Are you considering dental reception training? It’s an exciting field that offers a blend of patient interaction, administrative tasks, and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team. Dental reception comes with a unique vocabulary – a collection of medical terms. This blog post will equip you with practical strategies to retain essential medical terminology after your dental reception training, ensuring you can confidently navigate your new role.

Dental terminology is a core component of our dental reception training program at the Discovery Community College (DCC), so you’ll have a solid foundation to build. Here are some practical tips to solidify your grasp of dental terms long after completing your training.

Make Connections Between Terms and Procedures

Each term relates to a specific part of the mouth, a dental procedure, or a dental condition. During your training, pay close attention to how these terms connect to the bigger picture of dentistry.

For instance, learning the term “periapical” might seem dry. But understanding that it refers to the tip of the tooth root (peri = around, apical = tip) makes it more relatable. Similarly, “prophylaxis” might sound complex, but understanding it means dental cleaning (pro = for, phylaxis = protection against infection) makes remembering easier.

Visualize and Use Diagrams During Dental Reception Training

Supplement your studies with labelled diagrams that visually represent these areas. This will help you associate terms like “incisor,” “molar,” or “palate” with their corresponding location in the mouth.

Our dental reception training program incorporates theoretical knowledge of the oral cavity to educate patients. Take advantage of these resources and actively engage with them frequently, adding diagrams, images, and examples as you go along.

Make It Fun and Interactive and Embrace Mnemonics

Create flashcards with dental terms on one side and their definitions or corresponding images on the other. Carry these with you and utilize them throughout the day for quick bursts of revision. Turn it into a game! Quiz yourself during commutes, or challenge a fellow dental receptionist trainee to a friendly flashcard showdown.

A silly rhyme or phrase can work wonders for memory retention. Create mnemonics to remember the sequence of teeth. For instance, a silly way to remember the types of permanent teeth (incisor, canine, premolar, molar) could be “Inquisitive Canines Patrol Molars Eagerly.”

Role-Play With a Partner, and Use Apps and Online Resources

Dental receptionists often interact with patients with questions about dental procedures or conditions. Role-playing scenarios with a partner can significantly improve your recall of medical terminology.

Numerous apps and online resources are designed to help you learn and retain medical terminology, including dental terms. Some resources offer interactive quizzes, gamified learning experiences, or audio pronunciations of dental terms. Integrate these tools into your study routine for a well-rounded approach to learning.

Stay Engaged With Dentistry: Keep the Learning Going after Your Dental Reception Training

After your dental reception course is complete, retaining dental terminology requires ongoing engagement.

• Read dental magazines or blogs: Stay updated on current trends and advancements in dentistry.
• Listen to dental podcasts: Many podcasts discuss dental topics clearly and engagingly.
• Volunteer at dental clinics (if possible): Practical experience can solidify your understanding of dental procedures and terminology in real-world scenarios.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering dental terminology and approaching your dental reception career with confidence.

Do you want to know how Discovery Community College equips you with all you need for a successful dental receptionist career? Here’s Kristy Noel de Tilly, a graduate of our dental reception training program, with a testimonial: “I learned a lot throughout this entire program, the teachers were beyond supportive and taught me everything I needed to know to enter this field of work. I also had a great office to do my practicum with, they were very professional and taught me the important things a Dental Receptionist needs to know and do for the business.”

Are you looking for superior career training?

Contact DCC for more information.