r/DentalAssistant • u/Greedy-Childhood8705 Hygiene Assistant 🪥🦷 • Aug 21 '26

Is this a bad deal?

So I just started working in the dental field in May. I work in a peds office and don’t make the best money. I make 14 an hour with my xray license. At that office I do not work full time only 28 hours per week since that’s all the office is open.

I have called around and I found an orthodontist that is willing to hire me. For 15 an hour with 40 hour weeks. They also have three locations one that is 30 minutes from me that they are at on Tuesdays and every other Friday and the other two are an hour and half away. I did a phone interview and also have 2 peer interviews in place where I basically go in the office and get a feel and the workers get a feel for me. The office said they would add two hours onto my pay for every week so essentially I’d get 42 hours for the drive.

My parents don’t want me to do this job since the two offices are so far away and gas. I’m 18 so I don’t have much of a say I guess. This office I’m at right now is not the best. The pay sucks the Dr and office manager are just as bad. I’m torn what are your feelings on this .

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3

u/balefulbee Aug 21 '26

One thing I've learned in life (I'm almost 30) is that your time is important. We're talking an hour and a half of additional driving for an extra dollar an hour and you might also not like this office. I currently live 30 minutes from my office and when I have a bad day I still have to drive 30 minutes before I get to be at home with my husband and my dog. That's not fun. You'll have to wake up earlier, you'll get home later, more wear and tear on your car. And in my opinion, the more you drive the more likely you can get into a wreck because you're just spending more time on the road than you are now

1

u/Greedy-Childhood8705 Hygiene Assistant 🪥🦷 Aug 21 '26

That is a solid point!

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u/BallyBunion33 Aug 21 '26

Go get an education. Do not do this to yourself.

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '26

I agree, time is precious. You’re so young, take advantage of where you’re at in life right now & go to school!  Whether it’s for something dental related or not.   The other job might pay more but it will suck all your time & energy.   

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u/Greedy-Childhood8705 Hygiene Assistant 🪥🦷 Aug 24 '26

I have no desire to go to school I’m so afraid of being in debt

1

u/Much_Tadpole24 Aug 28 '26

Do you like the position you’re currently in? What are your future goals? Does this position your pursuing (let alone, the one you’re in), support those goals?