By: Ronda Holman
Every dentist remembers that awkward learning curve when they first started practicing — the fumbling, the second-guessing, the mental checklist running in the background. Your dental assistant goes through the same thing, but here’s the kicker: they didn’t go to dental school.
That means, in the beginning,
- They won’t always know what you want before you ask
- They can’t anticipate every move in a procedure they’ve only seen a few times
…and that’s okay.
Learning a Brand New Language
A new assistant is essentially learning a brand-new language — the vocabulary, the rhythm, the “flow” of dentistry. When you say “pass me the IPC,” it might as well be ancient Greek at first. The more you explain, the faster they’ll connect the dots.
What they need from you isn’t silent judgment or the occasional sigh of frustration. They need;
- clear communication
- a little grace
- the understanding that repetition is how they’ll get faster
When they miss a step, it’s not failure — it’s part of the learning process.
Share the Why, not just the What
It also helps to share the “why,” not just the “what.” If you explain,
“I need the X-ray to confirm the margins are closed on this new crown.”
You’re giving them more than instructions. You’re teaching them to think like your clinical partner — which is exactly what they’ll become.
The truth is, one day this same assistant will anticipate your needs so well it’ll feel like they can read your mind.
But that level of teamwork isn’t built in a week. It’s built in the everyday moments where you choose to guide instead of gripe, to explain instead of expect, and to lead with patience instead of pressure.
In other words, be the dentist you would have wanted as a mentor when you were just starting out.
In Conclusion
Your dental assistant is a work in progress, just like you were once. If you invest the time to explain, guide, and support them now, you’ll both reap the rewards of a seamless, efficient, and downright enjoyable partnership in the future.
Keep Reading: 3 Ways to Invest in Your Dental Assistants
Photo by Monstera Production
