organized dental office has established systems for keeping everything running like a tight ship. Understanding the “why” behind scheduling strategies and what is necessary to meet production goals will help you proactively contribute to the success of the practice. 

3. Financial and reporting skills

While financial management is not traditionally the responsibility of a dental assistant, knowing the basic financial workflow of the practice supports the administrative team and helps the practice maintain healthy cash flow. Areas you can start with include knowing how the administration team processes payments, manages accounts, and handles past-due claims. If you aim to move into an office manager role, learning to manage accounts receivable, handle billing, and understand monthly reports will prepare you for more responsibility and give you a deeper insight into practice performance.

4. Compliance and safety protocols

Every dental assistant should be well-versed in safety protocols, from OSHA guidelines to infection control and HIPAA regulations. Office managers are responsible for maintaining the compliance and safety standards for the practice. By mastering these protocols, you can demonstrate that you’re ready to take on the accountability of an office management role.

5. Leadership and team dynamics

An effective dental assistant supports the team by helping lead daily huddles, organizing tasks, and fostering a positive environment. Taking the initiative and showing leadership help build teamwork and collaboration.

Office managers need strong leadership to guide meetings and solve problems. Look for opportunities to lead, whether by supporting new hires or keeping the team focused on goals.

6. Practice software proficiency

Your practice relies on its software for scheduling, billing, and patient records. Becoming proficient in these tools will make you a more adaptable and efficient team member. As a manager, you will also need to be adept at generating reports and tracking key metrics.

7. Marketing and patient engagement

Although not always a part of the dental assistant role, understanding marketing basics, such as online presence and patient reviews, is a way you can jump in and add noticeable value. Helping with community engagement or managing the online reputation also shows you care about the practice’s growth. In a management role, these will be essential skills for patient engagement and referral strategies to grow the practice.

Investing in yourself will get you noticed

The dental assistant role is essential to every successful dental practice, and with the right skills, you have the power to shape your future. AADOM’s Office Management 101 provides the management foundation you need to boost your value, expand your role, and open doors to leadership opportunities. Download the OM101 Checklist today to map out your educational path and set clear goals. Embrace this opportunity, invest in your career, and unlock your potential to become an indispensable asset to your practice.