Pursuing an education to become a dental assistant can ultimately lead to fulfilling, long-term career opportunities. As with any type of education, dental assistant school can also be demanding at times. As you make your way through this exciting chapter of your life, here are some tips to help you succeed during your education and beyond. 

3 Strategies for Success in a Dental Assistant Program

1. Ask Lots of Questions 

Dental assistant schools are environments where asking questions is encouraged. Whether you’re unsure about an assignment or have questions about a key concept, never feel too shy to speak up and ask your instructor. Whether you need more information about sterilizing equipment or taking impressions of patients’ teeth, you should feel that you have all the answers you need to do the job properly. Clarifying a point can help peers with similar questions and will demonstrate to your instructor that you’re paying attention. 

2. Develop Friendships

Talking to others isn’t just about improving your social life — it’s also about your course performance. Having a friend in class is convenient for comparing notes and studying together. Plus, should you ever need to miss a class, you can get caught up on anything you missed from your friend. To make a pal, simply arrive early to class and ask to exchange phone numbers with someone so you can share notes down the road.

3. Establish Strong Study Habits

Some students learn best from listening, while others have to physically take notes to digest information. Others still can benefit from using photographs to reinforce concepts, such as tray set-ups and other clinical aspects of their educational experience. Experiment with visual, auditory, and mixed learning styles to see which one best helps you retain course materials. 

If you’re considering dental assistant school to kickstart your career, look no further than Westchester School for Dental Assistants in Elmsford, NY. Their accredited program sets students up to become a nationally certified dental assistant through comprehensive, hands-on training. Learn more about enrollment by visiting their website or by calling (914) 682-9001.