How to quit your dental assisting job (professionally)
The new year can bring new job opportunities, which means you may be thinking about quitting your job. Whatever your reason for leaving a role, it’s important to handle it professionally. It’s common for future employers to ask for references or contact your previous office to get a sense of your work style and determine if you would be the right fit for a role. Therefore, maintaining a cordial relationship will benefit you in the long run.
If you’re leaving your role for a new job opportunity, you should have an official offer from your new employer before submitting your resignation. This way, you can leave your current practice knowing what your next steps are.
Once you’ve made the decision to leave, here are some things you should consider to leave on good terms and cover all your bases.
How to notify your employer and what they’ll need from you
Depending on the status of your relationship, you can first meet with your manager to explain the situation. However, if this is not something you’re comfortable with, you can instead notify the appropriate parties in human resources (HR) or your office manager with an official letter of resignation. This letter may include a formal statement that you are leaving the role, the date of your last day, your plan for transitioning out, and a note of gratitude for employment. It’s not required to provide a specific reason for leaving, but you may choose to give a brief explanation in your resignation letter.
After sending in your letter, start making mental notes of any company property you may need to return or important information to pass along to another staff member. Before your last day, your employer should clearly communicate when you’ll receive your final paycheck and whether you need to complete any paperwork. If applicable, dental assistants should also find out how long they will retain access to benefits, such as insurance, after resigning.
Some employers conduct exit interviews. This is an opportunity to provide constructive feedback about your experience working there and suggest potential improvements. Keep your comments professional and focus on practice-wide feedback rather than personal issues.
Give enough notice
The general rule of thumb is to give your employer a two-week notice when leaving a role. This is a courtesy that helps keep a positive professional reputation by providing you and the practice enough time to prepare for your departure. A two-week timeline gives you ample time to make sure you have all your personal belongings, say goodbye to your coworkers, and finish any remaining tasks.
Additionally, you may be expected to provide training for coworkers. For example, if you’re a dental assistant who works as an infection control coordinator, you might need to train someone on sterilization monitoring processes. You can also pass along general institutional knowledge about the practice, how to work with certain doctors, and best practices for succeeding in the role.
What to do in special circumstances
Life often comes with unexpected twists and turns. There are still ways you can leave professionally if an unforeseen situation arises and you need to quit on short notice. You don’t have to say what the emergency is in your letter of resignation, but indicate that your new circumstances leave you unable to fulfill your responsibilities anymore. Clear communication is essential when you’re on an expedited timeline so everyone can work together to determine next steps. Parting amicably also leaves room for potential reinstatement with the practice if you wish to come back in the future.
If you choose to leave your job due to poor management, focus on how the role no longer aligns with your professional goals rather than placing individual blame on a coworker. If there is a larger, recurring issue that causes you to leave, you can schedule a private meeting with your office manager or an HR representative so they are aware of the problem going forward. In either case, it’s still a good practice to submit a letter of resignation so there is official documentation on record. It’s best to act with decorum and exit graciously to maintain a positive professional reputation throughout your career.