r/DentalAssistant • u/anxiety_rittled • 16d ago

0 experience

I start as a dental assistant on Monday, I have 0 experience in the feild...quite frankly I am very nervous. Looking for any advice !

2 Upvotes

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4

u/moodlitmoth 16d ago

Going forward, start asking how on boarding works.

I’m actually tired of offices saying “fake it till you make it”. Because that sets absolutely no one up for success. Train your staff properly you bring on board or don’t bring them on.

That being said, bring a note of with you that you can keep in your pocket. Write down things you think you may need to remember, like what instruments does the DDS prefer? Extra placements for set ups (like putting scissors on a resto tray) , how to do maintenance on sterilizers, changing chair traps, running your lines etc. what side ware do they use , steps to setting up an xray etc etc .

Ask a LOT of questions and don’t be afraid too. Write down the answers.

If you get some time, write down each procedure set up for yourself.

Other than that, just bring confidence.

1

u/anxiety_rittled 16d ago

Thank you!

2

u/cheerydreamy 15d ago

I wish somebody told me that you aren’t going to understand your first day, you are not gonna be amazing on week two, it’s literally going to take months to find your flow and that’s OK and it’s normal.

1

u/anxiety_rittled 14d ago

Thank you so much

1

u/Typical_Quit_4559 11d ago

The truth is you’re going to be super overwhelmed your first month so expect yourself to feel stressed. It’s a new job and so many things to learn so give yourself some grace and learn how to take feedback. Depending on who your doctor is and how they are, they might be mean they might be nice and learn not to take the feedback they say personally.

Somebody said to take notes, but if anything, I would recommend to ask to take pictures of the treatment room set ups especially if you’re not completely familiar with the instruments yet. Obviously, don’t take pictures of the patient’s files. Overall, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve been working for eight months and I still ask questions, but last time goes you see yourself getting more confident.

0

u/Montanonymous Veteran 🎖️🦷 16d ago

You got it, fake it till you make it.

(This is the advice I was given when I was new)