As a dental assistant at Children’s Smile Center in Ozark, Mo., Brooke Neill knows that her most powerful tool for improving patients’ oral health is not a prophy angle or scaler – it’s education.
Brooke begins each appointment by getting to know the child and asking them questions about their brushing, flossing and eating habits. Once she has insight into their current routine, she offers tips and techniques to help them improve their oral health.
But it’s not just the patients who need to be educated about the importance of good oral health. Brooke has found that many of her patient’s caregivers are unaware of the impact that unhealthy eating and brushing habits can have on their child’s overall well-being. She spends time discussing with parents the benefits of brushing, flossing, regular dental exams and a nutritious diet. By educating both the child and the caregiver, she is setting her patients up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Another important part of Brooke’s role at Children’s Smile Center is supporting children who have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist. By talking them through every step of the exam and assuring them that it won’t be scary or painful, she helps make their experience a positive one. And when she gets a smile, hug or a high five at the end of an appointment, Brooke knows that she’s truly made a difference.
Watch the video of Brooke’s story and then share yours! Together, we all have the power to change lives, one smile at a time.
I love the idea of getting feed back from your dental assistants. It’s always nice to hear testimonies on how our job position makes a difference in someone’s life and how it can change the way a patient perceives the Dental Experience. I have always felt that our role as a Dental Assistant has a profound effect on the patients dental experience. I would love to share how we have had an effect in our patients lives and what were the key factors that contributed to that great dental experience and led our patients to come to us and share their appreciation. I also feel we hold a great responsibility in providing our Dentist with the help that allows him to provide a memorable experience for our patients and they in return will take that great experience and share it with friends and family.
Brooke gets it. It’s great to hear about an assistant that takes ownership in a practice and it’s paients. She seems to be a great example. Assistants, many times, are the unsung hero’s of a dental practice and I’m glad she is getting recognition for providing a great service that will help the practice grow!