HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

What describes the proper technique for greeting and seeding a patient?

1. Introduce the dentist before the patient

2. Greet the patient with a smile and ask them to follow you

3. Take the patient directly to the treatment room

4. Provide the patient with forms to fill out first

The correct answer is: Greet the patient with a smile and ask them to follow you

Greet the patient with a smile and ask them to follow you is the correct choice because it establishes a warm and welcoming environment right from the start. A smile is a universal sign of friendliness and approachability, which can help ease any nervousness the patient may feel. By inviting them to follow you, it indicates that you are ready to assist them, fostering a sense of comfort and personal connection. This approach also promotes a smooth transition into the clinical area, as patients often appreciate being guided rather than left to navigate the office space on their own. It emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, which is a crucial aspect of dental assisting. The other options do not fully embody the ideal patient interaction. Introducing the dentist before the patient may disrupt the natural flow of the greeting, while taking the patient directly to the treatment room can feel abrupt and impersonal. Providing forms to fill out first could create a barrier to building rapport, as it centers the focus on paperwork rather than on the patient’s comfort and experience.