Gen Z joins the dental team, sparking new ways to learn and work
Dental assistants who love their career typically share some commonalities, including a passion for providing patient care, pursuing continuing education, and working seamlessly with the entire dental team. But what happens when there are differences in age and levels of experience?
Especially for those dental assistants who work in a multigenerational office, there are many positive benefits to collaborating with their teammates, whether they’re new hires or seasoned professionals. That’s because each and every assistant brings valuable perspectives to the dental team dynamic, no matter the age group they’re in.
Over the past two years, Heidy B., who is part of Gen Z, has been working with and learning from a Gen X dental assistant, Carmen S., CDA, CRFDA, CDIPC, DISIPC. Together, they make up a team of two dental assistants for a small private practice in Tucson, Arizona. You could say that their dental assistant team is a dynamic duo.
“We have mutual respect and shared values,” says Carmen, who has nearly 28 years of dental assisting experience, including in expanded functions. “That is very important, regardless of age or generation.”
Understanding generations at work
Today’s workforce employs five generations: the Silent generation (born 1945 or earlier), Baby Boomers (1946–1964), Generation X (1965–1980), Millennials (1981–1996), and Generation Z (1997–2012). And some members of Generation Alpha (2010–2024) may be preparing to enter the workforce.
In dentistry, you’re likely to work with a Millennial dental assistant — since the average age of a dental assistant is 37 years old. In fact, data shows that Millennials are the largest generation in the U.S. workforce at 36%. Comparatively, Gen Z makes up 18% of the workforce and is growing.
“We have mutual respect and shared values,” says Carmen (right) about fellow assistant Heidy (left). “That is very important, regardless of age or generation.”
As more Gen Z dental assistants age 28 and younger enter the dental assisting profession, it’s important to understand generational shifts in the workforce, as well as how to support and collaborate with the next generation of dental assistants.
As a dental assistant educator in the office where she works, Carmen says, “It’s important to recognize that Generation Z may learn differently than previous generations, so training methods should be tailored to fit their learning style. I find it exciting every time I work with someone from Gen Z. It encourages me to adapt and grow as a trainer.”
Dispelling generational stereotypes
While no generation is a monolith, there are well-known stereotypes about generations represented in the workplace. For example, Millennials are often associated with the reputation of frequently changing jobs. Likewise, Gen Z might be known for being dependent on technology and resistant to work structures, and Baby Boomers could be regarded as being resistant to change and slower to adopt new technology. But these notions aren’t always true.
From both Heidy’s and Carmen’s point of view, neither is more technologically savvy than the other. “Learning styles shift,” says Carmen, who lately has been reaching for an e-book rather than printed materials and highlighters. “When it comes to learning anything, I value anyone’s opinion on that. We’re both in school, so we’ll discuss, ‘OK, how are you studying?’”
But the colleagues have found their communication styles do differ slightly — Gen X prefers more succinct communication, while Gen Z may wish to talk it out more, Heidy believes. “Generation Z tends to either hold a lot of things back or say too much, to the point that they may not be communicating efficiently,” she elaborates. “I feel like Carmen has really shown me that effective communication instead of either just shutting down or rambling on too much.”
Heidy says a myth she has heard about Gen Z is they seem to lack structure, but from her point of view, she’s always sought direction in the workplace: “It’s something that I came in here craving, and I definitely got that structure,” she says. Carmen notes that having seamless systems in place, including standard operating procedure documentation, can keep everyone on the same page, and Heidy appreciates the resources.
Carmen says she embodies the stereotype of being a “tough” Gen X employee. “You just have to get things done, and I think that’s a trait of Gen X.” Heidy believes Carmen’s self-observation is spot on: “She gets in there and gets things done. I’m learning a lot about how to do that as well.”
Learning from every generation
While older workers are likely to bring vast experience to their role, that doesn’t mean younger workers don’t have valuable lessons to share with their colleagues. Looking back, Carmen says she wishes she had sought more mentorship when she was newer to the field.
As a member of Gen Z, Heidy is extremely willing to learn from her mentor at work: “I’ve worked in this field for two years now, and Carmen has taught me so much.
“When I entered the field, I did not have the most realistic [idea] of what I was going to be doing. ... Carmen has shown me the ins and outs, and this has really gotten me excited about working in the field and doing more.” — Heidy B.
“When I entered the field, I did not have the most realistic [idea] of what I was going to be doing. This is the first place where I’ve been hired. Carmen has shown me the ins and outs, and this has really gotten me excited about working in the field and doing more,” shares Heidy, who has earned a DANB certificate in radiation health and safety. She has set her sights on earning DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, which Carmen encouraged her to do. “That’s the next step in my journey,” Heidy says.
Carmen reflects that as an experienced dental assistant, working alongside a newer assistant has rejuvenated her outlook on work. “When you’ve been in a field for so long, you kind of start to lose interest,” Carmen says. “Ever since Heidy has been working with us, seeing her enthusiasm to learn has made me want to learn more as well, and contribute more.”
Working together toward a shared goal
Dental teammates may sometimes be different ages, but everyone should be striving to reach the same goal: Provide the best patient care possible. To do this, coworkers are encouraged to look beyond labels. Carmen has learned that it’s important to have an open mind when working with colleagues from another age group. “Don’t really listen to the stereotypes,” she advises. “Give it a go, and see what happens.”
Heidy agrees that with strong rapport, teammates of any age and experience level can work well together. “We’re coming here to provide our patients with proper care, and as long as we’re keeping that in mind, and everything that goes into it, we haven’t really had any difficulty aligning.”
Heidy and Carmen are always looking to one another for positive critique, to ensure they continue thriving as a team. “I’m always willing to get the feedback, because that’s the way I know I’m going to grow,” Heidy reflects. Carmen observes Heidy is open not just to receiving feedback, but to sharing it as well.
“I really appreciate that,” Carmen says. “Our work ethic and values have made our collaboration smooth and rewarding.”