Advice for returning to dental assisting after a break

laptop sitting on a desk with a job search website on the page

Life brings many changes, and some may require you to step away from dental assisting. Some dental assistants take a break to raise a family or pursue another career path, for example. If you've spent some time away from dental assisting and you're ready to return, you might be wondering where to start. Is your previous education enough? Can you still perform the job proficiently? How do you explain the gap in your résumé? 

Don't worry; many dental assistants return to the profession after spending time away without skipping a beat. Here are some tips for making a smooth transition back to dental assisting. 

Don't underestimate your knowledge 

Even if it's been awhile since you were a dental assistant, remember that you still have a strong foundation and won't be starting from scratch. You have previous education and hands-on experience as a dental assistant that will make the transition easier. Of course, there may be new technology or protocols for you to learn, and you may need a refresher on some clinical knowledge or the day-to-day flow of a practice. This is completely normal. Many aspects of the job — such as communicating with patients and anticipating the dentist's needs during a procedure — may come back to you naturally and build your confidence. 

Check state requirements 

As you return to the profession, it's critical to know your state's dental assisting requirements. Each state dental board has different qualifications for dental assistants based on job title, so make sure your previous education and credentials still meet those conditions. For example, if your state requires earning DANB certification, you need to get recertified if your credentials have lapsed. Some states might require you to have passed a radiography course or pass the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam within a certain time frame before applying for a state registration. If you aren't sure whether your previous education and credentials will suffice, reach out to your state dental board for clarification. 

Consider continuing education and credentials 

Even if you meet state dental assisting requirements, taking continuing education courses or earning certification can get you back up to speed. For example, you may want to refresh your memory on the various dental instruments and what they do or how to follow the correct infection control procedures. Depending on how long you've been away from the profession, it's also possible there have been significant changes in dental research, protocols, and technology that you must learn to perform your job capably. 

Be honest with employers 

While interviewing with different practices, your time away from dental assisting will likely come up. How can you explain the time gap on your résumé? The best way to address it is simply being honest. Share why you stepped away from dental assisting, whether it was to raise a family, deal with a personal matter, explore another career path, or something else. Employers will likely appreciate your honesty. However, don't focus solely on your time away. Highlight your previous experience, what you'll bring to the practice, your passion for the work, why you're eager to return to dental assisting, and the steps you're taking to reenter the profession. 

Look for a supportive practice 

Returning to dental assisting after some time away may feel intimidating or overwhelming for some people. If you're feeling this way, having a supportive practice can help you transition back to life as a dental assistant. Look for a team that will provide you with hands-on training, mentorship, and a positive team culture. You could also consider dipping your toes in the water instead of fully diving in right away. In other words, see if a practice will let you shadow their dental assistants for a few days to refamiliarize yourself with the workflow. You could also ask about working part time to get back into the rhythm more slowly. It may take some time to readjust, but having an accommodating employer and team will make the process smoother! 

Read more: