I HATE DENTAL ASSISTING

Man if only I knew what I was getting myself into. My college advisor told me to become dental assistant. I followed her advice and I finished the assisting program last year. I didn't know how much more money hygienists make until I started working. In school we were lead to think that the assistant position wasn't below the hygienist. It was just different. No one ever told me that the hygienist is paid much more and that the assistant has to assist them too. And they have only gone to school one year more than I have!!! Why didn't my advisor tell me to go for hyg.?? Dental assisting is a joke, one of the assistants here is a joke, no education or experience, all of her x rays must be retaken, etc. Now I am supporting myself and can't go back to school. Ugh please will someone go back in time and tell me to apply to hygiene school! I love the dental field but the dental assistant is a ridiculous position. Why make people go to school for it if you can just hire someone off the street and show them how to do it in a few weeks?

THE SCHOOL DID NOT EXPLAIN THESE JOBS VERY WELL

By the way if you are considering becoming an dental assistant DO NOT think that you are going to make $30 hr. People on here will say they make that much but that is NOT typical!!!

kyle in North Tonawanda, New York said: By the way if you are considering becoming an dental assistant DO NOT think that you are going to make $30 hr. People on here will say they make that much but that is NOT typical!!!

how much do you make?

You can not say that someone is not getting paid what the are. we are grown here, why should we lie, we have no one to prove anything to but ourselves and our careers. you have to keep in mind that pay is determined by the type of practice: private/specialty, area you stay in; city and state, experience you have, and how many certifications or credentials you have. I hope no one told you you will make 30 an hour fresh out of school. Go to www.danb.org and click on "SHOW ME THE MONEY" that can give you an estimated idea of what a dental assistant can do in certain states and what some are getting paid with how many years of experience they have. I hope this will give you a better insight.

Totally agree!

Dental assisting is the most humiliating job ever!

i hate been a dental assistant so much. I wish i didn't take the class. I waste my money and time for nothing

Dental assisting is physically and mentally draining. I am a smart,fast and accurate person and every dentist I have ever worked with is never happy. It will always be your fault. I wish I would have just went straight into hygiene. I am switching to hygiene asap. You will be the office B**tch

DAWG in Denver, Colorado said: how much do you make?

I was a dental assistant for 11 years had no experience and learned on the job. I worked for an Endo practice and if you work
for a specialists after years of being there I believe you can make
up to $30 an hour. I however made $22 an hour. That was not bad
for no schooling. You don't need school to be a dental assistant. However I did not start off making that it increased as the years
went on. So, as someone said it depends on the practice, the area, and if it's a general dentist or a specialist, also length of time on the job (or years of experience) which determines your pay!

RDAinWA in Onalaska, Washington said: Dental assisting is physically and mentally draining. I am a smart,fast and accurate person and every dentist I have ever worked with is never happy. It will always be your fault. I wish I would have just went straight into hygiene. I am switching to hygiene asap. You will be the office B**tch

I totally agree with you Dentists are a very strange breed of human being if the can be considered human beings. But it's true not only do you have to read their minds but Yes, everything is your fault... Not sure I want to do Dental Assisting again!!

roermi64116@verizon.net in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts said: I was a dental assistant for 11 years had no experience and learned on the job. I worked for an Endo practice and if you work
for a specialists after years of being there I believe you can make
up to $30 an hour. I however made $22 an hour. That was not bad
for no schooling. You don't need school to be a dental assistant. However I did not start off making that it increased as the years
went on. So, as someone said it depends on the practice, the area, and if it's a general dentist or a specialist, also length of time on the job (or years of experience) which determines your pay!

My sister is a dental assistant. No benefits at all. I don't know why she love her job?????

dental assisting is the most humiliating and depreciating job ever, wish I had never even took the course.

Where DID you got to school that hgy only goes to school for 2 years.? NOT in CALIFORNIA>>> are you an RDA? Yes they do get PAID but soooo do Dental Assistants ...

let in San Diego, California said: WOW you girls are stupid..... I LOVE MY JOB and i AM A RDA in cali ..... PAID with benefits

What range are you at?

kyle in North Tonawanda, New York said: Man if only I knew what I was getting myself into. My college advisor told me to become dental assistant. I followed her advice and I finished the assisting program last year. I didn't know how much more money hygienists make until I started working. In school we were lead to think that the assistant position wasn't below the hygienist. It was just different. No one ever told me that the hygienist is paid much more and that the assistant has to assist them too. And they have only gone to school one year more than I have!!! Why didn't my advisor tell me to go for hyg.?? Dental assisting is a joke, one of the assistants here is a joke, no education or experience, all of her x rays must be retaken, etc. Now I am supporting myself and can't go back to school. Ugh please will someone go back in time and tell me to apply to hygiene school! I love the dental field but the dental assistant is a ridiculous position. Why make people go to school for it if you can just hire someone off the street and show them how to do it in a few weeks?

THE SCHOOL DID NOT EXPLAIN THESE JOBS VERY WELL

technically, if you just get hired off the street as a dental assistant without education and certificates, you can only suction and clean instruments. no x-rays or coronal polish.

UGH I hate dental assisting. The dentist's you work for are always a pain in the ass.... they expect you to know what they are thinking and if something goes wrong (IE: a kid crying) its your fault. This man, who acts like a female that i work for now is such a pain in the ass. We have to tell him where we are going when on our lunch break and we have to say goodbye have a nice night evertime we leave the office. Im not a child and I urge you all to stay away from the underpaid and overworked world of dental assisting.

RRsDental in Pittsford, New York said: UGH I hate dental assisting. The dentist's you work for are always a pain in the ass.... they expect you to know what they are thinking and if something goes wrong (IE: a kid crying) its your fault. This man, who acts like a female that i work for now is such a pain in the ass. We have to tell him where we are going when on our lunch break and we have to say goodbye have a nice night evertime we leave the office. Im not a child and I urge you all to stay away from the underpaid and overworked world of dental assisting.

LOL- I admit, there ARE KOOKS out there. Lots of them! But you have to find
just the right dr. - a good match-
You wouldn't date a jerk right??? So why would choose to spend 8-13 hrs a day with one? Trust me , I've seen my share of jerks, control-freaks, but those
short-lived and I found great people to work for and I learned a lot!

Hey folks I feel your pain. I have worked in the dental field for over 20 years. I began as a dental assistant (Doctor trained) in Wisconsin. I moved to Pennsylvania and worked as a Dental Assistant after passing the required Radiology testing. I studied, on my own and tested out with a B+. I was able to perform all functions in both states as a DA including radiographs and coronal polishing. (Granted, this was quite a few years ago) Along came the EFDA which included more techincal training including admin of N202 etc. and I made the transition to Front Office. I've been in Management for the last 15. I've seen every weird/odd scenario you could possibly imagine. Some Dentists are true freaks, and evil beyond words. Some Hygienists are self-centered divas. Some Assistants are lazy, idiots. That being said. I've met some truly wonderful and inspiring clinical folks who work tirelessly every day to provide a positive team approach, skillfully care for their patients and are committed in every way to make a difference in the lives of others. I salute those professionals and cannot thank them enough for giving me the motivation to hang in there when confronted with the first group of losers I mentioned. It's sad, but I have lost my passion for the dental field. I simply find too few of the latter group anymore. The last Dentist I worked for was a bully and a pig. I'm done. Having worked in both front and back, clinical and non-clinical (I was also an EMT), I have to say that Dental Assistants oftentimes get the ****-end of the stick. Everyone expects to have a piece of them and they are pulled in 10 different directions. Unfortunately, I think they are overloaded by working with other assistants who are lazy or incompetent and hygienists who think they are too important to clean up after themselves. Just how many jobs are you supposed to do for one salary, anyway?

love it.... I know whta you mean. Sounds not nice but I will say it anyway, those "lazy / idiot" ( there are a lot out there) assistants give good assistants a bad name!!
Some hyg are princesses, but others I call my best friends ,even yrs later.

There is a story for every dentist! They can be crazy, and boy do I have some crazy stories!!!

RRsDental in Pittsford, New York said: UGH I hate dental assisting. The dentist's you work for are always a pain in the ass.... they expect you to know what they are thinking and if something goes wrong (IE: a kid crying) its your fault. This man, who acts like a female that i work for now is such a pain in the ass. We have to tell him where we are going when on our lunch break and we have to say goodbye have a nice night evertime we leave the office. Im not a child and I urge you all to stay away from the underpaid and overworked world of dental assisting.

That's right! Why can the dentist say good morning and good night, nice work etc. It's all about them. Respect is a two way street.

bslippers in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: Hey folks I feel your pain. I have worked in the dental field for over 20 years. I began as a dental assistant (Doctor trained) in Wisconsin. I moved to Pennsylvania and worked as a Dental Assistant after passing the required Radiology testing. I studied, on my own and tested out with a B+. I was able to perform all functions in both states as a DA including radiographs and coronal polishing. (Granted, this was quite a few years ago) Along came the EFDA which included more techincal training including admin of N202 etc. and I made the transition to Front Office. I've been in Management for the last 15. I've seen every weird/odd scenario you could possibly imagine. Some Dentists are true freaks, and evil beyond words. Some Hygienists are self-centered divas. Some Assistants are lazy, idiots. That being said. I've met some truly wonderful and inspiring clinical folks who work tirelessly every day to provide a positive team approach, skillfully care for their patients and are committed in every way to make a difference in the lives of others. I salute those professionals and cannot thank them enough for giving me the motivation to hang in there when confronted with the first group of losers I mentioned. It's sad, but I have lost my passion for the dental field. I simply find too few of the latter group anymore. The last Dentist I worked for was a bully and a pig. I'm done. Having worked in both front and back, clinical and non-clinical (I was also an EMT), I have to say that Dental Assistants oftentimes get the ****-end of the stick. Everyone expects to have a piece of them and they are pulled in 10 different directions. Unfortunately, I think they are overloaded by working with other assistants who are lazy or incompetent and hygienists who think they are too important to clean up after themselves. Just how many jobs are you supposed to do for one salary, anyway?

Dental assistants most time just get s****ed!!!

dentalGURU2009 in Genoa City, Wisconsin said: LOL- I admit, there ARE KOOKS out there. Lots of them! But you have to find
just the right dr. - a good match-
You wouldn't date a jerk right??? So why would choose to spend 8-13 hrs a day with one? Trust me , I've seen my share of jerks, control-freaks, but those
short-lived and I found great people to work for and I learned a lot!

You're right. It's just that it's like looking for a needle in a hay stack... very hard to find.

RRsDental in Pittsford, New York said: UGH I hate dental assisting. The dentist's you work for are always a pain in the ass.... they expect you to know what they are thinking and if something goes wrong (IE: a kid crying) its your fault. This man, who acts like a female that i work for now is such a pain in the ass. We have to tell him where we are going when on our lunch break and we have to say goodbye have a nice night evertime we leave the office. Im not a child and I urge you all to stay away from the underpaid and overworked world of dental assisting.

If you hate dental assisting so much then why are you all complaining about it? No one is forcing you to stay there. Go find another job or go back to school so you can do something else!!! I get a laugh from people who give advice to others interested in this field by telling them they hate it and its the worst job ever. If your thinking about a career in dental assisting, dont listen to these people. They are pathetic for not quitting there jobs and just staying there and complaining about it. What do you think would happen is your boss read this and saw you all say these horrible things about your job. In my opinion you dont even deserve your job and you are a very negative person who thinks this world owes you something. You have to work for everything in this world and no one said its gonna be easy, SUCK IT UP AND QUIT COMPLAINING!!!!!!!

I totally agree on the whole dr is always right and you are always to blame. My last office was with a left handed dr who was totally crazy.. She would even yell at you in front of the patient! She has gotten plenty of complaints about the way she treats the assistants but yet corporate wont do anything about it because she is the highest producing dr in the area. How crazy is that. She has gone thru more assistants than I can even count just in the past 2 years. I'm hoping to find a nice dr who can appreciate what I do instead of thinking they can do it all by themselves. I would love to see that dr do a procedure by herself... or God forbid her have to find her own instruments.

I worked as a dental assistant for only a year (I'm going back to school), but I have to admit- I consider myself very lucky that I worked for a great dentist. She thanked me all the time, was respectful to everyone she worked with, AND she helped me clean the operatory after the patient left whenever we were running a little behind.

I can understand why so many assistants leave the profession altogether, because the dentist you work for can really make or break it for you.

Hello in Spokane, Washington said: If you hate dental assisting so much then why are you all complaining about it? No one is forcing you to stay there. Go find another job or go back to school so you can do something else!!! I get a laugh from people who give advice to others interested in this field by telling them they hate it and its the worst job ever. If your thinking about a career in dental assisting, dont listen to these people. They are pathetic for not quitting there jobs and just staying there and complaining about it. What do you think would happen is your boss read this and saw you all say these horrible things about your job. In my opinion you dont even deserve your job and you are a very negative person who thinks this world owes you something. You have to work for everything in this world and no one said its gonna be easy, SUCK IT UP AND QUIT COMPLAINING!!!!!!!

I DID quit my job and believe me, it was not an easy decision. After 20+ years in Dentistry I just could not take the constant, daily abuse along with the office politics and drama. (Just to remind you, I WAS the Office Manager) When you work for a Dentist who does not truly care about his practice, patients or employees you really (and eventually) have no other choice. This decision came after 2.5 years of trying everything I could to turn this office into a productive, professional and pleasant place to work. No one really WANTS to give up...especially now...in this economy, with unemployment skyrocketing. I was making really good money and we have really had to tighten our "belt" at home here but I am finally becoming myself again. I appreciate the fact that some people complain just to complain. Lord knows I've managed my share of whiny DA's and others over the last 15 years, but I don't think that's what's happening here. For many people, forums such as this may be the only outlet for them let out steam. It is not as simple as "get another job" especially now.

Hello in Spokane, Washington said: If you hate dental assisting so much then why are you all complaining about it? No one is forcing you to stay there. Go find another job or go back to school so you can do something else!!! I get a laugh from people who give advice to others interested in this field by telling them they hate it and its the worst job ever. If your thinking about a career in dental assisting, dont listen to these people. They are pathetic for not quitting there jobs and just staying there and complaining about it. What do you think would happen is your boss read this and saw you all say these horrible things about your job. In my opinion you dont even deserve your job and you are a very negative person who thinks this world owes you something. You have to work for everything in this world and no one said its gonna be easy, SUCK IT UP AND QUIT COMPLAINING!!!!!!!

(Reached my word max...to continue)
I don't think a single, working mom has the ability to just quit and damn the consequences. Many don't. I was lucky; my husband has a fairly stable job and makes good money, but even still we took quite a hit financially. I began looking for another job over a year and a half before I finally decided to quit...even though I did not have a job waiting in the wings. I've worked for some amazing Doctors and with some amazing people in Dental Offices. I'm glad that you are happy working at your office (even though we all know that even the best offices have tough days and still have some conflicts). Offices that are healthy and prosperous are wonderful. Offices that share a mutual respect between Doctor, staff and patient are truly what Dentistry should be all about. Unfortunately, they aren't as common as the bad ones. I don't know if I will continue in Dentistry or move on to something else. I'm talented, bright, and am an excellent administrator. I just don't know whether I'm willing to take another chance again. Good Luck, all!

kyle in North Tonawanda, New York said: Man if only I knew what I was getting myself into. My college advisor told me to become dental assistant. I followed her advice and I finished the assisting program last year. I didn't know how much more money hygienists make until I started working. In school we were lead to think that the assistant position wasn't below the hygienist. It was just different. No one ever told me that the hygienist is paid much more and that the assistant has to assist them too. And they have only gone to school one year more than I have!!! Why didn't my advisor tell me to go for hyg.?? Dental assisting is a joke, one of the assistants here is a joke, no education or experience, all of her x rays must be retaken, etc. Now I am supporting myself and can't go back to school. Ugh please will someone go back in time and tell me to apply to hygiene school! I love the dental field but the dental assistant is a ridiculous position. Why make people go to school for it if you can just hire someone off the street and show them how to do it in a few weeks?

THE SCHOOL DID NOT EXPLAIN THESE JOBS VERY WELL

Atleast you have a job in Dental Assisting. I can't even get my foot in the door. Oh, and i have a $60,000 Bachelors Degree, too that doesn't do me any good. Hope that helps <3

I am a Dental Assistant and I LOVE IT!!!! Of course there are people out there who don't like their jobs nor the people they work with, but definately, instead of complaining about it, take some damn action and do something about it for crying out loud. Just because your not happy with your job and don't like it doesn't mean that everyone will. I went to school for a year to be a dental assistant and as for hiring people off the street, I have heard of that, but you do need to go to school to learn how to do alot of the procedures. I can't imagine hiring someone off the street and teaching them how to properly take X Rays, or how to fabricate temporary crowns and cement those....I had a girl in my class who worked for a dentist off the street, but, she wasn't able to do things like that so she chose to go to school.

As Far as dentists go...yes, they are a VERY SPECIAL BREED of people, but just because one is bad and angry, doesn't mean they all are. As far as needing to "Read their minds", they kinda do expect you to, but that also goes for if you have worked for them long enough, you really kinda should know how they think, what they use, and how they do things....it's not that hard. As for if something goes wrong they blame you....that's probably just because that is the type of person they are. My dentist is an amazing person, very good dentist, and treats us all with respect. If something goes wrong, or we make a mistake, he just expects us to learn from those mistakes.

For all you out there complaining, get off your high horse, move your ass, find a new job and stop the B.S. complaining. Just because you don't like it and it doesn't work for you, doesn't mean nobody else will like it or isn't happy!!!!

I THINK DENTAL ASSISTING IS ONE OF THE FUNNEST, MOST REWARDING JOBS THERE IS!!!!!

Again, for those folks who have steady, stable employers/Dentists who treat their team well, I applaud you. I agree that people shouldn't dismiss/diminish someone's dreams of doing whatever it is they choose to do--including becoming a Dental Assistant. When you are in a good place, hands down, there's nothing like it. Dental Assisting can truly be one of the most fun and rewarding jobs you can have. That is unfortunately not everyone's reality and simply telling your peers who are frustrated and depressed to "move your ass" and "get off your high horse" is counterproductive. Rather than judging and blaming, let's remember that these are real people trying to support families and are frustrated by working for Dentists who consciously choose not to run their offices in an honorable way. I think it is important to remind folks that yes there are great offices out there...but they are not easy to find. Sometimes, you cannot tell the value of an office until you've accepted the position and take yourself out off the market. It is especially difficult in the current economy to identify and land a position at one of these "gem" offices. With over 20 years in the field, I'll be glad to share my thoughts and suggestions.

1) Everyone, please keep in mind just because a position pays more, doesn't mean you'll enjoy it more. For many, not all assistants, hygiene is not only a way to expand your clinical knowledge and responsibility but to increase earning potential as well. I've known many assistants over the years who made this move...some happily...some not so happily. It depends on what interests you and where you want to go with your career. Personally, while I respect the role of the Hygienist in the office, it wasn't something I was interested in doing. I made the leap into Office Management instead which I know I've enjoyed much more than I would doing hygiene. If you are unhappy being a dental assistant at an office because the environment sucks...remember...THE ENVIRONMENT SUCKS...not you or your position. It's time to look for a new office and a new group of co-workers who will lift you up, make you a better assistant and, frankly a better person. If you aren't consistently striving to do your best...something's wrong with the picture. Not everyone is 100% all the time, every day...but if you aren't motivated or challenged--you need to have a frank discussion with yourself. What do you need to make you happy? Sometimes the barrier is environmental. Perhaps you are looking for a better work/life balance. Maybe you just need more money. If the problem is the latter...consider creative ways to help increase revenue at the office. Remember, the more profitable the office...the more opportunity for you to increase your earnings. Healthy offices reward go-getters and people who think outside the box!

2)Make yourself invaluable. In today's rough economy you need to be as indispensable as possible. Average assistants are a dime a dozen. When production is down and schedules are light...your hours will decrease. Make sure you are just too valuable around the office to be sent home. Granted, a Dental Assistant is not typically a revenue "producer" unless performing pediatric hygiene, but stay BUSY, BUSY, BUSY and find something to do! Help the front desk, hygienists, work on recall, be a maintenance freak or just a clean machine. Tell the Dentist/Owner/Manager your plan and show/remind them EXACTLY how this correlates to their bottom line. "Look, Dr. X, I know our schedules have been really light lately and I'd really like to help get us back on track. Can we run some recall lists?? I'd like to call patients and motivate them to come in." You can replace that sentence with really, really productive procedures too. Let those in charge know you are aware of at least 4 patients with crowns/bridges/implants (whatever) that are stalling their treatment and you'd like to help. Ask if there are any financial/insurance concerns first and if they have any particular wording they'd prefer you use. Let the dentist know if you are behind on routine scheduled maintenance and that you want to help keep the equipment in tip-top shape to save on unnecessary and costly repairs. Ask your Dentist if he/she would like to clean up areas where they work "extra" well or just start making their areas shine. I guarantee it WILL be noticed...just make sure you get the credit...by asking if there is anything else they would like you to do and always alert them of a possible equipment problem in their work area. It shows you care.

3)Some of these suggestions may sound "routine" for seasoned vets but as someone who had the unfortunate task of sending Dental Assistants home early...your attitude and work ethic absolutely matter. If you are looking for a good office but are having trouble finding one, I suggest the following: Dental Temping. Yes, it's hard and sometimes it sucks. You learn a lot about an office by actually working there and sometimes it can steer you clear of the places that look "okay" on the outside but are ultimately a dysfunctional looney bin on the inside. A few words of caution: Dental Temping is not for the faint of heart. You have to realize that unless you have lots of experience (with a variety of Doctors) it can be initially frustrating. Not all Doctors perform procedures the exact same way. Some if it depends upon the training, Dental School and simply personal preference. You have to be okay with that. It may sound funny, but there are many paths that lead to the same destination. Since by nature of being a DA, part of your skills include intuition and anticipating the Doctor's needs, it's frustrating when you are ready with one instrument and they want something entirely different instead. Go with the flow...and learn. Each new experience will be invaluable down the road. I guarantee it. Also, you may need to sign up with a Dental Temp agency. There are pros and cons. Yes, they do help find you work and screen employees for their client offices so that makes them desirable, however offices that direct hire from agencies pay a hefty fee for the privilege of hiring you through that agency. That will make you somewhat less desirable even though it's a way to get out there. Read your contract carefully before signing. A good compromise is to sign with an agency but keep looking on your own and get your own resume as a temp out there (if your contract allows you to do this--again, be careful not to restrict your job seeking options).

3 Continued) That way you can present yourself as a temp who has already been screened by an agency but any job you find on your own doesn't require the agency fee to hire you as a permanent employee.

I hope some of this is helpful... Please feel free to add your own insights and comments. I'd be glad to answer and questions (if I can). I think is is important to keep helping and supporting each other. For those of you who are rethinking your career choice as a Dental Assistant, you may want to look for support from some of the regional and national dental assisting associations. They often have continuing education, job fair information and the like. Also, don't forget to attend your own state's Dental Conference. You can do a lot of networking there with other DA's and offices. (Remember, be professional, don't "bash" your employer even if what you are saying is true, present yourself as looking for other opportunities. Be gracious and don't burn bridges--even after landing a new, terrific position at a great office. The dental community is small and people remember. If at all possible, still give that 2 week notice. Your thoughtfulness as a co-worker will be remembered (you may be working at another office with one or more of these folks someday in the future). Besides, how much fun is it when someone calls out sick? Imagine the mad scramble and chaos you'll leave everyone else if you quit without a notice.

Good Luck Everyone...and continue doing good work. :)

babyk in Stafford, Virginia said: I totally agree on the whole dr is always right and you are always to blame. My last office was with a left handed dr who was totally crazy.. She would even yell at you in front of the patient! She has gotten plenty of complaints about the way she treats the assistants but yet corporate wont do anything about it because she is the highest producing dr in the area. How crazy is that. She has gone thru more assistants than I can even count just in the past 2 years. I'm hoping to find a nice dr who can appreciate what I do instead of thinking they can do it all by themselves. I would love to see that dr do a procedure by herself... or God forbid her have to find her own instruments.

you got to be kidding me,most all dentist love to belittle you they believe that they are of a hirer authority.

I quit this job 2 years ago and it's the best decision I ever made. Dental Assisting was the worst career ever. I was belittled by the dentist daily.
I never was given positive feedback, it was always negative. No matter how hard I worked or how much I tried, it was never good enough.
Over the years it took it's toll. I became horribly depressed, even suicidal. I'm not kidding, it was very serious. I felt like a failure because I could never please anybody at work. I was an emotional eater and gained a ton of weight. My boss actually had the nerve to tell me to lose weight! I ended up with a back injury and had to quit, but it was a blessing in disguise. I think I would be dead by now if I hadn't had to quit, I really do. I have since gone back to school and now I am working in a new career. I actually enjoy my job now and I don't dread going to work everyday. I really wish I hadn't become a dental assistant, but I guess I can't change the past. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Pam- omg , that is so horrible and makes me sad.
So glad you are happy now. When something isn't making you happy - you need to change your lifestyle.
Dentistry is not for everyone, and there are a surplus of mean dentists. There are nice ones too though. It just takes time to find them.

"Life is too short to be unhappy!" blessings!

Early in my dental career , I had an assisting job for a couple dentists. They were overly serious, condescending, demanding, and abrasive to staff. I swear I rarely saw them smile.
I felt small and unimportant. I stressed 24/7 about how much they disiked me and how I could never do anything that pleased them. As I am a person of good work ethic and pride in what I do.
I eventually moved and had to quit. When I did , they told me how much they were both "FOND" of me and so sad to see me go. They gave me a big smiley hug.

I must say now that I could have fainted!!! What the!???? These guys did not know how to compliment people. They were emotionless during the work day.
But apparently did not know how to show their staff appreciation. Kinda strange. But all that time they liked me and I was unaware. crazy!

Oh! I do agree the dentist I worked for were all anal and controlling. if they ask for a cotton roll to be placed on the tray, you better place in horizonally or vertically 2 mm for the edge of the instruments...(crazy). That type of pickness drove me to leave the field after 14 years. I worked for one dentist that marked a small x on the wall as a guide for the patients chair. Most of the ones I worked for had a great chairside manner with patients, but boy when they left the room after a procedure didn't go as plan, the norm was hurl an instrument into the lab sink, slam something, or dispaly sometiype of physchotic, out of control temperament. The employment turner over in this field is really extremely high. One DDS called me his "Time X employee, because I took a licking and kept on ticking." But seeing assistant, hygienist complain of miscarrages, and going to a chiropractor 3xs a week myself, I finally aquired wisdom and changed careers.

I know lots of crazy stories out there. I have thousands more.... but good ones too. Right now the doctor is nice to me. When he starts drilling into teeth that are not scheduled or planned he always looks up to me-( as for approval) I give him the evil eye "stare down" , he laughs and we keep on working.
Kind of a silly thing we got going.

I hear and understand your feelings and thoughts about dental assisting. Dental Assisting is my job and I feel so blessed to be in the position that I am in. However there are days that I feel less important and also second guess who and why I am here doing what I am doing. I teach about 32 lectures a year and I am no better than you and feel the same as you. There are going to be dentist that come
into your life that are good and bad, same as patients good and bad. Some dentist care
more and some could care less. It's about the dentistry and that is what I have to tell
myself everyday. I am here for them, not him. I am blessed and know that, but I also pray
everyday for guidence and strength to sometimes make it through the day. I see things I
wish and know I would do different, preps, impression, just the way patients are treated,
but I can't change that. I can only change myself and who I am. You can only change
yourself and you who are. You can make a difference and I know you have based on these
letter. There are times when you must say goodbye and move on to find the dentist that
complete's you. I have something to share:
Here goes!

How to work in any environment
1.) Don't expect to be appreciated. Your only expectation should be a paycheck. Don't
come to work to have personal relationships. Don't allow what you do to effect who you are
2.) DO your job well, but remember your mission. God put you there to be a light.
3.) Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems. You
have a God to talk to.You are on a assignment. Quiteness and competence shall be your
strength.
4.) Don't let your environment get inside you. You should influence it, not let it
influence you. Stop going to work to be fed. You didn't come to receive you came to give

5.) Increase your capacity to work with different personalities. God will often bless you
through people you don't even like.
6.) Remember, where you are does not define where you are going. THis will deliver you
from frustration. God has a plan for your life. Keep your eye on the prize. When Pete did
this he was able to walk in what other people sank.
7.) Get the optimum results with minimal confusion. Be effective without making the
environment worse.
8.) Don't be associated with the one group or clique. Labels limit your usefulness. GOd
wants you to work with everybody, but be labeled by nobody. Use all your gifts.
9.) Always keep your song near you. Keep a consecrated place in your soul. Hold on to
your praise.
10.) Understand that God anoints you for trouble. Put on the whole armor of God before
going to work.

I want to be here for you at anytime and would love to keep in touch!
Take Care,
Shannon

I like #2 and #3 !

Hey, i love god, too. But your mentioning him waaaay too much and that makes me weary a little of your sanity.
Just letting you know

Hey, i love god, too. But your mentioning him waaaay too much and that makes me weary a little of your sanity.
Just letting you know

Shannon Pace Brinker in Virginia Beach, Virginia said: 5.) Increase your capacity to work with different personalities. God will often bless you
through people you don't even like.
6.) Remember, where you are does not define where you are going. THis will deliver you
from frustration. God has a plan for your life. Keep your eye on the prize. When Pete did
this he was able to walk in what other people sank.
7.) Get the optimum results with minimal confusion. Be effective without making the
environment worse.
8.) Don't be associated with the one group or clique. Labels limit your usefulness. GOd
wants you to work with everybody, but be labeled by nobody. Use all your gifts.
9.) Always keep your song near you. Keep a consecrated place in your soul. Hold on to
your praise.
10.) Understand that God anoints you for trouble. Put on the whole armor of God before
going to work.

I want to be here for you at anytime and would love to keep in touch!
Take Care,
Shannon

Thank you sooooo much for your words! Mention God all you want! W
e live for him not anyone else!

Jill in Saginaw, Michigan said: Thank you sooooo much for your words! Mention God all you want! W
e live for him not anyone else!

Jill I love your comments! I'm Beth in Louisville Ky. been an assistant for 23yrs. and do expanded duties. I make about $20 an hour and like the hours. They have worked well with having kids. I have read alot of the other comments from others above. Love you all and hope everyone keeps their chin up. God loves and cares for us all,read his word and remember HE cares for us all:) Don't know what else to say but to thank Jill!

I am warning you guys to not waste your money on DA school. You will regret it.

I agree, ditto!

Most dental office are controlled work environments. The dentist pratically sets the tone each day.

Diffrent dentists no matter the gender are easily agitated. Most of them display the same chaotic explosive temperament no matter what U.S. region or office.

Knowledge from seasoned 14 year dental assistant...

Im from South Africa. Used to love my job until i got to work for a guy-very selfcentered,rude and show no respect to his workers! How sad?