Choosing a career in dental assisting means embracing a multifaceted role in a field that makes a real difference in people’s lives. At Discovery Community College (DCC), we take pride in our comprehensive Dental Assistant training program, which prepares our graduates for a fulfilling and dynamic career.

Dental assistants are indispensable team members in dental practices, offering support from patient care to intricate dental procedures, including oral surgery. The role of a dental assistant in oral surgery is crucial. They ensure the smooth execution of surgeries by assisting with various critical tasks.

Our program at DCC propels you into the workforce with confidence and competence. Whether you’re drawn to the technical precision required in surgeries or the compassionate aspects of patient care, our program is designed to hone your skills across all areas of dental assisting.

Keep reading to learn more about the role of a dental assistant during oral surgery and how we provide you with the skills you need to become an invaluable member of any dental team. 

The Responsibility of a Level II Dental Assistant During Oral Surgery

Dental assistants are pivotal to dental office operations. Their role stretches beyond the basics of patient interaction and administrative tasks to encompass a variety of clinical duties, particularly in oral surgery.

After dental assistant training, you are on the front line, preparing the surgical area, ensuring sterilization of tools, and assisting during the procedures. You’ll act as the dentist’s second pair of hands, passing instruments and managing suction devices to keep the field clear and maintain sterility. You will recruit a wide range of the skills you’ll develop during our rigorous training program.

Essential Soft Skills Required for Effective Oral Surgery Assistance

In the high-stakes environment of oral surgery, Level II Dental Assistants must possess a blend of critical soft skills to ensure both success and patient satisfaction. Dental assistant courses emphasize that effective communication is paramount; assistants must clearly and effectively convey information between the dentist, the surgical team, and patients, often under stressful conditions. Attention to detail is also crucial, as the tiniest oversight can significantly impact the outcome of a surgical procedure.

Strong problem-solving skills enable dental assistants to quickly address any issues that may arise during surgery, ensuring that operations proceed smoothly. Additionally, empathy plays a significant role in patient care, helping assistants provide comfort and reassurance during a possible anxiety-inducing experience.

The ability to multitask is essential, as assistants need to manage various responsibilities simultaneously, from handling surgical instruments to monitoring patient vitals. Mastery of these soft skills enhances the surgical team’s efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately contributing to successful patient outcomes.

Building the Skills You Need in Dental Assistant Training

The Dental Assistant program at DCC is meticulously designed to equip you with the necessary skills to thrive in all aspects of dental care, including oral surgery.

From the beginning of your training, you delve into courses like Applied Dental Sciences and Operative Dental Assisting, which lay the groundwork for understanding complex surgical procedures.

Modules in Dental Radiography and Prosthodontics further hone your technical abilities. Practical experience is paramount, and at DCC, you will spend significant time in practicums, where real-world scenarios are simulated. Before entering the workforce, you will apply your learned skills in controlled instructional settings.

DCC supports your journey beyond the conventional classroom setup. Opportunities like the Pacific Dental Conference give you insights into the latest advancements and practices in dental care, including oral surgery. These experiences are invaluable as they build confidence and expand your understanding of your role in dynamic clinical settings.

As the demand for specialized dental care grows, so does the need for skilled dental assistants. At Discovery Community College, we prepare you for a career and ensure you excel, specifically emphasizing roles like those in oral surgery.

Join us and become part of a community where education meets opportunity. A proud graduate, Ana McManus, shares her experience: “I can proudly say that going to Discovery was one of the greatest choices I have made in my life. Now, I not only have a job but a career which I am proud of.”

Are you ready to become a dental assistant?

Contact Discovery Community College to learn more!