Top 5 Questions Dental Assistants Ask Me

I’ve written about the five questions dentists ask me but I thought I would draw your attention to those who work behind the scenes. Dental assistants are the ones who keep the clinical department running. Sorry, hygienists. But truthfully, who is cleaning the autoclave? Who is stocking operatories? Who does all the ordering? Who is there to turnover rooms when chaos strikes the hygiene department? The answer to these questions; dental assistants. So, I took to the streets (haha) and thought I would share the questions I hear most out there.

If you’ve read my blog in the past, you already know I (proudly) spent many years in the trenches as a dental assistant. But it wasn’t until a decade ago that I accepted the critical importance of this position. You can get a sense of just how integral the assistant position is by listening to what they’re asking. 

Question 1. Do you need an ultrasonic?

Answer: No! Do you know what instruments do when locked between two pieces of rubber in a cassette (which is where they should be)? They don’t move. Using the same enzymatic solution, there is nothing an ultrasonic machine can do that soaking instruments in a sink cannot - unless you want aerosols from that cesspool floating around the office. If that’s the case, then of course, keep that jiggler.

Question 2. How can I manage my inventory?

Answer: Have a starting point. I will give you the basics. First, you will have to determine what products and supplies are used for 90% of the dentistry you do. Then, keep only one week of this inventory in the operatory. Everything else must be easily deployed. For instance, if Endo is only performed in your practice 10-20% of the time, it is foolish to keep it chair side, but it must be easily accessible in a mobile cart. The cart is then stocked with everything Endo related, including post kits. Check out this video for an Endo Cart setup. You will want to have one location for all other supplies. Rule of thumb is to keep 6 weeks' worth of supplies on hand. This inventory is out of boxes in clear containers and labeled. You’ll be amazed at how much space you have once everything is taken out of boxes. If you really want to know the nitty gritty, you’ll have to ask your boss to give us a call.  This is a HUGE component of our Efficiency Training program. We can help you break down how much it costs your practice for each procedure.  I mean nickel and dime stuff. This data is invaluable! 

Question 3. How do you clean burs? 

Answer:

1. Place all used burs back into the bur block from the operatory and take into sterilization. Loose burs are a no-no.

2. Check your bur block in sterilization. If debris is present, brush the debris away using a nylon brush. Contrary to manufacturer suggestions, metal bur brushes will damage your bur.
3. Dry heat sterilizers are best for your burs, but I realize most practice do not have one. If you are using a steam autoclave, dip the block in surgical milk, bag, and autoclave. By the way, do not place your bur block into a solution full of chemicals. Enzymatic chemicals will deteriorate the integrity of the bur.

The system of cleaning burs is often broken in most practices, so you’re not alone. If your doctor uses disposable dental burs, please throw the used ones away. For God’s sake, have a bur block with ALL the burs used for 90% of the dentistry done at the practice. Every slot in the bur block is full. Yes, that means all your diamonds, carbides, latch, and finishing burs in one bur block.

4. I am having difficulty training new dental assistants. Do you have a process that will help?

Answer: Use a tool which allows any practice to define, track and promote staff growth within their clinical departments - including dental assistants, hygienists and associates. We have spent the last decade creating clinical growth ladders called Heart Charts™, which do exactly that. These training ladders keep your teams accountable, engaged and motivated.

5. How long did it take you to fully understand how to assist?

Answer: For the first 10 years working chairside, I worked in a few different practices and docs did things different. I was trained on the job and soon loved helping people, but I was overcome with frustration. Then I met Dr. David Ahearn. He changed my life as a dental assistant. I suddenly understood how to do my job - and how important doing it right was to the success of the whole team. I’ve been in this industry for 28 years and I promise you there is something to learn every day. For the last 5 years, I have been traveling North America coaching practices how This Can All Be Easier.  

They don’t teach this stuff in dental assisting school. The questions dental assistants ask are good ones. They’re the ones in the thick of it - lots of moving parts.  They’re trying to figure out a way to keep the dentist happy and improve the way they work. I’d like to thank them for reaching out!