Dental assistants play a crucial role in every successful dental practice. From supporting clinical procedures to enhancing patient experiences, their contribution is invaluable. But one challenge that doesn’t always get discussed openly is learning how to work with a dominant personality dentist, someone who is strong-willed, highly assertive, and often expects perfection at every turn.
While these traits can be assets in the operating room, especially when precision and confidence are needed, they can also create tension or stress if not managed effectively. For dental assistants, understanding how to navigate this dynamic is key to maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring the best possible patient care.
In this blog, I’ll break down what it means to work with a dominant dentist and offer practical strategies for dental assistants to thrive in this type of professional relationship. I have first-hand experience working with a highly dominant personality dentist, so I have your back on this one, dental assistant’s!
Understanding a Dominant Personality
First, it’s important to recognize that “dominant” doesn’t necessarily mean “difficult.” Dentists with dominant personalities are often goal-oriented and driven, very direct in their communication, laser focused on efficiency and results and highly confident (sometimes to the point of impatience).
They may also have high expectations of themselves, and of everyone around them. While this can sometimes feel intimidating, it usually stems from a genuine desire to provide top-tier care and run a smooth, successful practice.
The key to working well with a dominant dentist is not to change them, but to adapt your communication style and approach to align with theirs.
Anticipate Their Needs
Dentists with dominant personalities often expect things to be done quickly and correctly, sometimes without having to ask. As a dental assistant, one of the best ways to gain their trust is to stay one step ahead. This means knowing their preferences for procedures and setups, having instruments ready before they ask, preparing the treatment room thoroughly and anticipating their next move during treatment.
This level of preparedness not only boosts their confidence in you, but also minimizes frustration and improves the patient’s experience.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
Dominant dentists may speak quickly, ask for things abruptly, or show impatience when things aren’t going as planned. While this can be stressful in the moment, it’s crucial that you remain calm and composed.
Take a deep breath, focus on the task at hand, and resist the urge to respond emotionally. Over time, your ability to stay steady in high-pressure situations will earn their respect and trust.
Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Directness is often appreciated by dominant personalities. When you need to convey important information be clear and concise, avoid sugar-coating or over-explaining and speak confidently, especially when reporting something critical (a backorder, a patient concern, or a scheduling conflict).
Likewise, don’t take their direct communication style personally. It’s not necessarily a sign of frustration, it’s just how they operate. It is often not you, it is the situation or their own expectation of themselves. Learning to communicate in a way they understand and respect can help you build a strong working relationship.
Accept Constructive Criticism Without Defensiveness
Dominant dentists may give feedback that feels abrupt or even harsh. Remember, their goal is usually efficiency and excellence, not to hurt your feelings. If you make a mistake or are asked to improve something, try to listen without interrupting, ask clarifying questions if needed and implement changes without taking it personally. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you, even if you have to ask for a more detailed explanation!
By demonstrating that you can take feedback in stride and grow from it, you’ll show them that you’re a capable, reliable team member.
Establish Healthy Boundaries
While it’s important to support your dentist, it’s equally important to maintain professional boundaries. If the dentist’s dominant behavior crosses the line into rudeness, disrespect, or unfair treatment, it’s okay to advocate for yourself.
Choose a calm moment to express your concerns privately.
Use “I” statements, such as:
- “I want to do my best work, and I’m not able to when I’m spoken to that way.”
- “I appreciate direct communication, but I’d prefer we keep our tone respectful in front of patients.”
Respect goes both ways, and a professional conversation can often reset the tone without causing conflict.
Focus on the Common Goal: Patient Care
At the end of the day, you and your dentist are both working toward the same mission: delivering excellent patient care. When you keep that shared goal in mind, it’s easier to navigate personality differences and stay focused on what matters most.
Your ability to support a dominant dentist with competence and professionalism directly contributes to the quality of the practice and the satisfaction of every patient who walks through the door.
Working with a dominant personality dentist isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding! And it can be incredibly educational. These individuals are often some of the most dedicated and driven professionals in the field. With the right mindset, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach, dental assistants can not only survive, but truly thrive in this kind of environment.
Over time, mutual respect develops. The dentist learns they can count on you, and you gain the satisfaction of being an integral part of a high-performing dental team.
And that’s something to be proud of, dominant personality and all!!
Sherri Merritt
Dental Consultant & Trainer
