We're shining the spotlight on Hayfa Ismail, Certified Dental Assistant, dc+ team, at dentalcorp's Support Centre. Hayfa tells us about her journey in the dental industry, striving for continuous self-improvement, and the importance of taking initiative in your career.
Tell us about your background - how long have you been with dentalcorp, and what were you doing before you joined?
I've been with dentalcorp for two years. I began working at the practice level and transitioned to the dc+ team in 2021 to support our network periodontists. As part of the dc+ team, I've worked in multiple practices supporting all aspects of dentistry, from preventative, restorative, endodontics, prosthodontic treatment, and surgical procedures.
Can you tell us what it's like to be a Dental Assistant on the dc+ team?
It's both a rewarding and challenging experience that requires organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to different environments and patient needs. In this role you’ll see patients with varying dental needs and care requirements. It's essential to be attentive and proficient in your scope of practice and to manage your time efficiently to provide quality dental care to patients in multiple clinics. Being able to establish relationships and build trust is necessary, and can provide advancement opportunities for career growth, including opportunities for cross-training and professional development.
What do you like about being part of this team compared to having a more typical Dental Assistant role at a single practice?
One of the main benefits is the sheer variety of experience. The ability to support various practices has allowed me to develop my clinical and administrative skills and to work with materials and technologies I may not have otherwise been exposed to. Also, collaboration between practices and our Support Centre allows us to support each other in achieving our mutual goal – providing optimal patient care.
What advice do you have for someone considering joining dentalcorp's dc+ team at Support Centre?
Be reliable, work hard, adapt to different personalities, and be open to learning about new technologies, processes, and protocols. Having excellent people skills is important, as dc+ team members support multiple practices, staff members, and patients. You must be willing to take the initiative and provide resolutions efficiently. Also, be sure to strive for continuous self-improvement.
How has dentalcorp supported your professional development?
dentalcorp provides numerous opportunities for professional growth and development by regularly offering continuing education courses through DC Institute, in-house training, and the opportunity to attend conferences. These initiatives have improved my clinical and people skills and allowed me to take on new challenges and responsibilities confidently.
What's one of the most impactful life lessons you have learned, and how has it influenced your professional career?
I would have to say the importance of continuous learning and growth. Our personal and professional development never ends, and educating ourselves and expanding our knowledge is crucial. I make it a priority to stay up to date with the latest advancements in the industry.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I love being outdoors, immersing myself in the city's food scene, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
What's your favourite quote, mantra, or motto, and how does it resonate in your professional career?
"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." — Albert Einstein.
If you're not changing, you're not growing. If you're not growing, you're not being intelligent. As a dental professional, you must adapt to change, analyze, and make decisions based on any situation. It also means balancing creativity and problem-solving by following regulations and best practices to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. The potential to learn quickly, cultivate new skills, and stay informed about industry advancements will help you excel in your career.
