EXTERNSHIPS
What to Expect
During the first two weeks of a student's externship, they should be expected to shadow and observe. Once the student starts to feel more confident in patient protocols and the doctor feels the study is ready, they can slowly transition to work on patients. It is advised to seek permission from the patients so that they are aware that the students are still learning. We are appreciative to those patients who are willing to help the students learn.
Work Ethics
It is important to us that our assistants have a good work ethic. Our students have been taught that patients will rely on them when working in the dental office. Students are expected to follow good work ethic, which includes behavior as the following:
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Following Instructions
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Cleaning up after themselves
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Helping others when not busy (asking if anything needs to be done)
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Showing up on time and calling if going to be late
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Learning new things with a positive attitude
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Keeping social life and professional life separate
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Taking care of personal business on their own time
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Taking ownership of mistake
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Going above and beyond of what is minimally expected
After 300 Hours of Externship Completed
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Upon completion of students' internship, we will ask the office to fill out a student evaluation form, which will be used to help determine students' final grade.
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Read through and understand dental procedures that patients are registered for.
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Prepare patients for dental procedures by informing them of what to expect during the process.
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Sterilize instruments and set up instrument trays.
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Prepare materials such as fillings and ensure that they are stored properly before the procedure.
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Position dental x-ray machines and take x-rays according to specific instructions provided by the dentist.
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Assist dentists by handing them fillings and instruments during procedures.
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Take patients' histories and ask questions to determine if they might suffer from anxiety.
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Put patient information into the facility database by ensuring confidentiality.
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Take dental impressions and assist dentists by using suction and swabs to keep the mouth clean.
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Apply topical anesthetic on specific instructions provided by dentists and ensure that patients are kept comfortable during dental procedures.
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Re-sterilize instruments after each procedure and ensure that any waste is removed from the surgical/treatment area immediately.
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Manage the front desk, take telephone calls and provide information regarding the facility's services and handle appointment scheduling duties.
Get in Touch
257 Turnpike Road,
Southborough, MA 01772
508-351-0281