At My Community Dental Centers (MCDC), every day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our patients. Our Dental Assistants play a critical role in that endeavor by supporting our dentists during procedures and helping patients feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. Here’s a look at what a typical day looks like through the eyes of a Dental Assistant at MCDC.

Wake Up the Office

Our day begins with a morning huddle. This is where we come together as a team to review the day’s schedule, discussing patient cases, and asking questions to ensure we’re all on the same page. It’s our way of setting the tone for a day of collaborative care.

After our huddle, we set up each room and prep the materials needed for each procedure. This step helps us make sure we’re ready to get the day going the moment our first patient walks through the door.

As patients walk in, we kindly greet them and help them settle in comfortably, making sure they feel at ease from the start. Many individuals who visit the dentist experience dental anxiety, so building trust from the very first interaction is important to keep our patients at ease. In community health dentistry, relationships are at the heart of dental care. Unlike private or corporate settings, the focus is on building trust with patients, because when people feel calm and supported, appointments tend to go more smoothly and lead to better outcomes.

Caring in Action

As dental assistants, we wear many hats throughout the day, and our daily tasks can include the following:

• Updating patient health histories, taking vitals, and capturing x-rays. Understanding a patient’s overall health helps us deliver more personalized and effective care.
• Chairside, we assist the dentist during a wide range of procedures including fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, and both dentures and partials. This means anticipating the dentist’s needs, managing suction and instruments, preparing materials, and ensuring patients stay comfortable throughout their care.
• After treatment, we educate patients on oral hygiene practices and post-op dental care to empower them in their dental health journey.

Efficiency is key, especially in community health. We turn over rooms quickly yet thoroughly between appointments to keep the day flowing smoothly, ensuring each patient receives care without unnecessary delays and remaining flexible, allowing us to pivot when these urgent needs arise because access to timely care can make all the difference for our patients.

Community-based dental care often includes emergency visits, and we’re always ready to assist. Throughout the Dental Assistant career, we make room in our schedules to accommodate those urgent needs allowing patients to know we care.

Beyond the Operatory

We follow strict infection control protocols to ensure the safety of our patients, our team, and the communities we serve. Beyond proper surface disinfection in the operatory, every dental instrument is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized in our dedicated sterilization space. Dental Assistants are leaders in this space, facilitating the process with great attention to detail.

In addition to strict infection control protocols, Dental Assistants keep collaboration at the heart of all they do, working closely with the front office team to ensure the day flows smoothly and communication stays strong from check-in to check-out. We also support our hygienists by assisting with periodontal charting and x-rays, helping deliver seamless, team-based care for our patients.

Close Out the Day

At the end of the day, we ensure that all patient notes are completed and accurate. We restock supplies, return equipment to its appropriate place, and review the next day’s schedule, always looking for ways to get ahead for our patients!

Closing out the day isn’t just about tidying up, it’s about reinforcing the teamwork and commitment that make community health dentistry truly matter. We celebrate the wins, support each other through challenges, and remind ourselves that together, we make a meaningful difference every single day. By reflecting on what went well and preparing for what challenges and growth we will accomplish along the way, we ensure every patient receives the thoughtful, high-quality care they deserve.

Interested in furthering your Dental Assistant career by joining a team that makes a real impact every day? At MCDC, our dedicated and passionate dental professionals are here to support you every step of the way. As teammates, we’ll ensure your transition into our culture is smooth and welcoming. Hear directly from our team members, Kelsey, Adrienne, and Meghan, about what it’s like to be part of the life-changing dental care we provide: