Appearance Matters
True or False: Strong perfume or cologne is professional in healthcare.
False
What is the first thing you should do when greeting a patient?
Make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself
What law protects patient privacy in healthcare?
HIPAA
What is the main role of a Medical or Dental Assistant?
To support healthcare providers by performing administrative and clinical tasks to ensure patient care runs smoothly.
What should you do if you make a mistake at work or in lab?
Admit it, correct it, and learn from it
Name two things patients notice first about your appearance.
Clothing (scrubs), hygiene (hair, nails, shoes, smell, etc.)
If you don’t know the answer to a patient’s question, what should you say?
“I don’t know, but I’ll find out for you.”
True or False: It’s okay to talk about a patient’s case with your best friend.
False
Name two clinical duties a Medical or Dental Assistant might perform.
Taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting with procedures, collecting specimens, and sterilizing instruments.
Being dependable means showing up ______ and _______.
On time and prepared
Why are closed-toe shoes required in a clinic?
Safety—protects feet from spills, sharps, or dropped instruments
What is more professional—interrupting to speed up the conversation, or letting the patient finish speaking?
Letting the patient finish speaking
Give one example of a HIPAA violation.
Talking about a patient in public, leaving a chart open, sharing patient info with unauthorized people
Name two administrative duties a Medical or Dental Assistant might perform.
Scheduling appointments, managing patient records, handling billing and insurance, answering phones.
Give an example of taking initiative in your role as a student or assistant.
Restocking supplies without being asked, practicing skills, asking for feedback
What does “dressing professionally” communicate to patients?
Respect, trustworthiness, and readiness to provide safe care
Non-verbal communication makes up about what percent of how people perceive us? a. 30-50% b. 10-20% c. 70-90%
Around 70–90%
Why is confidentiality so important for patient care?
It builds trust and ensures patients feel safe sharing personal information
What does “lifelong learning” mean for Medical and Dental Assistants?
Continuously updating skills and knowledge to stay current and improve care
Healthcare practices and technologies change, so continuing education helps assistants stay current, improve skills, and provide safe, high-quality patient care.
Why is a positive attitude important for professionalism?
It makes patients feel comfortable and helps the team work well together
Why is it important for Medical and Dental Assistants to wear a clean, properly fitted lab jacket, and what can happen if it is worn incorrectly?
Wearing a clean, well-fitting lab jacket protects both you and your patients from contamination, spills, and germs. If it’s worn incorrectly—such as unbuttoned, wrinkled, or dirty—it can spread bacteria, create a safety hazard, and make patients and coworkers question your professionalism.
Give one example of unprofessional communication in the clinic.
Rolling eyes, sighing, gossiping, using slang with patients, checking phone while talking, etc.
If you overhear a classmate discussing a patient’s condition in the hallway, what should you do?
Remind them that patient information must stay private and not be discussed in public
What are three qualities or skills that make a Medical or Dental Assistant successful in their career?
Examples include professionalism, strong communication, attention to detail, reliability, empathy, teamwork, and adaptability.
What’s one way to show respect to your instructor, classmates, or coworkers?
Listening, following instructions, offering help, saying thank you, etc.