Congratulations! You passed your exams, graduated from an accredited program and now you’re ready to be a dental assistant! Let’s get you dressed! Are your scrubs nice and clean? Is your hair tied back and secure (if it needs to be)? Do you have your gloves? You’ll be working with saliva, after all.
Do you have a surgical mask? The patient doesn’t want you breathing any germs on him. Do you have safety goggles? You’d be surprised how far an abscess can squirt! (This is not a job for the squeamish.) It looks like you’re ready, except for one thing. You don’t expect to do this job barefoot, do you?
As the job title suggests, a dental assistant’s job is to assist the patient. You must prepare the patient, both physically and emotionally, for what is about to be done. You would be responsible for sterilizing the instruments and handing them to the dentist when requested. You may be responsible for paperwork duties.
Under the dentist’s direction, you may process x-rays and complete various lab tasks such as taking an impression of a patient’s teeth. Depending on which state you live in, you may be allowed to perform coronal polishing. It may be permitted for you to apply topical anesthetic, fluoride or sealant. This all sounds like sedentary work, but you’d be very surprised!
The truth is, the average dental assistant takes about 12,000 steps a day. This is the equivalent of walking five miles. There’s a lot of walking back and forth from the office, waiting room, the patient in the chair, the lab and back again. This can get a little exhausting. If you wear the right shoes and take care of your feet, however, you may feel like you’re floating like the Tooth Fairy come the weekend!
Finding the Right Shoes
This is most likely the most vital of pointers since when your shoes are not comfortable it is nearly impossible to put your focus on anything else! It might take a little bit of trial and error to work out what type of shoes would be ideal for you, but it would be worth it! The right pair can make a world of difference. It is crucial to search for shoes that offer the proper amount of arch support plus ample toe room. Flexibility for your feet should not be overlooked.
In the interests of everyone’s health and your personal safety, you are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes. Your office may even require it under OSHA restrictions. Some dental assistants like to wear Crocs because they are extremely comfortable and made with the purpose of being ergonomically correct so that the weight of the foot will distribute correctly.
However, these shoes are banned in many health care facilities for safety reasons. You don’t want to skin your bared heel on furniture or a passing gurney. You certainly don’t want to drop a needle full of Novocain and have it go through one of the holes in the top of the shoe! Are sneakers the better choice? They are built with the purpose of supporting your foot. Seek out a pair that provides substantial support all through the arch and lets your foot have a little room to breathe.
As your foot can easily get accustomed to the form of the sneaker and the sneaker, in turn, can just as easily mold in order to fit your foot, you must try to alternate things by wearing a different pair of sneakers each day. Do not let your feet get too used to one pair. This will prevent your feet from getting blisters, which generally appear when you put on the same pair of sneakers. This results in them rubbing on the same part of your foot over and over again.
The Five Best Shoes for Dental Assistants
This is a profession that means that there is an incalculable pressure on the feet, particularly on the balls of the feet. This can lead to severe pains in the muscles of the legs, the hips, and the back. Because of this, you need the best shoes you can get! You need something that will provide ease in movement as well as keep you comfortable so you can do your job.
Wearing the correct shoes not only makes you feel more comfortable but it improves your posture and the movement of your body. For this reason, you are urged to comparison shop from this helpful list of good shoes that are recommended for dental hygienists.
1. Nurse Mate’s Women Velocity
These shoes were made to resemble a sneaker-style slip-on shoe. The Nurse Mates Velocity nursing shoes offer an adequate level of comfort and provide some neat patterns that are sure to get a lot of admiration.
Nurse Mates Velocity shoes are well-made leather shoes with corrective orthotic functionality that will place the foot in a premium position for unbeatable stability and support.
Nurse Mates Velocity shoes are built with the purpose to be easily slipped on and off but also come with stretch laces so you can adjust the tightness to your personal tastes.
Features and Benefits:
The shoes are made up of durable full-grain leather or printed polyurethane uppers with a rounded toe. The lightly padded tongue and collar make the shoe comfortable yet light. The easy elastic lacing system makes it simple to adjust the fit. The shoes have soft and breathable cotton linings for added comfort.
The firm yet flexible dual-density foam footbed aids in the absorption of shock and comes with built-in arch support for long-lasting comfort. The shoes also come with embedded composite shanks for extra stability. The lightweight and shock absorbing slip-resistant outsole ensures that these are safe shoes to wear in a medical environment.
What we Like:
- The design is comfortable and lightweight.
- It slips on easily.
- It comes in seven different attractive designs.
- They are very supportive.
- They even come with a spare set of laces.
What We Don’t:
- Is there such a thing as too much arch support? Flat-footed people may not find them comfortable.
- The enclosed build does not let the foot breathe.
2. Croc’s Unisex Specialist II Work Clog
I know, I said earlier that Crocs were not recommended, but this design may prove an exception to the rule. The metatarsal area is closed, so there are no holes that a sharp instrument could go through. It’s also thick enough to offer some protection from sharps.
The heel gives a bit more coverage than the usual Croc. These are all in all a more streamlined than usual Croc design. What is not unusual here by Croc standards is the comfort. These are work shoes but they allow your feet to breathe.
Features and Benefits:
The outsole is grippy for good traction. The beaded Croslite footbed massages the feet. The entry is slip-on with an adjustable heel strap. The thick yet lightweight material keeps the foot protected.
Ventilation ports at the toe box provide breathability. The heel provides more coverage and should meet workplace safety standards. The foam-cushioned footbed is smooth. The outsole is lightweight and non-marking.
What We Like:
- They are easily cleaned with soap and water.
- They fit well and are comfortable.
- They are also water-resistant.
- The fit is roomy.
What We Don’t:
- There is little arch support.
- They are not slip-resistant.
3. Skechers Performance Go Walk Slip-On
The Skechers Performance Go Walk Slip-On may look simplistic at first glance. However, the effort put forth and the superior quality characteristics in its design will show you that this shoe may look unassuming but goes the extra mile in providing a huge amount of pleasurable comfort.
They are responsive shoes that raise the experience of walking naturally. Skechers has a reputation for valuing comfort over style, but as simple as this particular make is the range of color choices can bring spice to even an ordinary set of scrubs.
Features and Benefits:
The Ortholite insole inhibits odor. Independent circular sensors provide flexibility and feedback for more response while walking. Resalit cushioning offers protection without compromising responsiveness. These shoes are made with the person who does a lot of walking in mind.
What We Like:
- The shoes are very lightweight.
- They are very comfortable with lots of cushioning.
- They can accommodate orthopedic inserts.
- Many people like the solid canvas look.
- The shoes are very breathable.
- They have just the right amount of support.
What We Don’t:
- They are great for walking but not for running.
- They tend to run a half size smaller than what would be true.
4. New Balance WX608v4 Training Shoe
New Balance is a world-famous brand that has become world-famous and highly reputable with its superb quality of sporting goods. This new edition of New Balance is extremely popular even among those not seeking out athletic properties due to its multipurpose durability.
The porous and modernized cover is a favored extra. The New Balance WX608v4 Training Shoe has a prime spot as one of the most ideal shoes for dental assistants.
Features and Benefits:
The shoe is specially designed to keep the foot from becoming fatigued. Quality memory foam adds to the cushioning capabilities. The technology-based midsole takes after the IMEVA design for added comfort and support. A rubber sole absorbs shock. The lacing system ensures a comfortable fit. They are available in wide widths so women with large feet may want to take notice.
What We Like:
- The foam is soft yet firm.
- The fit is true to size.
- The shoe is overall very flexible and durable.
- The toe box is roomy.
What We Don’t:
- The sole is a bit thin and flat.
- There is some friction on the heels which are a bit stiff.
5. Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 V2 Cross-Trainer Shoe
Here is an update to the no-nonsense, near to the ground, power training shoe- the renowned F-lite 235. It lives up to the Inov8 name by being even lighter and more durable than before.
It even has an even more snug and secure fit than the original model had. This shoe was constructed for the best performance for weightlifters, gymnasts and rope climbers. Why shouldn’t it work for a dental assistant?
Features and Benefits:
The insole is removable for convenience. The lightweight mesh upper is breathable. The toe box is wide and roomy. The sole is nicely thick for comfort and shock absorption.
The Y lock system supports the heel. The laces attach to a met cradle for a custom fit. The rubber toe cap adds just a little more protection where it is needed most.
What We Like:
- It comes in ten different colors, whether you like bold or understated.
- The shoe is overall very lightweight and flexible.
- The grip is good, giving the shoe lots of traction.
What We Don’t:
- The shoelaces are on the short side and come undone easily.
- The mesh upper could stand to be more durable.
- The arch support is only so-so.
- The stiff heel is not good for running.
Take Care of Your Feet
You have spent the whole day taking care of other people’s teeth. Now it’s time to look after your feet. Start by doing a little stretching. Some people find yoga or Pilates to be beneficial. You want to work out all the tightness in your body. Pay special attention to your legs, calves, and feet. A good hot soak could do your feet some good.
Epsom salts, essential oils, and fragrances just add to the experience. With household obligations on top of work, it can be difficult but you need to find at least ten minutes at the end of the day where you can just sit and elevate your feet. This can lower any swelling, improve your circulation and just help you unwind when you need it most.
If you are a dental assistant, then you have many admirable skills, virtues, and talents. You are sensitive to people who are in pain. You are a good listener. You are detail-oriented and know how to follow protocol. You are good at working with your hands in tight spaces. You are organized yet passionate.
And of course, there are the computer skills that every profession these days seems to demand. These are all important qualities for a dental assistant but you must not ignore your personal appearance. Not only do you need to look professional and well-groomed, but there is also safety gear to keep in mind.
Many people think of this safety gear like gloves, masks and safety glasses but proper footwear should not be overlooked. We hope this article has been helpful in steering you towards selecting a pair of shoes that will make your workday just a little easier.
