What Students in Dental Assistant School Should Know About Dental Floss

Flossing has been a major topic of discussion in the dental health industry for quite some time. With opinions ranging from it being unnecessary to completely necessary, dental experts still agree dental floss is worth the extra time and effort. The Associated Press released a report citing 25 different studies that investigated flossing and its effects, and the report concluded flossing is not necessary however Canada’s top dental association is speaking out and declaring it is not changing its stance on the matter flossing is absolutely necessary for healthy gums and teeth.

If you’re planning to pursue dental assistant training, read on to learn why you’ll definitely be advising future patients to floss their teeth.

Dental Experts Still Believe Flossing is Beneficial

As dental assistant students will learn during their studies, the Canadian Dental Association has an official stance on dental floss and its usefulness, believing it is an effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from in-between one’s teeth.

In response to the investigation that concluded flossing is obsolete, Edmonton-based periodontist Dr. Doug Pattigrew said he believes the findings were interpreted wrongly. He states: “They say there is weak evidence that flossing helps, but there is no good evidence that it doesn’t help. And people are just jumping on this.”

Damien Walmsley, dentist and scientific advisor to the British Dental Association, a well-known supporter of not flossing, says flossing is only critical when there are large portions of food stuck in your teeth, and that it is not necessary to floss daily. Pattigrew disagrees, saying: “Floss is cheap and easy. Would you rather spend five minutes flossing your teeth, or would you rather come into my office and have two hours of surgery in six different areas over six visits at $2,500 a pop?”

Once you’ve completed your dental assistant training and have started your career, you might consider borrowing Pettigrew’s argument to help motivate patients to use gum dental floss regularly, ensuring their mouths stay healthy.

Future Influencers are Students in Dental Assistant Programs

During your career as a dental assistant, you will become an advocate for the dental community, working in dental offices, clinics, health units, and hospitals. While enrolled in dental assistant school, you will learn proper dental floss techniques which you will be expected to perform on your future patients. You may also be required to teach patients how to maintain good dental hygiene on their own.
Despite the outcome that flossing is no longer necessary, the Canadian Dental Association still concludes brushing and flossing are both important steps in keeping your future patient’s mouths healthy, arguing that without dental floss, one-third of the surface of the teeth will remain unclean.

Dental Assistant Programs Prepare Students to Teach Flossing

At dental assistant schools like Anderson College, students gain the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills they need to thrive once they begin their careers. Through courses like Clinical Chairside Procedures, and Preventative Dentistry & Nutrition, Communications/Psychology, students learn about proper dental procedures and preventative care techniques (such as brushing and flossing teeth regularly), and they master the communication skills needed to advise future patients about such procedures and preventative methods.

In as little as 26 weeks in Anderson College’s Dental Chairside Assistant Diploma program, you’ll be prepared to take on your new role as a dental assistant, helping patients care for their teeth through regular brushing and flossing. You can expect to complete a wide variety of tasks throughout your work day including collecting patient information, performing teeth cleanings, preparing equipment, and much more.

Are you comparing dental assistant programs to find one that’s right for you?

Contact Anderson College to learn more about our courses, or to speak with an advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do you floss or brush first?

Most experts recommend flossing first, then brushing, so fluoride can reach more tooth surfaces.

Q2: How often should you floss?

At least once a day, preferably at night before bed.

Q3: What if flossing makes my gums bleed?

Mild bleeding often means inflammation from plaque. With regular flossing, gums usually improve in 1–2 weeks.

Q4: Can dental floss picks replace regular floss?

Yes, but they may not reach as effectively as string floss. Picks are great for beginners or on-the-go use.

Q5: Why is flossing important for dental assistants to teach?

Because brushing alone misses one-third of tooth surfaces patients need flossing for complete oral care.