Workplace Toolkit
Empowered Workplaces for Dental Assistants Toolkit
Foster a positive, safe, and supportive culture within dental practices. This toolkit includes valuable tools, strategies, and complimentary CE courses to address crucial workplace issues that directly impact the well-being of both staff and patients.
Guiding principles
The Guiding Principles of an Empowered Workplace for Dental Assistants can help your practice or clinic establish the expectations and responsibilities of both dental assistants and the employer. According to DANB's research, about half of all dental assistants said their workplace doesn't have a statement on values or culture or they are not sure if it does. Additionally, 41% said they have experienced hostility or abuse at work. Creating and communicating guiding principles shapes your organization's culture and values, leading to a positive work environment, higher employee engagement, and increased productivity for all. These principles were developed by the Dental Assistant Workforce Coalition.
A resource for you and the whole team
This
toolkit will be regularly updated with resources that reflect emerging
trends and best practices in dental practice culture. Whether addressing
interpersonal dynamics, workplace well-being, or evolving legal and
regulatory considerations, the Empowered Workplaces for Dental
Assistants Toolkit provides resources needed to build a thriving and
resilient dental practice culture.
Resources in this toolkit focus on topics related to professionalism and safety.
Resources
Communication
4 strategies for strengthening team dynamics in the dental practice
How I Communicate with Patients
Workplace Conflict: 5 Steps to Facilitate Difficult Conversations between Dental Professionals
Compensation
Financial Impact of Dental Assistants toolkit
The comprehensive guide to growing your dental assistant salary
How a dental assistant can ask for a raise
Interviewing
5 common dental assistant interview questions — and how to answer them
Questions to ask at the end of an interview
5 red flags to watch for in your dental assistant interview
Professionalism
Dental Professionalism: An Overview of Professionalism in the Dental Office
Workplace Safety
Dentistry - Overview | OSHA.gov
Webinars
Explore these free webinars on important workplace topics. Each webinar is worth at least 1 CE credit. Additional webinars coming in spring 2025: Communication: The Key to Success and Transgender Dental Health 101.
Medical Emergency Management in Dental Healthcare
When medical emergencies happen, you’ll need to respond quickly. This webinar guides you through...
Substance Use Disorder: Preparation for the Dental Team
Explore the early signs and risk factors associated with substance misuse, as well as strategies...
Creating Safe Spaces: Addressing Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a critical issue. Do you know how to effectively prevent and manage it?...
When You Can’t Walk Away: Identifying Human Trafficking
Are you equipped to recognize the signs of human trafficking or abuse during patient...