As a dental assistant, your skills help patients form their opinion of the dentist and the treatment they receive. Because you are the first person they see, it is up to you to help develop trust in the practice. Further, you need to be able to take your knowledge and explain things to patients whenever necessary. Further, you need to be compassionate and listen sympathetically to patients' complaints, be it about their illness or their grievance. And last, be objective in your observations when you document charts.

Communication is an important aspect of every visit to the dentist's office. Each patient expects personal, individualized attention not only from the dentist, but from you as well. You can meet these expectations by showing a sincere interest in patients by giving them your undivided attention. Show interest and concern about each patients' concerns. Never be judgmental or express negative feelings. Above all else, patients' information should be maintained in strictest confidence. Conveying privacy will promote trust to a patient. When speaking with patients, try to assess their level of understanding and, if necessary, adjust your terminology so the patient can comprehend what you are telling them. Part of your job is to educate the patient. This might require a variety of formats-such as written instructions, illustrations, or pamphlets. Ask the dentist to assist you in developing or ordering these materials. Promote a caring relationship When patients feel the dentist and staff sincerely care about their welfare, malpractice suits are rarely filed. You can help promote this relationship by observing the behavior of patients who seem dissatisfied with their care and alerting the dentist. You can also soothe anger or frustration over long waits or smooth over perceived slights by the doctor. Act as an advocate for patients, easing their anxiety and encouraging them to communicate their feelings to you or the dentist. Try to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence.

As a dental assistant or hygienist, you can document certain information in the patient's chart. You should document any phone calls from the patient, or the patient's family members, when relevant to treatment. You can document personal observations, or comments the patient makes to you that are relevant. This might alert the dentist to a new or unusual situation. Never make derogatory or negative comments about the patient or the patient's behavior in the chart. Set off the patient's actual words with quotation marks. Date and initial each and every entry you make in the chart. This will distinguish any other documentation from yours. If you make an error in a chart, never erase the error. Instead, make one thin line through the error and below, in an appropriate place, note the error and what the correct notation should be. Date and initial this entry, as well. Your job is of paramount importance to the success of the dentist's practice. Effective communication, building relationships and objectivity are some skills that will benefit the practice and the patient.

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