Career Tips & Advice

Important Traits of a DA

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated November 28, 2016. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
dental assistant

Sometimes, the most important roles are the ones often overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Such is the life of the Dental Assistant. While the focus of most dental procedures falls on the dentist and patient, it's often the work of the Dental Assistant that makes it all work and gel.

Dental Assistant as the "right arm" of the dentist

According to Christine Felchner, BS, RDA, CDA, Dental Assisting Program Director at Concordes campus in Memphis, Tenn., the Dental Assistant is to the dentist what a deputy is to a sheriff, what Robin is to Batman, perhaps more to the point, what a surgical technician is to a surgeon. They can't do their jobs unless the assistant does theirs.

"The Dental Assistant is the right arm of the dentist," Felchner said. "He/she has the room set up, patient seated, X-rays taken and procedure explained so the dentist can come in and get started."

Important traits of the Dental Assistant

Three important traits any good Dental Assistant must possess, Felchner said, are great assisting skills, attendance and attitude.

"Knowing the procedure and having correct materials and instruments ready is crucial to the flow of the office and confidence of the patient," she said. "Treat each patient with care and concern and each day as a chance to learn something new."

Attendance might seem like it should be a given. However, in a role like Dental Assistant, it's even more vital to be present... for as long as the job requires.

"Attendance is critical to keeping any job, but the dentist depends on you to have everything ready for him or her to come in and start work," Felchner said. "Also, the flexibility of being able to stay longer if a procedure runs over or if an emergency comes in is important."

"Put yourself in the patient's place. You'd be glad someone took the time to help you."

Finally, a good, positive attitude always goes a long way in any line of work, but especially that of a Dental Assistant.

"Your positive, caring attitude helps the patient feel safe," Felchner said. "Learn how to find a positive in every situation. That smile behind your mask lights up your eyes."

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Dental Assistant program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.