DA SPOTLIGHT
How Dental Assistants Embrace the Mindset of
WINNING TOGETHER Dental assistants are integral to a practice’s clinical culture and, in many cases, they serve as the primary point of contact between the dentist and patient. Patient care is truly a team effort and it’s no secret that PDS dental assistants are passionate about their work. After all, they are committed to providing quality oral health care and same-day dentistry to the communities they serve through integrity and compassion while establishing lasting relationships with patients. You could say PDS’ dental assistants have become masters in the art of first impressions. Whether shadowing mentors, training acquired through continuing education, PDS University courses or through daily patient interaction, dental assistants establish trust by actively listening to concerns, asking insightful questions to check for understanding and providing the highest level of support in the best interests of each patient. Dental assistants understand the value of good dentistry and support clinicians in presenting and educating patients about its benefits. To ensure each patient is given the opportunity to receive the highest level of oral health care, dental assistants are trained in both soft and clinical skills to ensure they can properly support clinicians in creating positive patient outcomes. Many of PDS’ dental assistants understand that in order to position themselves as leaders in the health care profession they must display tenacity, determination, continuous learning and adaptability. This initiative is nurtured and developed during the Lead Dental Assistant Development Program where
dental assistants assess their leadership skills, learn how to positively influence the behaviors of others to achieve goals and explore the importance of cultivating relationships based on trust during the 14-week program. Additionally, they are focused on team member development, communication, time management, business acumen and lead assistant responsibilities. PDS-supported dental assistants believe it is a privilege to perform beyond what is required and that quality performance at every job, every day, every hour is required. The dental assistants who own their behaviors, actions and take initiative to learn will grow personally and professionally in the health care profession. We fail or succeed together as a team. The versatility and value that dental assistants provide as team players are limitless. And there is nothing more powerful or satisfying than winning together. For more information about the Lead Dental Assistant Development Program or to sign up for the next cohort, please visit PDS University or speak with your manager.
ROSE OLAGUE Director, School Relations and Dental Assistant Programs
32 PDS Life | How Dental Assistants Embrace the Mindset of Winning Together
Some tips to help dental assistants be successful: 1.
Be empowered and continue reaching for more.
2.
Be collaborative in nature and proactively set up clinicians for success.
3.
Stay humble, hungry and curious in expanding your own clinical knowledge and own your daily performance.
4.
Continuously seek others’ perspectives to stay sharp and effective with every patient.
5.
Elevate yourself as a health care professional and maximize your effectiveness in supporting clinical excellence and patient outcomes.
