8 things to expect at your new dental assisting job
Starting a new job is both exciting and nerve-wracking. And starting a new dental assisting job is no exception. Although we know that many dental assistants stay with the same employer for many years, changing jobs is a fact of life. We outlined eight things you might experience when you start a new job.
1. Trying to make a good impression.
You probably jumped for joy when you found out you got the job. And now that you’ve got it, you’re probably doing everything you can to make a good impression your first day. Remember that they hired you because you were the best – you’ve got this!
2. Figuring out your morning routine.
A new job might mean working in a new neighborhood or facing a different commute. Maybe you will need to get up earlier or take an unfamiliar route. The key is to figure out your new routine in advance so you aren’t nervous when you wake up that first day.
3. Learning how the doctor likes to work.
Every dental office is different and so is every dentist. Working well with the doctor is key to being successful at work. Your first few days, you’ll probably spend a lot of time learning your new doctor’s preferences and style. It can take time, but if you focus, you’ll be on top of it in no time!
4. Meeting new patients.
Dental assistants love their job because they enjoy connecting with people. One of the best parts of starting a new dental assisting job is meeting all the new patients at the office. Before long, those new patients will feel like old friends.
5. Remembering everyone’s name.
On your first day, you’ll likely be introduced to all of the office staff. But if you work for a larger dental practice, it may take some time before you meet everyone. Remembering everyone’s names can be tricky – especially all those new patients!
6. Dealing with office cliques.
When you start a new dental assisting job, it can be hard to feel like the new kid on the block. It’s not easy when you don’t know the inside jokes and stories of a staff who has been working together for a long time. Just remember, everyone has to be the new person at some point!
7. Making new work friends.
The upside to starting a new dental assisting job is that it’s an opportunity to make new work friends. It gets harder to make new friends as an adult, but hopefully your new dental job provides some opportunities for new friendships to bloom!
8. Learning the new systems.
From figuring out the phones to the computer systems to where the supplies are kept, it can be frustrating to start a new job and not automatically know everything – especially if you were the office expert at your last job. Give it some time and you will soon be the office go-to person again.