Lead Dental Assistant

Have you ever been to the dentist? If you have, you might have seen a person helping the dentist take care of your teeth. That’s the lead dental assistant!

Today, in this article we’re going to tell you everything about being a lead dental assistant, what they do, and why it’s such an important job.

If you’re someone who is interested in pursuing dental assistance as a career, sit back and get your read on!

Learn more:
Dental Assistant Skills
Dental Assistant Duties

What is a Lead Dental Assistant?

As the name suggests, a lead dental assistant is a dental professional who takes on a leadership role in the dental office. Their roles are similar to those of Dental Assistants.

They work with the dentist to provide high-quality care to patients. They are also responsible for coordinating various tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Know more:
Dental Assistant Job Description
Dental Assistant Requirements
Dental Administrative Assistant
How Long Does It Take To Become a Dental Assistant?

Lead Dental Assistant Duties

You must have a clear view of what is a Lead Dental Assistant. Now we will understand their duties below.

Overseeing Clinical Operations: The Lead Dental Assistants make sure that patient appointments are scheduled at the right time.

Further, they also help dentists during the dental procedure, making sure patients feel comfortable during the treatment.

Teaching New Staff: A major part of their job is teaching new dental assistants. Sharing knowledge ultimately helps patients get optimum care.

Assisting the Dentist: Lead dental assistants assist dentists during procedures. They are continuously engaged in handing over instruments, preparing materials, and ensuring the dentist has everything they need to perform treatments efficiently.

Sterilization and Infection Control: They are responsible for maintaining a clean and sterile environment in the dental office.

This includes sterilizing instruments and disinfecting surfaces to prevent the spread of infections within a dental premise.

Managing Dental Records: Lead dental assistants often handle patient records, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date. This responsibility of a Lead Dental Assistant helps with treatment planning and insurance claims.

Lead Dental Assistant Salary

One of the most important aspects of any profession is how much you earn.

On average, a lead dental assistant can earn between $40,000 to $60,000 per year. This figure can rise with additional experience and certifications.

There are other factors like location, experience, and the type of employer which decide the overall salary.

Know more:
Dental Assistant Salary

How to Be a Good Lead Dental Assistant

To become a good Lead Dental Assistant you must acquire certain skills and qualities.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the skills you would need to be a good lead dental assistant:

Education and Training: To start your journey as a lead dental assistant, you’ll typically need to complete a dental assisting program. You can easily get these programs at community colleges or vocational schools.

Certification: Earning certification from organizations like the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can enhance your career prospects. This will increase your chances of personal growth and development.

Obtaining a certification shows your commitment and your dedication to your profession and can lead to higher-paying positions.

Communication Skills: Most professions require good communication skills and Lead Dental Assistant is one among them. You should be able to explain dental procedures in a clear and friendly manner to ease patients’ anxieties.

Attention to Detail: Dental procedures require precision, so paying attention to detail is crucial. Make sure instruments are sterile and procedures are carried out accurately.

Teamwork: Lead dental assistants often work closely with the dental team, so being a team player is essential. The cooperation ensures the dental office runs efficiently.

Conclusion

When you pursue lead dental assistant as your career, you use your dental skills and also learn how to lead and organize things. If you work hard, keep learning, and always do your best, you can do well in this job and make a big difference in dentistry.

If you’re ready to step up in your dental assistant job, you can begin your path to becoming a Lead Dental Assistant today.

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