Over the past couple of years, our dental assistants at Marion Smile Center have stepped up admirably to make sure treatment rooms are cleaned properly between patients, and to ensure all instruments and surfaces are thoroughly disinfected. Throughout the pandemic, these dental assistants have gone the extra mile to keep patients, colleagues, and communities safe.
Now is a great time for us at Marion Smile Center to show appreciation to the people who work hard to ensure that the dental office is running smoothly. Let’s talk about what dental assistants do, and where you can go in Zelienople and Greater Pittsburgh for comprehensive dental care for the whole family.
How Is a Dental Assistant Different from a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is specially trained to professionally clean your teeth, conduct an evaluation of your dental health to give the dentist a baseline for your checkup, and provide you with advice about how to take care of your teeth. A dental assistant, on the other hand, assists the dentist in a supporting role:
- Taking X-rays
- Sterilizing dental instruments
- Assisting the dentist during procedures
- Managing the office
- Being there for the patients if they need anything
Most dental assistants have gone through years of schooling to become certified EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant). This education – along with participating in externships (in-house training at a dental office), attending dental seminars, and continuing education – has helped us extend excellent care to each of our patients and their families.
Meet Our Dental Assistants
Marion Smile Center has five outstanding dental assistants: Jennifer, Kelsey, Kayla, Stephanie, and Liz. All are pictured here except Stephanie, who recently had her second baby and is on maternity leave.
Jennifer, an EFDA, is our senior-most assistant with 34 years with Dr. Mark Marion. When she is not with patients, she spearheads the ordering of all dental supplies, such as PPE (personal protective equipment), and maintains all clinical equipment.
Kelsey is an EFDA with amazing clinical skills. Among other responsibilities, she is in charge of our lab, digital impression scanning, and nitrous system.
Kayla is an EFDA, and when not involved in direct patient care, she is our clinical auditor who reviews patient charting and compliance with state drug regulations.
Stephanie is an EFDA who helps with treatment planning and contacting patients who need treatment.
Liz is our newest dental assistant, and as a certified teacher, she is great with our youngest patients. You can sometimes find her in the children’s room!
Why Dental Assistants Are Essential in a Dentist’s Office
Dental assistants are truly the glue in a dental practice. They have the most versatile role on the team, and they keep the flow of the dentist’s office running smoothly. Their job never ends – including caring for each individual patient, taking X-rays, taking pictures, sterilizing, completing fillings, preparing crowns, being the communicator between the patient, dentist, and hygienist, and so much more!
We have such an amazing dental team that is extremely knowledgeable and strives to make a positive impact on each of our patients’ lives. The loyalty of our team members is unmatched, as some have been serving you in our Zelienople community for over 30 years!
“Being a dental assistant is very rewarding, which is one of my favorite things about my job. Helping someone love their smile again or for the first time is so gratifying. I also enjoy helping them have a positive experience and not be as afraid to come back.”
– Kelsey, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant at Marion Smile Center
Happy Smiles Creating Beautiful Smiles in Zelienople, PA
If you have had a positive experience with our dental assistants or other team members, we would love to hear about it and be able to recognize them! We invite you to leave us a review by clicking here, and we’ll thank you at your next visit with a free gift as a token of our appreciation.
If you haven’t personally met our caring team at Marion Smile Center in Harmony-Zelienople, PA, we welcome you to call us at (724) 452-4300 and set up a time to meet with us. You can also click here to request an appointment and we’ll be in touch with you. We look forward to being your dental practice!
