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"We, dental assistants, must be able to anticipate what the dentist might need depending on each treatment"
The quality of treatments and patient comfort is one of the priorities of the OralMED Health Group. This is managed with the help of multidisciplinary teams at OralMED Dental Medicine clinics, dedicated to providing the best care to all those who need to recover their Oral Health. While it's certain that team dedication is a decisive factor in the Patients' experience, the truth is that the relationship and proximity between Oral Health professionals also plays a crucial role. The Dental Assistant is the closest function to a Dentist within a clinic.
We spoke with Dr. Tânia Proença and her Assistant, Renata Borrelfo, who have been working together for two years at OralMED Dental Medicine clinics. We sought to learn more about the importance of the dynamics between them during consultations.
What is the role of the Dental Assistant during consultations?
Dr. Tânia Proença: A good assistant should start performing their role rigorously from reception. With kindness, making the patient feel comfortable, providing a welcoming and safe environment to reduce patient anxiety. They must comply with the code of ethics, which involves always respecting the patient and providing the best possible treatment. In the office, they must have the technical ability to prepare patients for care, provide direct assistance, know anatomy, clinical steps/protocols.
They should also establish a connection with the prosthetic laboratory and follow up on requested work. And lastly, but of high importance, especially in the times we live in, they must master the concept of asepsis, which includes sterilization, disinfection of materials and surfaces. A good assistant should also have an educational role with patients, helping the dentist to raise awareness about good practices and post-treatment care.
Renata Borrelfo: Knowing each work method, everything becomes more dynamic and the procedures of each consultation run better. We, dental assistants, should be able to anticipate what the doctor might need depending on each treatment, if we know them. By being one step ahead, we ensure that the treatment is done consistently and smoothly.
How does the dynamic between Dentist and Assistant influence the Patient's experience?
Dr. Tânia Proença: The interaction between Dentist/Assistant, communication, body language, or even eye contact can be noticeable by the patient. Thus, it becomes important to have a cohesive team that works confidently and interacts positively and assertively. This way, it will undoubtedly pass more confidence to the patient, ultimately dissipating their anxiety and also maximizing results.
Renata Borrelfo: The consultation becomes a better experience for the patient when there is a good relationship between doctor and assistant. If the dynamic is good, often the patient ends up calming down, entering a state of comfort and sometimes even resulting in laughter (with an open mouth).
On the contrary, a poor relationship between assistant and doctor leaves the patient much more nervous and anxious, and the treatment ends up being more painful and time-consuming. If the patient feels a good vibe between doctor and assistant, they feel much more comfortable and end up getting carried away in that energy, making the procedure easier. So much so that many times they end up leaving with positive feedback, different from what they brought from other experiences in other clinics.
What contributes to good teamwork between Dentist and Assistant?
Dr. Tânia Proença: According to my experience, the secrets are cooperation, commitment, respect for each other's work, and a spirit of unity.
Renata Borrelfo: I believe that the secret to good teamwork is just that, working as a team. We're here for each other, to know how to respect each other's position and, with plenty of communication, solve any problems that may arise.
About the OralMED Health Group
Remember that the OralMED Health Group is the first Portuguese group specialized in Dental Medicine. With over 10 years of experience in the sector, it already has more than 50 of its own clinical units, three dedicated laboratories, and a contact center, the first specialized in the Health area in Portugal.
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