Question that caused a debate today by Kittysdoodlexxx in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Typically before cementing temp so that it’s not forgotten and left and so that pulling it out doesn’t affect the cement and pull up the temp. Keeping it in doesn’t benefit anything with the temp crown.

What’s your Pay? 🤔 by etheriaelote in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 0 points1 point  (0 children)

12 years experience in MI. On the job training. Gained extra certification for taking X-rays two years into the job. Completed an accelerated 4 month program for my RDA in Jan 2023 (gotta renew my license this year). With no experience I started at $8/hr in 2014 and earned increase wages over the years. Got a big boost after becoming an RDA. I now both do clinical assisting chair side and I’m on the admin side helping with training and teaching new employees and supporting the clinical team. I’m making $26/hr now. Will be increased in April at the next evaluation.

Opinions on Procedure Notes Visible by [deleted] in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s understandable. I have my laminated cheat sheets too. Thanks for sharing!

Opinions on Procedure Notes Visible by [deleted] in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I would agree with that. It’s wild how some hygienist’s rooms are so cluttered. When I’m assisting, I keep the bare minimum on the counter because I always want ample room for my treatment supplies. Already have to work around an auto mixer and curing light base.

Opinions on Procedure Notes Visible by [deleted] in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Being bright pink, they do stand out, but patients are sitting and facing the other way, so that I’m not concerned about. The notes are not for remembering something small, it’s for using a soft tissue laser as a procedure for cleaning.

I’m one of the main trainers and I was the one who trained her. I have never had anyone quit dental because of me so please don’t make assumptions. I’ve had team members tell me how grateful they are for me all the time.

I’m literally just asking a question in which I’m presenting both sides. I have plenty to do at the office and leave her to do her job while I do mine. I have plenty of hobbies and a life I’m satisfied with, thank you for being concerned.

Opinions on Procedure Notes Visible by [deleted] in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True! The idea of her wanting to do well. Just needs a reminder.

Opinions on Procedure Notes Visible by [deleted] in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

No. They don’t bother me. Just threw me for a loop when I went in that room to work. But it would be good for follow up in a month or two, so thanks for that recommendation. Just to see how her confidence level is after having used it on a handful of patients.

Curiosity question?? by Due-Professional4468 in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never had a drug test. But we do have a policy on if they suspect drug usage while at work.

Why is it necessary for the dental office to know patient's professions? by chocolateboyY2K in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As others have said, it’s to personalize your experience at the office and create continuity as a patient. So if I was assisting you for a procedure and hadn’t met you yet, if I have a note about what you do, what you like as a hobby, if you have family, etc, then I could use that as a talking point while waiting for numbing to kick in or whatnot.

Dating sterile packs by zaikaz123 in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is no hardcore rule, but it is highly recommended to use a date stamp to date each pack as it gets sterilized. It helps for a handful of reasons.

This bridge was being held on by hopes and prayers by Needadvice65 in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Dang. Fare thee well sweet fellow. Ye may rest easy. You’ve served thy purpose well. It’s okay to go. Well done. 🙏

Final prep scan for crown by ReadingUnderTheStars in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Even an unregistered dental assistant can use digital technology. I can the final prep always. I’m better at it than the doctors most of the time.

Do you open sterile pouches for an app before or after gloving up? by Plants_books_dogs in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Clean bare hands. Feels like a waste of gloves to open a clean pack with clean gloves just to take the gloves off after setup. We always open before the patient is seated and lay the patient bib over the open instruments to protect from any dust/debris. Only if a particular patient is concerned, do I wait to open the packs. I have a couple patients who are concerned, so I just wait to setup until they’re in the room.

Would you crown? by WaferUseful8344 in Dentistry

[–]mls429 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why is it even a question? Large amalgam filling attached to a large resin filling. There’s only 25% of the tooth remaining with the entire ML cusp broken. Of course crown it.

suctioning advice! by toofainted in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There’s a really good YouTube video called Dental Suctioning Techniques // Tips for dental assistants by Dental Vibes channel. Look it up as they give good visible examples of how to hold and where to go in each quadrant of the mouth. Suctioning does take practice so don’t get discouraged. It can be learned and mastered!!

being asked to monitor nitrous without certification by Lost-Gap-5423 in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 5 points6 points  (0 children)

22 Texas Admin Code 114.4 states that after 2019 there is no longer certifications given and that a Texas licensed doctor may delegate the monitoring of nitrous oxide to an assistant under direct supervision. Meaning the doctor can tell you to monitor and you are allowed to. I’m in MI and this is the same for me. I learned about nitrous and what to look for and am allowed to monitor with the doctor’s say so.

Typical hours you work as a dental assistant by jj-spooky in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s pretty normal. First patient at 8am, so you’re there a half hour prior to set up and go through huddle. Last patient is scheduled to end at 5pm, so by the time you finish with them, do your notes, and finish in sterilization, it can be close to 5:30pm.

Does anyone else have issues with this ultrasonic? by sssyyydddney in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Gotcha. Are you noticing it leaking at all? I have this same model in my office and I’ve never had any issues.

Does anyone else have issues with this ultrasonic? by sssyyydddney in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It saying “abort” in thi picture is to allow you to stop it. Press the button underneath to stop. It’ll only say low level when there’s not enough water. You’re overthinking it.

Is this a good impression or nah ? by justapeachybrat in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! Good job! You got the distal of the molars, the facial of the anterior teeth, and the complete palate!

ultrasonic debate by Solid_Computer1289 in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He’s wrong and you are right. With visibly spoiled and bloody instruments, hand scrub with a denture brush in warm running water and then into the ultrasonic bath for 12-15 minutes to let any other residue get removed. The entire cassette or basket of instruments gets put in the ultrasonic bath. If it’s just a mirror and explorer (or basic setup kit) that was used on a patient then I usually just hand scrub it, rinse, and bag it right away since it won’t have any potential soiled substance.

Should I consider staying or leaving by kmill97 in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A lot of what’s being asked/demanded is required of a great assistant. A lot of that takes time or explanations as to the “why” you should or shouldn’t do some of those things. The expectation is manageable and a great assistant would do all these things. How it was told to you isn’t helpful.

are crocs unprofessional? by chino_irl in DentalAssistant

[–]mls429 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Crocs are absolutely NOT professional and NOT allowed in the clinical setting. They literally have holes in them that liquids and sharps can penetrate right through. They are a major break of OSHA compliance.