You made it as a dental assistant!

When starting your career as a dental assistant, it can take some time to settle in and feel established in your role. However, the longer you’re in a position, the more comfortable you become. There may come a time in your career where you feel you “made it” as a dental assistant and understand the value of the work you do.

Some dental assistants experience this feeling after finally mastering protocol for a complex procedure, passing a certification exam, or becoming an educator. Even if you don’t have one specific “made it” moment, you will eventually reach a point where you can look back at where you started and see how far you’ve come. Here are a few examples of moments when you might find your footing as a dental assistant.

When you realize you’re not new anymore

There are many personal and professional milestones a dental assistant will experience throughout their career. Helping patients through dental issues, earning national certifications, and perfecting your exam room prep routine all demonstrate a robust knowledge of the profession.

In the early stages of your role, you may have had an uneasy feeling about assisting during a procedure. Now, you’re able to accurately and easily anticipate what instruments the dentist needs at different points. Acknowledging your expertise and strong skill set can help validate your position in the field and your level of professionalism.

Positive feedback

Receiving positive feedback from your coworkers and dentist can promote a sense of internal assurance in your role. Working in an encouraging environment that recognizes the value of dental assistants can have a big impact on how you execute job responsibilities. After a busy day of patient appointments, receiving praise for your ability to handle stressful situations reaffirms your position and strengthens faith in your capabilities. Hearing compliments and recognition from more seasoned dental assistants can also make you realize how much you’ve evolved and excelled.

Recognition from a patient

During appointments, dental assistants spend a lot of time connecting with patients. Hearing about the difference you made in a patient’s dental visits reminds you of the importance of your work. Maybe a patient who avoided going to the dentist for a long time can now sit comfortably during treatment thanks to your continuous efforts to educate them and ease their worries. Dental assistants strive to help each patient feel more confident in their smile, so finding out how you improved someone’s experience can make everything worthwhile.

Mentoring coworkers

Being entrusted to train a new assistant is a big career step that signifies your talents in the dental field. Similarly, when you become the go-to person for questions about assisting with procedures, infection control processes, or administrative responsibilities, it means your coworkers trust and value your guidance. Shifting into a mentor role marks a milestone in your career that you’ve reached a higher level of understanding, which can help others do their job effectively.