The chairside assistant has the potential to be the strongest advocate and the most beneficial team member for the CEREC process in one's office. Just as the hygienist has credibility with the patient, so does the chairside assistant. They can connect with patients on their level. They aren't the dentist, so sometimes they get the questions that patients really want to ask. You would be surprised what can go on while you are out of the room.

Patients are impressed with CEREC technology and they will have questions, which is understandable, about new procedures they are about to experience. The patients may feel the doctor's answer would be biased, while the assistant's response would be impartial. The chairside assistants are not practice owners, so the patient doesn't think there is any financial incentive for them to "push" a procedure.

The efficiency of the CEREC visit strongly depends on the assistant being motivated, having the ability to grasp the technology, and staying a step ahead of the doctor. There are many steps in the CEREC process; if the doctor has to wait at each step for the assistant, then efficiency goes down the tubes. A comfortable 90-minute visit can balloon into two hours very easily.

A motivated assistant can also take over some of the workload of the CEREC visit if you take the time to ensure they have proper training. Assistants can design proposals, which frees up the doctor's time. Most assistants also enjoy stain and glaze, and can become quite good at it.

If you empower the assistant to do these parts of the process, the CEREC visit takes no more doctor time than a traditional crown and bridge visit. Production can go through the roof, and doctors will feel less stressed. The investment of taking them to a class with you or sending them to an assistant-specific course can reap many rewards.

Take the time to evaluate your chairside assistants: Are they motivated and efficient? Have you give them resources for success? Having the right person chairside can make a big difference in your practice.