Risks of Being a Dental Assistant

Having a career as a dental assistant is a great career opportunity. You will ha

ve the ability to work in the dental profession and observe many types of dental
procedures taking place. In addition to assisting dentists and hygienists with
the procedures you will have the opportunity to get to know patients as well as
help them to feel comfortable before, during, and after procedures.
However, in this type of career, it is important that you are completely aware o
f the risks and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself. While it is
very rare, some patients become upset and irate as a result of dental work. They
may be afraid of the processes or not happy with the work. This can result in v
erbal or physical abuse taking place.
To protect yourself, make sure you are aware of the proper policies and procedur
es of the dental office you work in and follow them completely. Generally, the p
olice will be called to take a report. Since most dental offices are very small,
your communication skills are very important. Your efforts to de-esculate a sit
uation can make the difference of how it plays out.
Most dental offices understand the importance of a good working relationship wit
h all individuals. They work together to make the office environment fun, relaxi
ng, a learning experience, and a place everyone looks forward to working at. Sin
ce we spend so many hours at work in the presence of co-workers, it is important
to establish quality relationships.
Unfortunately, in some dental offices, Dental Assistants are treated poorly. Oth
er staff does not show them respect or include them in things that take place bo
th in the office and get togethers outside of it. There are reports of Dental As
sistants who claim they were sent to get coffee for the other staff and other su
ch tasks rather than being able to participate in the dental procedures. Other D
ental Assistants have reported verbal and physical abuse at the hands of the oth
er staff. They have been ridiculed for having less knowledge and even kicked for
handing staff the wrong instrument.
It is important that you do not allow yourself to continue being the victim of s
uch abuse as a Dental Assistant. If you are having problems with other staff, le
t the dentist know immediately. If the issue involves the dentist, immediately r
emove yourself from the dental facility. You should also report the incident to
the State Dental Board for further investigation.
The possibility of being infected with a communicable disease is the biggest ris
k Dental Assistants face. Since most communicable diseases are transmitted via s
aliva and blood, it is obvious why it can be such an issue. All dental offices s
hould follow proper procedures including always wearing sterile gloves during al
l procedures. Dental Assistants should always wear gloves if they are in the are
a of a procedure. Emergencies can happen fast where you have to reach into a pat
ients mouth. You should always be prepared to help as well as have yourself prote
cted.
If you believe you have punctured your sterile gloves, immediately change them n
o matter how small of a hole you believe you have made. This will help protect y
ou against communicable diseases.
If you come into contact with saliva, blood, or other bodily fluids, immediately
wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Most dental offices have patients
fill out a questionnaire asking about comunicable diseases. However, since the
information isnt verified, it is unknown if it accurate. Therefore, treat every p
atient respectfully, but always be prepared for the risk of infection from a com
municable disease.
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