SmileSystems School of Dental Assisting Blog

Often ignored, the management of the overhead operatory light is one of the most important tasks a Dental Assistant must master. You should control the lighting throughout the entire treatment, like a stage director during a broadway play. As your doctor manipulates different instruments and drills during (any) procedure, the well-trained Dental Assistant responds by immediately reaching up to ADJUST the illumination pattern for the best coverage. If the patient's head has to move slightly to improve the dentist's access, the light invariably must be moved also.

The operatory light is under your direct control and your doctor SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ASK YOU to make adjustments. Take charge of the light and the quality of the treatment will improve and your boss will be quite happy! Just remember to keep the bright pattern centered over the tooth or quadrant being treated, pay attention to the specific procedural steps (if your doctor wants the light off during composite bonding, for example) and NEVER LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN THE PATIENT'S EYES.