How to make a smooth transition to a new dental office
If you’ve recently accepted a dental assisting role in a new dental office, congratulations! What some would call the “hard part” — the application process, the job interview and, for some, the preparation time in school — is behind you.
Now, it’s on to day-to-day office life at your new practice! Moving to a new employer can be a little scary, but with the right approach and mindset, it can be a smooth process.
Here are a few recommendations for dental assistants to help ensure a seamless transition during those first few days of the new job.
Know your state requirements
Whether you’ve recently relocated to a new state or you’ve been working in the same state for years, all dental assistants should be aware of their dental assisting requirements, including their allowable and prohibited duties. Wondering where to start? DANB’s search-by-state map is a great resource for finding all the specific information you’ll need. Additionally, your state may have continuing dental education requirements that are important to be aware of.
“This shows integrity and self-responsibility — a few of the traits most dentists look for in employees,” says Eloise, CDA, CDPMA, CPFDA, RDA, B.A., who teaches about infection control and state regulation compliance.
Be open to change
When starting at a new practice, you'll likely go through an onboarding training process to learn the ins and outs of the office. If you have previous dental assisting experience, you may find that your new employer and team do some things differently than you’re used to. This can be both educational and challenging for new employees, as change can be difficult.
Marianyeliz once experienced such growing pains. After spending nine years working in a general dentistry practice, she took a role in a new office. Immediately, she could see her former and new practice had slightly different approaches.
Ultimately, Marianyeliz chose to go with the flow in her new environment. “I couldn’t compare this job to the previous job I had,” she explains.
When it comes to navigating change, remaining open-minded is usually the best method. In fact, becoming familiar with new information or processes can be a great way to expand your resume and skill sets!
Ask questions
Before your first day at a new office, your new doctor or office manager may have already communicated the details of your role. You may have received an employee handbook, as well as any other information needed to step into the role. Sometimes, though, it takes some time to get fully acquainted with your new office and team. This may include adapting to the office's protocols, as well as the work style and preferences of your new dentist.
Usually, getting up to speed on these items just takes a little bit of time. But if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Your new team should anticipate that you'll have some questions and be eager to answer them.
“Don’t be shy," recommends Becky. "Have a sit-down meeting, with paper and a pencil, and ask away!”
Stick with it
If acclimating to a new office ever begins to feel frustrating, rest assured that it will likely get better. After all, everyone was a new employee at one time or another! And most agree it was all uphill from day one. Typically, all it takes to become settled in a new environment is a little patience and time. If the transition isn't going as smoothly as you'd like, communicate that with your dentist and office manager. They should listen to your concerns and help to address them. After all, dentistry is a team profession.
“My doctor always says, ‘Give it a year,’” explains Dawn. “Stay calm and professional. Most often, things settle.”
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