Training a new dental assistant? Tips to help you both succeed
This article is written by Sherri Napier, CDA, EFDA.
Many of us have been in this situation: Your supervisor tells you that a new dental assistant has been hired, and they want you to onboard them. According to recent research, dental assistants are often responsible for training dental assistants who are new to the practice. While we certainly have the knowledge and skills, many of us might appreciate some extra guidance. Here are a few ways training new hires can be beneficial, along with some tips to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
Why dental assistants make great trainers
Whether they’ve just joined the profession or are a seasoned dental assistant, everyone needs training when they’re new to your office. The responsibility of training new dental assistants is typically assigned to us because we have firsthand knowledge of the position’s responsibilities. As the backbone of the dental office, dental assistants can usually be in the room with a new hire and walk them through procedures and demonstrate everything they need to know.
In addition to showing new dental assistants practical skills, training is an excellent opportunity to get to know them. Over the years, I have benefitted from building a strong rapport with new colleagues so we can support each other on the job.
The first three months
In my experience, most new hires have graduated from a dental assisting school, so they’ve already learned the necessary skills to work in a dental practice. The goal of our office’s training is to show how we operate as a team and how each doctor prefers to work.
Most training occurs on the job since shadowing is an effective way to show your new colleague the ropes. Begin with simple tasks, such as learning your office’s computer program or limited exams. You don’t want to throw them right into a root canal procedure when they don’t know where things are or how the doctor wants everything set up.
It usually takes three to six months to train a new dental assistant, so remember to be patient and talk them through everything, even if it seems obvious. Everyone has their own learning style, and you can help by adapting to their needs. Personally, I’m more of a visual person and like to do hands-on work rather than just hearing something explained. But others could be told one time and then say to
themselves, “OK, I’m good.”
I remember working with a new hire who was fresh out of school. She seemed unsure of herself, and she was worried about being too slow during procedures. I told her to just take it day by day — it doesn’t matter if you’re slow, as long as you’re doing it right. I said the rest of it is going to come with time and experience. The more you do it, the faster you get, and within a few months she had it figured out.
Set your new hire up for success
While creating a formal training program isn’t always necessary, it’s a good idea to identify some key milestones and dates to ensure you’re on the same page. Some offices provide laminated handouts detailing important steps for which instruments should be set up for various procedures. Make sure that you or another team member discuss any information required by state or federal regulations, such as HIPAA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines on patient health information and infection control.
Related: 4 tips for training dental assistants
Occasionally, you’ll notice that training isn’t going as smoothly as you’d hope. In these instances, I would talk to the other assistants, or even the doctor, to get their perspective on how they’ve seen the new hire perform the role. Conferring with other experienced colleagues gives valuable insight on where I might need to refocus the training. For example, perhaps someone else notices that the new dental assistant needs more training on taking impressions.
The power of positivity
If you’re tasked with training a new dental assistant, my No. 1 tip is to have a good attitude. I’ve worked with dental assistants who were angry that they had to spend time training me, and it was a negative experience for both of us. We were all new at one point, so it’s important to demonstrate patience and a welcoming attitude.
You also want to be careful to avoid engaging in office gossip. When I was being trained in a previous role, all the dental assistant wanted to do was talk about stuff going on in the office. I had just met these people, and hearing these things made me want to start looking for a new job.
A positive mindset can also help you learn more about your new colleague while helping them understand more about how the office works. These interactions can go a long way — a new dental assistant is more likely to enjoy their new job if they build a genuine connection with you, which also helps the team work together more effectively.
While training a new dental assistant is a big responsibility, it’s worth the effort. As the dental field continues to evolve, we have the opportunity to shape the culture of our practice and make a positive impact on our colleagues. Remember to take it day by day and be patient — kindness goes a long way.
About the author
Sherri Napier, CDA, EFDA, completed her training at Kaplan University in Frederick, Maryland, and has been in the dental field for almost 18 years. She has worked as a general dentistry assistant alongside many dentists and assistants throughout her career. Napier recently began teaching and is now a dental assistant instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.