On The Road To Success in Dental Assisting

  • Dental Assistant
  • March 11, 2024
  • 1.1k views
  • 2 min read
Success in Dental Assisting

What makes an effective dental assistant? Have you ever wondered why some excel at their work and others bounce from practice to practice and feel unfulfilled? What’s the difference between what I call a “$5 dental assistant,” and someone who is valued in the practice? ” What do the 3 habits look like when applied to dental assisting?

 

  1. Be Proactive:

As Dental Assistants, we work as part of a team, but we work for someone else. It is very easy to fall into the trap of feeling as if we have no control over our work and, in turn, our career — and that can bleed into our view of our life. A proactive assistant is one who takes responsibility – for his or her life, choices, and career. Taking responsibility actually empowers a person. Proactive people tend to accept others (and their choices) as they are. They have the confidence to make choices for themselves, even when their peers may not agree with them.

 

  1. Think Win-Win:

Dentistry is a team career — or at least it’s supposed to be. But how many times do those in the office become territorial, catty, backbiting, or focused on production instead of the patients? This becomes a win-lose situation, doesn’t it? When your dental dream team works together…most importantly the patient wins, the practice wins and the team wins. Go Team!

 

  1. Begin With The End In Mind:

A highly effective Dental Assistant has a vision for his or her life. Have you thought about your career goals? Where do you want to be in three years … five years … 20 years? A highly effective assistant knows where he or she is going and works to make that happen. Why are you in dentistry? What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to earn a license or credential? Get advanced training? Continue your education.

 

Northwest Career College knows your education is a part of that life plan and we want to help you succeed in your chosen field. At Northwest, you will receive the training you need to be a highly successful Dental Assistant. We invite you to become a part of the Northwest experience. Call us today at 702-254-7577 and stop by to meet me and the entire Northwest Family…we are committed to your new career!

Jessica Vazquez
Author
Dental Assistant Program Chair

Originally from Southern California, Jessica moved to Las Vegas with her family before she found both a job as part of our Dental Assisting Team and her husband here. Jessica attended Sylmar HS in California and then Charter College for…Read Full Bio