Every visit to a dentist’s office involves an intricately orchestrated performance. While the dentist and hygienist roles are obvious, the one operating behind the scenes – the dental assistant – carries out significant tasks that are crucial for patient safety. Sherrie Busby, an experienced dental assistant speaker, trainer, and a member of Infection Control Today’s editorial advisory board, points out that dental assistants shoulder more responsibilities than simple assistance to the doctor. Their tasks encompass setting up and breaking down rooms as well as ensuring the whole infection control process is carried out seamlessly.
Surprisingly, while dental hygienists require degrees and specialized education, most states do not mandate formal training for dental assistants who work in infection control. Consequently, these assistants learn the ropes on the job, sometimes adopting bad habits alongside good ones. Despite their central role in sterilizing instruments, managing lab cases, upholding infection control protocols, documenting visits, and providing patient education, dental assistants are among the lowest-paid staff in dental offices, earning an average of $20 per hour.
Considering the high-risk inherent in dental settings due to potential exposure to aerosols and instruments such as bacteria like C. difficile that can survive up to 5 months on surfaces, infection control is paramount. Dental assistants are on the frontline to maintain stringent cleaning, sterilization, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the vulnerability of professionals in the dental field and highlighted the primary importance of these integral, yet undervalued, roles in preventing infection and ensuring patient safety.
In light of this, the Dental Assistant National Board is advocating for standardized credentialing and education requirements for dental assistants across various states. This significant step will bring about consistency in infection control practices and knowledge levels, ultimately improving the quality of care.
During Dental Assistant Appreciation Week, it’s high time we acknowledge these unusually invisible heroes who are not merely assistants but infection control specialists, patient educators, and guardians of patient safety. Their work warrants recognition and fair compensation commensurate with their critical duties. The wonder induced by a routine visit to the dentist owes much to these unsung heroes – the dental assistants who make it all happen.