What advice can working dental assistants pass on to new dental assistants?

Answer 1

Take your time and understand WHY dr is doing something. For example when learning how a dr likes to fill a composite filling, from etching the tooth to curing it. Understanding what each individual step is for is A awesome foundation to be able to problem solve on. The second you understand why a certain step is needed you'll have a better idea what to do when something doesn't go as planned. Another example is when the dr takes out all the decay with the high speed and proceeds to take a small amount of healthy dentin. Healthy teeth have to be shaved down in order for the bond the dr uses to bond to the grooves, (created by the high speed) and make a foundation to lay composite. If you understand the clinical aspect of dental assistant and not just the steps you'll have a successful, long, rewarding career.