In any dental practice, intra oral dental assistants (IODA) are the wheels that keep the practice running smoothly. Every dental office needs an IODA in order to keep equipment organized, prepare patients for their appointments, record dental and medical histories, take x-rays, pay attention to patients’ needs, and much more. It’s no secret that intra oral dental assistants have a lot of responsibilities to account for on a daily basis, but if you’re thinking of pursuing intra oral dental assistant training, there are a few aspects of the job that might surprise you. Here are four things you should know about your future career as an IODA.
Dentists Rely on a Dental Assistant’s Intra Oral Skills
In a dental practice, dentists rely on those with intra oral dental assistant training to aid in the care of patients, allowing them to spend more time focusing on their many other responsibilities. Intra oral dental assistants are qualified to assist dentists in a number of areas. In fact, because of the intra oral skills that IODAs possess, “it allows the DDS to delegate and tend to other duties now that we can take impressions, place dental dams, polish teeth, provide dietary counselling, apply sealants and fluoride treatments,” says Rebekah Mair, Lead Instructor at Algonquin Career College’s Intra Oral Dental Assisting program. IODAs are responsible for performing these procedures routinely, enabling dentists to meet with more patients throughout the day, while assisting in keeping their practice operating efficiently.
Dental assistants possess intra oral skills which allow dentists to entrust them with certain aspects of patient care
Dentists Rely on the Organizational Skills of those with Intra Oral Dental Assistant Training
Dental assistants have a crucial role in all dental practices: as patients come in and out throughout the day, dental assistants must keep everything organized. They take inventory, organize stock cupboards, prepare, clean, and stock treatment rooms before and after patients arrive, ensure that everything is ready for a patient’s procedure, schedule future appointments, conduct follow up calls, and more. All of the organizational duties that those with dental assistant training complete are vital in keeping a dental practice operating soundly. As a result of their organizational capabilities, dentists and dental hygienists are able to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Listening is a Big Part of The Job as an IODA
This one might be surprising to intra oral dental assistant students; however, listening skills are a big component of an IODAs job. When patients first come into the office, it’s the IODA’s responsibility to greet them and ensure that their information is recorded correctly. In order to ensure that a patient receives the proper care, IODAs must listen carefully to a patient’s needs upon arrival. Are they comfortable? Are they feeling nervous or scared? Feelings of anxiety are normal for dental patients, and it’s important that IODAs take the time to make patients feel comforted and listened to.
Before their treatment begins, intra oral dental assistants are responsible for passing any and all information on to dentists about a patient’s condition. They must also listen closely while assisting dentists during treatments and procedures. Dentists must be able to trust IODAs to follow their instructions accurately, as the assistance they provide facilitates a safe and effective procedure.
Dental assistants must be good listeners in order to provide quality assistance to dentists during surgeries and procedures
The Advice They Give Patients Matters
If you’re getting your intra oral dental assistant diploma, it’s important to prepare to give patients plenty of oral health advice throughout your career. One of the major components of an IODA’s role is to give patients advice and instructions with regards to their oral hygiene and health. After a patient’s appointment is finished, intra oral dental assistants will take the time to review home care habits with them before they leave the office. These instructions may be specific to a procedure that the patient has undergone, or it may take the form of more general recommendations of steps that a patient can take to maintain good oral health. Whatever the case, it’s important that IODAs are well-informed when it comes to good oral health practices, as this information can have a direct impact on a patient’s oral hygiene habits.
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