Dentistry is a rewarding profession that allows you to work with people of all ages. Dentists need a wide range of skills to provide care for patients and grow their practices. Some of these skills are soft skills, and some of them are hard skills-examples include good clinical, interpersonal, technical, and business practices. 

This article covers some of these skills, gives examples of how they can be used in practice as a dentist, looks at ways to improve them, and provides advice on highlighting them during the application process.

Let’s get started . . . 

What are Dentist Skills?

Dentistry involves many different skills that dentists need to perform their job duties.

Dentists need to develop both hard and soft skills. Hard skills include technical skills gained through education and training, such as learning to use specific medical equipment or database management software. Soft skills are personal characteristics and habits that determine how you work alone and with others. Dentists use their soft skills, such as communication and leadership abilities, to manage their clinical responsibilities. They also use these capabilities when they start building their own business.

Up next examples of dentist skills. . . 

Examples of Dentist Skills

Dentists must develop various technical, soft, and clinical skills to excel in the field. These include:

Interpersonal

Dentists should be able to communicate effectively. They work as a team with other dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and laboratory technicians. The other team members are receptionists, medical billers, and administrative assistants. Dentists work directly with patients and must be comfortable working with a wide range of people.

Communication

Dentists must possess good verbal and non-verbal communication skills. They should be able to communicate effectively with members of their team and patients to educate them on preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Dentists who can explain technical information such as X-ray results or what a dental tool can do will help build patient trust.

Compassion

Dentists should be compassionate, caring, and understanding toward their patients. Dentists must be able to help patients with various needs, including those with dental anxiety, disabilities, and special needs. Dentists should treat all people with respect, and they need to understand the emotional needs of their patients.

Enthusiasm

As a healthcare provider, it is crucial to connect with every patient. This means that you must show individual interest and enthusiasm for who they are and what's going on in their lives. By bringing life to your conversations and showing that you are sincerely enthusiastic about who they are and what's going on in their lives, they will likely become your regular patients and recommend you to others.

Attention to Detail

A successful dentist must be able to improve the appearance or correct flaws in someone's teeth. This frequently entails reshaping and coloring a patient's teeth and straightening crooked teeth. Dentists must also be listeners capable of meeting their patients' needs and answering any questions about the treatment process. This profession is frequently referred to as an art that necessitates a high skill level and a beautiful smile that the patient is pleased with and satisfied with.

Focus

Dentists are highly trained professionals who must maintain concentration to do their jobs well. This is because they must look at tiny areas of the mouth for long periods without getting distracted. As dentists examine patients' mouths and perform procedures, they must focus on what they do for long periods.

Excellent Knowledge 

Dentists require a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (D.M.D.) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) to practice their profession. These programs teach dental students about periodontics, anatomy, anesthetics, and radiology. Dentists should keep up with discoveries, techniques, and best practices to maintain their skills and knowledge.

Technical Skills

As a dentist, you'll practice clinical dentistry. But you'll also need to carry out routine tasks such as taking X-rays and filling teeth. You might choose to specialize in designing and producing crowns and veneers or practicing oral surgery (the operation of orthodontics). Dentists need excellent technical knowledge since they also operate X-ray machines, magnifying lenses, and sharp tools to examine patients' teeth. 

Now on to dentist in the workplace . . . 

3 Tips for Developing Dentist Skills the Workplace 

Dentistry has many opportunities to improve and apply your skills while on the job. Here are some tips for developing your dentistry skills in the workplace:

1. Create an environment where your employees feel like part of a team. Developing good workplace relationships with coworkers is a sure way to make your job more enjoyable. Your relationships with coworkers can help you identify mutual goals that you can help each other achieve.
2. Ask for feedback. People who ask for feedback from their superiors, coworkers, patients, friends, and family can improve their performance at work. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses and setting goals to improve, they can gain valuable insight into what skills they can develop. It is crucial to solicit constructive criticism from honest and trustworthy people.
3. Always ask questions. Always be asking questions. People who ask questions are more likely to become successful professionals, such as dentists. It is critical to network with experienced members. Seeking advice and guidance can assist you in improving your skills and knowledge. Approaching coworkers with questions will also help you develop relationships with others in your workplace. 

How to Improve Skills as a Dentist

Dentists can develop their professional skills in various ways. Here are several ideas for how dentists can develop their professional skills:

Set Goals

You can plan and monitor your progress when you set professional development goals. Goals should be measurable, realistic, and relevant to your work and career interests. Start by identifying a specific skill you wish to improve on, then create a plan that includes a realistic timeline and several smaller, achievable goals to accomplish along the way.

Further your education

Another way to grow your skills is to further your education. Consider enrolling in orthodontic courses, as they will open up a whole new realm of dental procedures and help you take your career to the next level. Statistics show that more than 75% of adults can benefit from braces, which gives you a large potential client base. Combine that with adults' growing interest in straightening their teeth, and you may have chosen orthodontics as your profession wisely.

Find a Mentor 

A mentor can assist you in developing your career through the early stages of your career development. Mentors provide guidance and advice to help you make informed decisions about your future. Connect with someone more experienced in the dental field.

Volunteer Work

Dentists working outside their office hours may consider volunteering to provide dental care to underserved populations. The experience can be rewarding and help dentists develop new skills. You may choose to volunteer locally or travel abroad.

Find a Specialty

Specializing in a field that can guarantee your success. In dentistry, a specialty can determine whether you can elevate or distinguish your career.

Join a professional association

Professional associations provide many advantages to their members. They can help you build connections with others in your field and significantly improve your business profile. Including a professional association in your portfolio will show potential employers that you are committed to your career advancement.

More information

• A Guide for Your First Dental Job As a Dentist 
• A Day in the Life of a Dentist 
• 8 Soft Skills for Dentists

---