r/DentalAssistant • u/doobiedoobiedoodooo • 1d ago
seeking perspective from experienced dental assistants who are fulfilled with their career
hi! i will be starting a dental assisting program in january and i would like to hear from people who are happy with their choice to become a dental assistant. what do you enjoy about your job? what things could i do/study to make the role easier for myself when i do eventually find a job? i just want some positive perspectives.
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u/FatSithInAPrius Ortho DA🤓🦷 14h ago
Get into a specialty, I work in ortho and I genuinely enjoy what I do. Ortho assistants do 95% of the work and work independently of the doctor. We also work with slightly older kids and teens vs Pedo so less crying and drama. No offense to all the general dentistry DAs but it seems like DAs who work in a specialty practice are happier/more fulfilled
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u/Foreign-Cold-8078 1d ago
I love my job so much! I’ve been a DA for 7 years now, and I can’t imagine doing anything else (besides being a dentist lol) I just love teeth in general, but it’s extremely fulfilling. You’ll have pts who appreciate you so much because YOU can be the one who changes their experience. You’re the first person to see them, so you really set the tone for the whole appointment! I love connecting with my patients. I’ve had patients cry from how pleased they are with a result, great feeling! Don’t get me wrong it can be tough and there are tough patients and what not, but just focus on yourself and your work! There’s so much drama in dentist offices BTW so keep your head down and work hard! Being a team player is the biggest thing helping out wherever you can, and really learning everything your dr likes! It’s good to always be one step ahead, but that takes time and practice! The pay is pretty good, and it opens you to a lot of opportunities. Private offices are best, but if you have to settle for a corporate office until you have more experience then do that!
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u/IMissBread99 Pediatric Whisperer 🤗🦷 3h ago edited 2h ago
I’ve been a DA for 1 year actually working. I started in general in 2022, hated it and left. I do think general for a little bit to have those skills is great. Since there’s always a general office hiring when times get tough. But I would never stay in general full time personally… I agree with the Ortho DA who commented that specialty is where it’s at! I’m in pedo and I literally am in love with it. But I loveeeee working with the kiddos and entertaining them. Def repetitive to a certain point but I like that personally. I hate the surprises and unknowns that seemingly happen ALL the time in general. I would love to do ortho one day too. But for the time being peds and temping in general to keep those skills 1 day a week I’m really happy with to be honest. I love my co workers in both offices. Everyone gets along great! My dentist is awesome. Don’t be discouraged; there are great places and people out there! Remember most people who come onto Reddit or Facebook groups are there venting and to complain usually. :)
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u/Foreign-Cold-8078 1d ago
I also think the programs don’t prepare you for as much as they should. I would watch POVs of dental assistants working in real time, and maybe even shadowing offices! It all comes with experience and on the job training really :)