downside of dental assisting?? does your hands, back ever get injured?

Just wanted to know what the physical attributes of the job are. I have heard of dental hygienist say their wrist hurt, is it the same for dental assistants? Backaches anyone? Thanks for any response to my questions.

Well, with 20plus years as a chairside CDA, I can say yes you get aches and pains. Neck, back and wrist pain at times. I have been lucky and have been able to stay working. Many friends not the same, they usually go into the dental front office. Assistants are prone to the same issues as hygienists. Unless you work for an awesome Dr. or clinic that provides excellent benefits I would recommend another line of work. Other than that you will retire with a severence package of health issues.

I have a herniated disc in my lower back because of dental assisting. It was the dentist's fault because they made me work long
hours with no break. Stay away from this career, it's not worth it, and the damage to your body.

I have been ortho asst 22 yrs. I have had to have carpel tunnel surg.,tennis elbow surg(twice)trigger thumb surg and now herniated disc surg. I am in constant pain...find another line of work.

I work for a specialist and many days my feet ache and my back aches after a long day. The other two assistants also complain of aches and pains everyday. It is a physically demanding job.

I've been a CDA for 24 years now. I've had the luck to work for my present dentist for 23 of those years. Dental Assistaning has been good to me. I have over the years done sub work at other offices, and I have seen that many do not give breaks. Reading these posts makes me think everyone hates their jobs. I too have pains. In fact, my tennis elbow is killing me right now. I have Lupus (from the years of acrylic???)I have slipped discs in my neck, and I generally can't through the day without my Motrin... But I think the biggest thing is that you need to find an office that values their assistants. You should get breaks period..... Do stretches often througout the day. The down side of dental assisting as a long term career is not the physcial aspects but the lack of benefits. I have had a nice job security throughout my early marriage and child rearing years, but that is generally where is stops. I have no retirement benefits. And when I leave, I will leave with just the memory of a steady paycheck. If anyone decides this is the career for you, weigh out all the options first. I have lots of friends who are my age and have the same physical problems and they sit behind a desk all day.

I have been a dental assistant going on 25 yrs. I have constant back pain, have had recent hand surgery. Really tired of pain all the time.

rafael is yours now

you can have him. where over

DeLolly in Lake Mary, Florida said: I've been a CDA for 24 years now. I've had the luck to work for my present dentist for 23 of those years. Dental Assistaning has been good to me. I have over the years done sub work at other offices, and I have seen that many do not give breaks. Reading these posts makes me think everyone hates their jobs. I too have pains. In fact, my tennis elbow is killing me right now. I have Lupus (from the years of acrylic???)I have slipped discs in my neck, and I generally can't through the day without my Motrin... But I think the biggest thing is that you need to find an office that values their assistants. You should get breaks period..... Do stretches often througout the day. The down side of dental assisting as a long term career is not the physcial aspects but the lack of benefits. I have had a nice job security throughout my early marriage and child rearing years, but that is generally where is stops. I have no retirement benefits. And when I leave, I will leave with just the memory of a steady paycheck. If anyone decides this is the career for you, weigh out all the options first. I have lots of friends who are my age and have the same physical problems and they sit behind a desk all day.

I have been a dental assistant for 33 years! Same story here, not one day goes by without me being in some kind of pain. It sad that a career that is so demanding, so stressful and evolving all the time has nothing to offer when were ready to retire. All the dedication, continuing education long hours add up to NOTHING!!!!!!
I remember my parents being so proud of me when I first started out in this field, mostly because they too thought I'd get good benefits and something at the time of retirement.
The only thing the majority of us take is the medical problems and the bills that comes with it.

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: I have been a dental assistant for 33 years! Same story here, not one day goes by without me being in some kind of pain. It sad that a career that is so demanding, so stressful and evolving all the time has nothing to offer when were ready to retire. All the dedication, continuing education long hours add up to NOTHING!!!!!!
I remember my parents being so proud of me when I first started out in this field, mostly because they too thought I'd get good benefits and something at the time of retirement.
The only thing the majority of us take is the medical problems and the bills that comes with it.

if you can put up with it for 33 yrs. how hard can it be? there are dentists that do not have such a demanding practice. You might not get paid much but at least you will not be all stressed out.

luvsurgery in Mexia, Texas said: if you can put up with it for 33 yrs. how hard can it be? there are dentists that do not have such a demanding practice. You might not get paid much but at least you will not be all stressed out.

You can put up with a lot to pay your mortgage and feed your family.... Humm.... Your obviously very lucky where you work, have someone to fall back on financially, or are a Dr.

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: I have been a dental assistant for 33 years! Same story here, not one day goes by without me being in some kind of pain. It sad that a career that is so demanding, so stressful and evolving all the time has nothing to offer when were ready to retire. All the dedication, continuing education long hours add up to NOTHING!!!!!!
I remember my parents being so proud of me when I first started out in this field, mostly because they too thought I'd get good benefits and something at the time of retirement.
The only thing the majority of us take is the medical problems and the bills that comes with it.

Hang in there! I am. I am thinking of being a cashier in my next career... Funny because they have benefits...... LOL I don't think I can last another 10 years. I was hoping to retire when my practice does, but not sure if the neck and wrist can hold out. I'm glad this forum is available to know others know what the job entails and the frustrations that go along with it.

DeLolly in Lake Mary, Florida said: Hang in there! I am. I am thinking of being a cashier in my next career... Funny because they have benefits...... LOL I don't think I can last another 10 years. I was hoping to retire when my practice does, but not sure if the neck and wrist can hold out. I'm glad this forum is available to know others know what the job entails and the frustrations that go along with it.

And... every year when I take my CE for my CDA I wonder really... truly.... who valued the whole formal education is. Like I said I am appreciative for my career, but anyone going to school for it should just try to find a Dr. and get OJT first. That way you can tell if your really interested in investing the money in the formal education for it.

When do dental hygiensit have thier breaks?

Jane in Victoria, British Columbia said: I have a herniated disc in my lower back because of dental assisting. It was the dentist's fault because they made me work long
hours with no break. Stay away from this career, it's not worth it, and the damage to your body.

Well if a doctor was preventing you to have a break, then You should of switch offices. Dont down a career possibility for someone because of your mistake. I am sorry about your back but you should have researched the career information more. On every career info. It says the risks of being in the dental field.

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: I have been a dental assistant for 33 years! Same story here, not one day goes by without me being in some kind of pain. It sad that a career that is so demanding, so stressful and evolving all the time has nothing to offer when were ready to retire. All the dedication, continuing education long hours add up to NOTHING!!!!!!
I remember my parents being so proud of me when I first started out in this field, mostly because they too thought I'd get good benefits and something at the time of retirement.
The only thing the majority of us take is the medical problems and the bills that comes with it.

Since you have been a DA for 33 years you should maybe look in to having your own DA school. Become an instructor? It could work well.

Jacob in Lincolnton, North Carolina said: When do dental hygiensit have thier breaks?

When their patient doesn't show.

There is a new product in the market voted product of the year by the American Assoc of Women dentists. You lean into it and my dentist said he doesn't have back and neck pain anymore. He said it's called anteriorest www.prohealthequipment.com sells it.

Thanks I will look it up.

check out www.prohealthequipment.com you can buy a device for the chairs that you lean into and it helps tremendously!

Jessa in Carrollton, Texas said: Since you have been a DA for 33 years you should maybe look in to having your own DA school. Become an instructor? It could work well.

I've thought about it, but I have to say that I truly love working with the patients and seeing them regularly. It's really rewarding to know that they ask for me by name, remember our conversations etc. It is getting a little harder to do the job as it's taken it's toll on my back and hands. Becoming an instructor may have to be in my future. Thanks :)

luvsurgery in Mexia, Texas said: if you can put up with it for 33 yrs. how hard can it be? there are dentists that do not have such a demanding practice. You might not get paid much but at least you will not be all stressed out.

There are many jobs that are hard and people still do it.
Don't get me wrong I love assisting. It's finding the right practice to enjoy what you do for a living that's hard! I love every aspect of the dental field and know how to do them all. Front office, computerized operatories, digital xrays,zoom, etc. Worked with Endodontic and Periodontic practices and so on. I think that it doesn't matter what you do for a living, even if you work at McDonald's you still deserve to be respected and provide the service with a smile. 33 years and yes still here cause the thick and thin good or bad I love what I do.

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: There are many jobs that are hard and people still do it.
Don't get me wrong I love assisting. It's finding the right practice to enjoy what you do for a living that's hard! I love every aspect of the dental field and know how to do them all. Front office, computerized operatories, digital xrays,zoom, etc. Worked with Endodontic and Periodontic practices and so on. I think that it doesn't matter what you do for a living, even if you work at McDonald's you still deserve to be respected and provide the service with a smile. 33 years and yes still here cause the thick and thin good or bad I love what I do.

Oh, yea and the job is not the where you get the stress from, it's the environment you work in. There's a difference

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: Oh, yea and the job is not the where you get the stress from, it's the environment you work in. There's a difference

Sorry writing so fast I'm not making sense. Meant to say that the stress comes from the environment and not the actual work or task.
Thanks

DeLolly in Lake Mary, Florida said: I've been a CDA for 24 years now. I've had the luck to work for my present dentist for 23 of those years. Dental Assistaning has been good to me. I have over the years done sub work at other offices, and I have seen that many do not give breaks. Reading these posts makes me think everyone hates their jobs. I too have pains. In fact, my tennis elbow is killing me right now. I have Lupus (from the years of acrylic???)I have slipped discs in my neck, and I generally can't through the day without my Motrin... But I think the biggest thing is that you need to find an office that values their assistants. You should get breaks period..... Do stretches often througout the day. The down side of dental assisting as a long term career is not the physcial aspects but the lack of benefits. I have had a nice job security throughout my early marriage and child rearing years, but that is generally where is stops. I have no retirement benefits. And when I leave, I will leave with just the memory of a steady paycheck. If anyone decides this is the career for you, weigh out all the options first. I have lots of friends who are my age and have the same physical problems and they sit behind a desk all day.

How did u find out that lupus is related to the acrylic? I always thought about the risks of some of the materials. Also the x-ray solutions. etc... Working in the field for over 20 yrs.and fed up with all the BS we put up with. Thanks

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: Sorry writing so fast I'm not making sense. Meant to say that the stress comes from the environment and not the actual work or task.
Thanks

To ; In and Out in Chicago...Are you still working and what kind of practice(s) did you work the most?

Belle in Pleasant Grove, Alabama said: To ; In and Out in Chicago...Are you still working and what kind of practice(s) did you work the most?

No, I'm not working right now. I have always worked in General Dentistry offices that had Endodontic and Periodontic Associates. Patients really like and appreciate it when they can get all their dental needs met at the same location. I've been fortunate enough to work in all these areas of dentistry, never boring that's for sure.

ljm253 in Franklin, Massachusetts said: Just wanted to know what the physical attributes of the job are. I have heard of dental hygienist say their wrist hurt, is it the same for dental assistants? Backaches anyone? Thanks for any response to my questions.

That is highly possible since dental hygienists stay in one position for a span of time.

I have been a chairside dental assistant for 25yrs. I have had one hand surgery,last year.Still not right. Chronic back and neck pain. Left hand will probably reguire surgery soon. If I can make it 3 more yrs.I'll be lucky. No retirement.... nothing. Pretty sad to have put all that time in, and leave with nothing.

Harleyrider... I SO agree with you. I too will leave with only the memory of a regular paycheck. I just left the Osteo and will probably need neck surgery.... I love what I do, but it would be nice to know you were valued enough to at least have a 401K. I wish there was some way that dentists could see what is written on these posts.

I am afraid, it is partly the fault of dental assistants themselves. The job is like a revolving door. Lots of turn-over...... They don't value who they don't get to know.

I think bigger practices are though starting to get 401k accts and profit-sharing , etc.

dentalGURU2009 in Genoa City, Wisconsin said: I am afraid, it is partly the fault of dental assistants themselves. The job is like a revolving door. Lots of turn-over...... They don't value who they don't get to know.

I think bigger practices are though starting to get 401k accts and profit-sharing , etc.

That may be true regarding the turnover, I have worked for the same Dr. for 17 yrs.Only Dentist in town. The economy hasn't helped the practice, along with an embezelling patient coordinator!!! He started out generous,but has gotten pretty greedy in the last 5 yrs. Yes, our former hygientist moved onto a larger practice with a 401k and full medical benefits.

I guess you havent been in the field that long or you have been lucky enough to work for a decent guy. Hey their might be some crappy da's out there, but in my 24 yrs I've worked for a couple of nice guys, but generally I've come across alot of total a holes or they are so anal they need to go on meds. Havent you been reading these posts? These girls work their butts off,and most of them get treated like garbage. Its hard to find the right office where you are valued, and appreciated and at the same time have a nice normal boss that doesent think hes god!! Hey if you have always had that perfect job, then you are one of the lucky ones,but you have no idea what bs all of us go through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey I know totally what your talking about. When I work out,yeah like we have time, my back always feels better,abs, and upper body. If you work a 3 or 4 wk day of course its not as bad,but I guess it depends on if you work in a crazy office too. I hoping on getting this job, they offer everything,1st time I've come across that. Keep searching, believe me I know its discouraging. 24 yrs I've been doing this. If I would of known how cheap and mentally disfunctional these guys are, I would choose a different career. Their is a few good ones out there, but most of those jobs are taken. Good luck on your search! DA's dont take the BS,we all have to stand up for each other,and not take it anymore. Thank god for this website so we can vent!!!!

Harleyrider---
I know exactly what you mean. My Dr. started out generous also. Now it is all about the deposit. No regard for anyone else in there.
Susancrw---- I'm feeling your pain! Those good offices no one ever leaves. :)

Susancrw, Yes,I have been reading these sites. I have been chairside for 25 yrs. 17 with current Dr. I don't plan to keep searching as I live in a rural area,so to look for a different job I would have to travel 30 to 40 miles one way!!! The Dr. I currently work for as far as dentist"s go still fit's the profile of a whinner, greedy but as far as temperment goes, he's never thrown an instrument and is concerned with the pt's need's.With the current economy, no matter how bad it is, no one want's to loose their job. :]

Yeah, at this point with economy the way it is,you are lucky to have a job. I dont think I would leave a job not unless it was really bad.You learn through the yrs to put up with these ego idiots. Good Luck

YOU GOT IT!!! I am just thankful right now that I am getting that paycheck!! :)

Hey you live close to where I live. How long you been asst. in fla? We should compare notes on different offices,maybe youve worked at some the offices I've been in? Also do you have a harley? My husband does,we love to go riding when we have the time. Hey we have alot in comman lol

Hey Susancrw. My husband has the Harley (93 Fatboy)I'm usually the passenger.LOL. Actually, I'm along way from Florida. Take care.

susancrw in Altamonte Springs, Florida said: I guess you havent been in the field that long or you have been lucky enough to work for a decent guy. Hey their might be some crappy da's out there, but in my 24 yrs I've worked for a couple of nice guys, but generally I've come across alot of total a holes or they are so anal they need to go on meds. Havent you been reading these posts? These girls work their butts off,and most of them get treated like garbage. Its hard to find the right office where you are valued, and appreciated and at the same time have a nice normal boss that doesent think hes god!! Hey if you have always had that perfect job, then you are one of the lucky ones,but you have no idea what bs all of us go through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm with you.Lucky are the few that find a great office. Like you said, those offices nobody leaves, so it gets harder to find a place you can really settle in and learn and grow in the profession.

In and Out in Chicago, Illinois said: McDonald's you still deserve to be respected and provide the service with a smile.

Agreed. I've come from the Office Environment and assistant positions in this field experiences the same disregard as some DA's in these forums are reporting. Sadly, being in a "service type" positions increases the chances of being treated like a servant, not an assistant. Especially with the "customer's always right" mentality.

As a retired dental assistant who is in poor health I have to agree that Dental assisting is a dangerous career and should receive long term benifits. I now suffer from lupus(mercury and acrylic) and MS (nitrious oxide) I also have deteriating disc and back pain. My hands are a mess from years of chemical abuse of cleaning rooms. I have also lost most of my site to to the early usage of UV light without protection. I started in dentistry in the 70's, before the use of gloves, mask and other PPE...during those days we hand manipulated mercury,and used aspestos to format final impression trays for dentures. I am happy to see that PPE is required and is paid for by the doctors. Years ago I was told that PPE was unnecessay and if I wanted to wear gloves and mask I would have to provide them for myself. I have taught dental assisting for many years now, I have loved having the opportunity to teach these new dental assistants how to protect themselves, for the hazards in the field. Hopefully, instilling in these new da's the importance of ergonimics, and PPE. ]

I have read all the comments about the pains and agony that people are going through and I am gonna take note of that. What Im going to continue doing is going to the Gym and working out and excercising my body. I also want to make sure that when Im assisting I need to have correct body posture to lessen the possibility of pain in the future. Take your breaks, dont break yourself. peace out. jason damaso 805

ljm253 in Franklin, Massachusetts said: Just wanted to know what the physical attributes of the job are. I have heard of dental hygienist say their wrist hurt, is it the same for dental assistants? Backaches anyone? Thanks for any response to my questions.

I have been an RDA for over 10 yrs., and ever since I started I have been complaining of back pain not so bad at the beginning but after 5-6 yrs. It has taken a toll in my "so called career". I just came back from the ER with an acute pain on the right Teres Major and that it went all the way down into my rib cage area. The pain was horrible and I KNOW it is due to assistant. The DR. I work for unfortunately does not position the patient to our need but to what is "comfortable for the pt." so you basically almost working with your head upside down, shoulder and elbow upright and your back in a really weird position. That's where you really need to be careful. Just watch your posture. But even if you do, you'll always end up with some kind of pain in your body.

Yes. the Dr's seem to "want" to have their way with chair position. I have been assisting for 25 yrs. (EFDA) One hand surgery, back and neck are shot. Thank goodness my husband stretches my back everyday. Need to develope good erganomics.

chair ergonamics!!

We lay the patient back pretty far. No back pain or spasms while I work.(at te moment with this doc)

I have been off work for 5 years with a neck injury. I have been stuck in hell in the workers comp system. My neck started in spasm and pain, I went to chiro, it got worse. I went to another doc and they gave me vicoden and soma and sent me to work. I continued working on drugs for another 4 months making my neck worse until finally I was flat on my back for 6 weeks and then finally never returned. Stressful office, 100 patients a day. Orthodontics and assistants did ALL the work. 5 years later I find I have Myofascial Pain Syndrome and it will never go away. I take so many pills each day and just sit on the couch and my life is ruined. Now my back hurts, my knees hurt and I have fibromyalgia as a secondary disease of Myofascial Pain. If your neck starts to ever hurt, stop immediate and get to a specialists. Not a chiropractor, nuerologist or sport injury specialst. We had the proper chairs, ergonomics, etc. 10 yeears of bending at the neck and my neck just couldn't take it anymore. My life is over....viewed from the living room and drugs.