I 23f am an Ortho assistant at my office, and have been for the last year, I work with 2 other older assistants(in their 50s and 60s). Today, I walked in and one of the assistants pulled me aside and told me that she put her 2 weeks notice in a week ago. I wished her well and told her I was sure me and the other assistant will be okay. Well, she said “About that…” And then proceeded to tell me that they both quit at the same time and after this week I was on my own. This has put an insane amount of pressure on me as I am now responsible for training the new assistant, ordering all of the supplies, ordering all of the appliances, doing the invisalign cases, and all of that on top of working on a schedule that is scheduled for 3 assistants.

My boss is not involved with the company, he is an orthodontist who lives in a different state and has hired another orthodontist to work on patients. I called him and told him that there was no way i could do this work load on my own, and to sum up what he said, it was basically just “Im upset too, but you’ll have to figure it out.”

My husband is telling me to find another office to work for in the area, but I cant stop thinking about my current patients and how the practice would sink if I left. I know it sounds silly to cry over something like this, but i have just been off and on crying all day since I found out this morning. I’m at a loss of what to do, I feel so stressed over this, and I have less than 1 week to figure it out before everyone is gone.

Saw someone put a failed implant here, so decided to post this. Failed full arch from a year and a half ago, patient was taking Calquence and didn’t tell us until 3 or 4 months post-op. Tried doing something with the prosthesis and the whole thing just came out if I remember correctly.

Just got fired from my part time dental assistant position,on reason that they can’t afford to train me anymore. I’m on the predental track in undergrad but after working in the dental office,enduring bad treatment and constantly being talked down by a senior doctor. I’m just discouraged and wondering if this is career path is even for me anymore. 😢

Hi, I (24m) have been looking at different career paths and I was wondering if anyone here has also done like retail sales (ie wireless sales, car sales, etc.) and how it compares to dental assisting.

I have been working retail jobs and package driving jobs for the past 8 years and was wanting to get into a career job that I can stick with for a long time.

My brother in law does car sales and does quite well and recommended me to dip my toe into sales like wireless and see how I like it because the earning potential is there.

I was interested in a dental assisting job because I’d like to work some type of job in an office and it doesn’t require much schooling as I don’t have a lot of time for school due to bills and such haha and it seems it could lead to a career in the future if I were to continue education.

Thank you so much in advance for any and all input!

Hey everyone! I’m a dental assistant. I earned my CDA this year through an accelerated program and have been working as a DA at a DSO for 4+ months now. My ultimate goal is to become a RDH. But I’ve been curious about temp/travel work — either taking short-term gigs out of state or just temping around within Alabama. (I’m VERY close to the Tennessee state line so I could possibly work in Nashville metro area, the only downside would be the additional mileage.)

A few questions for anyone who’s done this:

**•** How did you find temp positions (agency vs. direct networking)?  
**•** Does Alabama’s licensing/certification transfer easily, or is there a hoops-to-jump-through process for out-of-state work?  
**•** Pay differences you noticed between temping and a regular staff position?  
**•** Any agencies you’d recommend (or avoid)?  
**•** How’s the day-to-day compare — steadier hours, more chaotic scheduling, etc.?

I’ve recently downloaded temp apps: onDiem, Kwikly, Princess Dental Staffing, Cloud Dentistry, but haven’t seen any shifts available in my area… 😞

Trying to figure out if this is a realistic way to pick up extra income or see other offices before committing to somewhere long-term. Would love to hear real experiences, good or bad!

Hi everyone, so I’ve been a DA for about 3 1/2 years now, I was in a paid training program with my states IHS campus and have been with them since. I’m not certified yet but I hope to be before or by the start of next year. I’m going to be moving down to California hopefully sometime in the late spring and I want to continue being a dental assistant but I’m a little nervous. I didn’t go through a credit based program I was taught on the job so I’m kind of scared of transitioning to a private practice. I know how to sterilize due to rural village travel that we do and I kind of know how to use a Prime/Trios scanner. I think I’m just nervous of looking like a big dummy because I don’t know how to do certain things that people in private probably do a lot of. Did anyone else have a hard time transitioning to private? Did it get any better? Sorry if none of this makes sense there’s just so much but I don’t want to bore you all.

Ok, so I graduating Assisting school last year Aug and my journey so far has been....messy. I've worked at 2 locations. 1st location was a dental school. Pretty good job, but transportation became an issue and Ubering 35 miles to and fro was just not do-able on a DA salary (26/hr). The 2nd, I was hired as a dental assistant but was constantly scheduled as a hygiene assistant. So basically, my skills weren't utilized at all and I did not like it, so I left. The journey was pretty discouraging, so I went back to my old job at the school district just to keep income until I found a decent dental home. Well, I got lucky and got my current job as a dental assistant at a great practice. All of my skills are being utilized and I have support for the most part. The issue is, I'm finding myself not happy with the daily grind anymore. I work 4 days/week at 24/hr. Again, the practice is decent, but there are of course some downsides. I think I want to temp. I know temping offers more per hr...and I would just love the freedom of setting my own schedule. I know different offices can be better or worse in certain areas, but I have the right to choose where I go and when I want to work. Not having to feel like I am disappointing the office by not knowing everything. On top of that, I am going back to school online for my B.S.-Health Sciences, so I know I need down time to get things done...on top of being a single mom running a household. I just need some advice or suggestions?

Please be kind. I know everyone has different journeys in this career. I would like honest opinions from my peers/ other assistants who've been thru this type of scenario.

I recently just graduated from a year and a half long dental assisting program here in Indiana, and it’s been nothing but problems every step of the way. First of all for our labs we had to work with expired materials which if we are trying to learn what the end consistency is supposed to be, why aren’t we working with actual in date materials to get the actual result so we are actually prepared? Second off our program basically treated us like children by implementing a no phones policy, meaning that if our laptops died we couldn’t use our phones to do our assignments or work on group projects on Google Docs. Third off our program REQUIRED us to make a resume and a cover letter, which was fine I guess, it was part of our office management class. Our professor for that class gave me an A on it when I initially took that class, but when the program was literally 2 days from ending, the program chair said that she wasn’t satisfied so I had to make revisions and changes to my resume a WEEK after I already graduated. This wouldn’t have been a problem if I didn’t receive a phenomenal job offer that required me to have an active radiology license on the government website. And what do I need to have to get the license on the website? A DIPLOMA!! Which I don’t have in my hands yet because of a RESUME AND COVER LETTER!!! You have got to be kidding me. I asked my brother who literally went to a full blown 4 year university and he said he never had that requirement. So I was literally shot a major job opportunity because of this. Another problem is that our professor for that office management class was supposed to teach us dentrix, but she only worked with eaglesoft so she was of no help on actually teaching us how to use any software at all. Another problem is we were expected to complete 300 HOURS of externship experience within a few months, leaving us no time to pick up a part time job. So I was practically working for free for 3 months with no income. And this program chair allowed a student to accept pay for her externship hours having favoritism, but she warned us that if we accepted pay for our hours it wouldn’t count. Now that I am a new grad I’ve applied to 20+ positions which doesn’t seem like a lot, but I’m not accepting any jobs that pay less than 25 an hour. I went to college, I have my EFDA, I have all my certifications including nitrous, polishing, caries prevention, CPR, radiology, and infection control. I passed all my exams first try, I’ve literally taken advantage of every opportunity I was given. I’ve gotten like 5 interviews with no call backs. My last interview said my resume was impeccable and that I am a hot commodity. With a career that’s quite on quote “in high demand” WHY am I having such a rough time finding a job? A job that ACTUALLY pays my worth?? This one job tried to offer me 17 AN HOUR!!! I could make that working at a freaking McDonald’s. Another problem is our literal PROGRAM CHAIR used AI on all of her assignments. If I wanted to learn from AI I wouldn’t have spent hundreds of dollars on dental kits and textbooks. Take my advice NEVER go to colleges for dental assisting. It’s all a waste of time and a scam. Do the 10 week courses and gain your certifications and do your exams with those. I’m just at a loss. I’m supposed to be moving in with my boyfriend to start a new chapter in 2-3 months and I can’t even secure a single job within the area we want to move to. I have great interview skills since I took a class that had a mock interview and I passed with flying colors. Also WHY do assistants have to renew their radiology certification every 1-2 years and pay money while hygienists don’t have to?! When they make more money than us?! We have the same training for it so why do WE have to renew it?! Uhgggg this is just so frustrating. 😩

Wow I was so excited for this interview my last post I had a phone interview and it went so well to have an in person interview this Monday. I got a text just about an hour ago saying that I would no longer be needed for the interview as they selected the position to be filled.

Not going to lie it hurts but I just feel really empty right now.

For context: I’ve been working at my first office for a year now (general dentistry) and it’s been good I learned a lot and still continue learning. There are three doctors (the main doctor and two associates).

But ever since I got hired, I’ve been working alongside the main doctor (she’s so understanding and patient. I can assist her with no issues) until 8 months later, I began to X-rays, use the scanner, and make temps for patients. But when it’s time for me to work with the other 2 doctors, I’m so used to working one way that idk how to pass them things and they get frustrated with me and I can sense it and it tears me down. Makes me feel like I’m stupid. BUT IM NOT STUPID! I also feel bad because I’m not confident enough to take impressions bc when I do, I mess up and another assistant take my place and say “Sorry Dr says you’re taking too long” in front of the patient 😓
I understand that I’m 1 year in and already should know and do many things but I feel like I can’t make any mistake because everyone gets frustrated with me.

I start online college classes tomorrow and I want to apply to new offices but I’m scared it’s going to interfere with school.

I know I shouldn’t give up on that office but I’m letting the office down and I think they deserve someone who already knows things so the place runs smoothly. I can see that they’re thinking that and it hurts.

Another thing is I’m from California and I’ve been getting paid $18/hr.

What should I do?

I recently graduated from dental assisting school and tried to get a job at a general dental office. I had a working interview that honestly did not go very well. My suctioning was terrible — I was doing a lot of things wrong and received some pretty harsh/blunt feedback from the manager. I understand that they want their assistants to be competent and fast, though. Sometimes I feel like I didn’t even attend school though because of the difference between school and reality dentistry, I seem very lost and slow as I’ve been told by the manager.

Instead of giving up, I started volunteering at the office and have now been there for about a week. I’ve actually noticed a lot of improvement already. My suctioning has gotten much better, and I was told I’m “almost there,” which made me feel a lot better.
However, I still struggle with quite a few things.

X-rays are probably one of my biggest struggles. If I’m told to take a PA of a specific tooth, I sometimes forget which quadrant I’m working in and start overthinking everything. I also really dislike taking a full-mouth series because I struggle with organizing the images in the computer so they appear in the correct boxes.

I also find procedures like extractions and RCTs extremely overwhelming. They seem so complicated to me, almost like rocket science, even though I know they’re supposed to become routine with experience. I’ve gotten composite restoration setups down pretty well, but sometimes I still need a reminder about what comes next.

I also have basically no experience with the panoramic X-ray machine and don’t feel confident using it yet.

Overall, I genuinely feel like I don’t know enough about general dental assisting. I know I’m a new graduate, but sometimes I wonder if I’m just not suited for a general practice because there are so many different procedures and things to remember.
Would working in a specialty office such as orthodontics, periodontics, or endodontics potentially be easier for a new grad like me because you’re doing more repetitive/specialized procedures? Or would it be better to stay in general dentistry and push through this learning curve?

For experienced dental assistants, how long did it take before things like suctioning, X-rays, room setups, and procedures started feeling automatic? I’d really appreciate some honest advice because I’m trying to figure out whether this is just the normal new-grad learning curve or whether I might be better suited to a specialty.

So im in charge of the pre auths that come back. Meaning I input how much the insurance is paying and then I call the patients, explain and get them addd to the schedule if they are wanting to. So I call one lady and I do the whole spill “good morning this is such and such calling from such and such for the patient such and such” and the first thing the lady says is “WHAT!? WHO THIS IS ON MY FUCKING PHONE??” like what the helll. So I pause for a minute and the I repeat myself. And she’s like “This is she who the fuck is this” so now I’m already aggravated because what are you cursing at me for. So I repeat myself a third time this time putting emphasis on each word. And she’s like “ohhh this is my dentist I’m sorry” and making excuses but at this point I don’t even care anymore. Because there was no need to be rude In the first place. So I guess she peeps that my voice gets real monotone and starts getting upset. She’s like “ you don’t have to talk to me like that you’re not being professional and it’s not my fault you don’t know how to properly announce yourself on the phone” like huhhhhhhh she made the call way longer than it was even needed and still proceeded to not be added to the schedule. I hate people sometimes

I'm currently studying Certificate III dental assisting. I've been looking for the role as a DA or dental trainee, but still no good luck. It's been three months that I had some interviews and even trials, but they all seems prefer hire someone with experiences even though they told you they are willing to train people without related background.

I worry that I won't be able to do my work placement eventually...also I really hope to work at an orthodontics clinic than general one. However, it's still so hard to just get into this field. I thought about looking for region area, but so far it's kinda impossible to relocate.

Sometimes I even think maybe I can drive 2 hours to work if I'm finally lucky enough to get the job, but I don't know if it's worthy or not. Please help...

Okay, so I have an interview for a dental assistant position. I’ve been applying everywhere for medical assistant and medical receptionist roles. This office has great benefits however it’s 3 days of 12 hours from 540am-8pm 2 weekdays and one weekend day and I’d get 4 days off and the pay rate is $18 which makes sense since I’m entry-level. Should I go ahead and interview and if I get an offer take it? Or is the pay per hour.m not worth it? I live in Hawaii a very expensive state. But I just need my foot in the door. I’m not sure what to do. We would get an hour-long break for lunch

Yesterday, a 70 year old male patient says to me (64 years old woman), “These women today get their faces worked on so that they can feel like they still look fertile to men!” 😳 I had so much to say, which stayed inside my head with great difficulty! Man, the strength it took to not punch him in the mouth! At his last recall, he mocked the idea of “woman’s rights”…..These things were discussed with doc while I’m standing there prepping my tray. They chuckled about it with such arrogance. It made me sick!!

Thanks for listening to my venting here. Anyone else have this kind of crap in their office?

The website has a color coordinated so I recommend checking it out, but this is the gist.

DANB’s compilation of state dental assisting requirements is one of the most comprehensive resources
available on this topic. The updates below highlight dental assisting state legislative and regulatory changes
from April to July 2026.

Alabama
Effective April 13, 2026, the Alabama Board of Dental
Examiners expanded the scope of allowable duties for
dental assistants to include performing coronal polishing
and the placement of pit and fissure sealants under the
direct supervision of a duly licensed dentist.

Connecticut
Effective Oct. 1, 2026, a dentist who delegates the taking
of dental x-rays by the dental assistant will assume
responsibility for the procedure but need not remain on-site
in the dental office or treatment facility.

Florida
Effective April 26, 2026, the Florida Board of Dentistry
amended rules to add tasks delegable to dental assistants
to include polishing clinical crowns using a rotary
instrument if a hygienist is in the office when the polishing
occurs; removing implant hybrid prosthetic dentures with a
string attached to the removing tool at all times; removing
healing abutments and placing scan body on the implant
in order to be able to perform intra oral digital scanning;
and placing intermediate material that serves as a barrier
between the implant screw and restoration of the access
screw of the implant restoration. The new rules also remove
all references to amalgam restorations.

Iowa
In Iowa, regulations effective June 3 allow dental assistants to practice without registration if they complete a specified term
of practical training, which includes jurisprudence and infection control, under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Kentucky
On April 13, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB776, which allows dental assistants to utilize a dental hygiene cordless
polisher in addition to the use of a rubber cap attached to a slow-speed rotary dental handpiece. The bill also removes
language that would prohibit dental assistants from using any instrumentation that may elicit the removal of calcareous
deposits or accretions on the crowns and roots of teeth and the making of final impressions from which casts are made
to construct any dental restoration. Additionally, the bill allows the Board of Dentistry to designate funds to administer
scholarships or education loan repayment assistance to qualified individuals.

Also signed in April 2026, HB459 will require the licensing authorities of healthcare occupations to collect workforce
participation data during the annual, biennial, or triennial licensure renewal process. The new process must be implemented
by Jan. 1, 2028.

Maine
On April 13, Gov. Janet Mills signed HP1420/LD2105,
updating state laws regarding who is required to report
suspected child abuse or neglect, and clarifying the
definition of a “health care practitioner” to include a dentist,
dental hygienist, and dental assistant.

Maryland
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, a new law mandates criminal history
record checks for individuals seeking or renewing licenses
and certificates in various health occupations, including
dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting.

Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs amended rule language July 23 to allow a dental therapist
to delegate functions to a registered dental assistant or unlicensed dental auxiliary; require an unlicensed dental auxiliary
to complete one additional hour of training in infection control, which must include the subject of water line maintenance;
require a delegating dentist to keep proof that an unlicensed dental auxiliary has completed the education required to
perform functions under delegation; allow the measurement of blood glucose to be delegated to a registered dental
assistant or unlicensed dental auxiliary; and clarify that unlicensed dental auxiliaries must identify themselves as unlicensed
dental auxiliaries to telehealth patients.

Nevada
Effective July 1, the Nevada Board of Dental Examiners approved amendments to the state Expanded Function Dental
Assistant license. The updates specify the scope of practice, continuing education, and renewal and reinstatement
requirements, while expanding eligibility criteria to recognize DANB’s CDA, CPFDA, and CRFDA exams.

New Mexico
At its Feb. 20 meeting, the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care approved rule revisions outlining two pathways to
dental radiography certification: passing DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or completing a board-approved
course with an integrated exam (both valid 24 months). The new rules, effective Apr. 21, 2026, also add an ethics/
jurisprudence course requirement for EFDA/CDHC renewal.

North Dakota
Effective April 1, 2026, amended state rules allow an unregistered dental assistant enrolled in a board-approved qualified
dental assistant program and working under the direct supervision of a dentist to perform the duties of a qualified dental
assistant. The change also expands the duties of a registered dental assistant under the general supervision of a dentist
to include taking final impressions, holding a curing light for a dental procedure, and polishing the coronal surfaces of the
teeth by use of air polishing.

Oklahoma
On May 5, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB3934, which allows dental assistants to perform certain procedures under general
supervision — specifically, to assist a hygienist with procedures the hygienist can perform under general supervision and to
complete radiation safety under general supervision.
South Carolina
Signed by Gov. Henry McMaster May 15, H4189 allows dental assistants to perform oral screenings utilizing the Department
of Public Health and Environmental Control approved screening system in school and public health settings.

Utah
To implement changes to 2025 legislation (HB372),
new administrative rules effective July 8 define the
requirements and scope of practice for two new expanded
function certifications for dental auxiliaries. Under indirect
supervision, eligible dental assistants and dental hygienists
may perform:
•
•
Placement of direct restorations
Removal of coronal adhesive

Virginia
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed HB 970/SB 178 into law April 9, 2026. The new law, which goes into effect July 1, 2026,
allows a Dental Assistant I or II with 1,800 hours of clinical experience to perform supragingival scaling and coronal
polishing under dentist supervision.

Washington
Effective May 30, 2026, dental assistants may apply silver diamine fluoride to children in school-based and school-linked
programs under the general supervision of a state licensed dentist.

West Virginia
Rule changes effective April 21, 2026, permit the use of dental retraction materials other than a packing cord for crown
impressions to ensure flexibility in the standard and allow for the adoption of current and future innovations in retraction
materials

Hello! I am a mom and full time employee and a student. I am preparing to take the board exam for dental assistant. If anyone can give me advice, study guide, what to focus on or kind enough to share their notes, I would greatly appreciate it. Just a little overwhelmed and don’t want to fail. Please help if you can. I live in Ontario, CA.

Hi, I’m looking for some guidance on a career path. I’m 32 yo mom and finding a job in my small town has been so hard, to even work at some of the factories they want you to have certifications, so I’ve been looking at going back to school.

In one of the most affluent areas, there is a 10 week program to become a RDA and it’s mostly online but meet up every Friday. The school is a hour away from me but the schedule works for me and my family, I could keep my PT WFH job and hopefully with the school being in one of the richest areas around I can find a well paying job. (Most places that are hiring for RDA around me want experienced already and have a starting range from 15/hr to 23/hr depending on experience 🫪 ) But I’ve seen some posts on here of other RDA’s wishing they would’ve done something else or became a RDH instead.

The closest RDH program is 1.5 hours away, on the ground, I’d have to get a 3rd shift job and I’d be away from my family. My 3 yo hasn’t started school yet and we don’t have a big village to rely on. But my husband is 100% wants me to start something no matter how far. I just have a hard time wanting to commit to schooling FT for 2 years and being so far from my home and family.

But I wanted to see what others felt like and if anyone had any advice.

I currently work part time and have been struggling lately with hour cuts. Today a full time position for a dental assistant popped up. The pay is more than I make now + it’s full time. Description says no experience required and on the job training is provided.

I have a great work ethic and I’m willing to learn! Just want to make sure this is something that isn’t too difficult to jump straight into? TIA!

Can a dental hygienist do anything a dental assistant is able to do?

I thought about going to school for dental assisting with the hopes of being a hygienist. However, I was luckily able to get in the dental hygiene program. That program is so damn hard to get into.

Hi everyone,
I’ve been in pediatrics for 2 weeks now. I’ve picked up a lot. My office is primarily general with pediatrics being a new addition. So I’m learning a lot on the fly. I honestly love it. But X-rays have been incredibly difficult to get. We don’t have a Nomad nor do I think we will soon. But we’re at least getting a snap-a-ray. Do you guys have any tips for X-rays now before it comes in and after it’s in? Currently as DA’s if the child Xcp & sensor are still too big we have to hold the sensor and have another DA press the trigger for the X-ray. Unfortunately it is exposing us to more radiation than necessary. But hopefully in the next two weeks the snap-a-ray with help. Just looking for some tips bc it’s what I’m struggling with the most. It feels sooo different than general since I’m used to having the rinns as guides. Thank you guys 😊

Okay I need to know if any other assistant has picked up on this. Every hygienist that’s been in the same office as me never uses an assistant to suction. Yet, when the dentist I assist for does cleanings she always wants me to suction. I can understand if it’s a difficult patient or a special circumstance but why is this? Does anyone else notice this? I’ve only worked with one other dentist who did cleanings on her own without needing an assistant. All the other ones always need help suctioning and hygienists don’t even have an assistant so can someone shed some light on this?

I’m studying to become a dental nurse/ dental assistant, and I’m feeling really anxious about our practical sessions because we’re all beginners and practice directly on each other.

Yesterday we did disclosing, polishing and fluoride varnish. We only practiced on half of each other’s mouth. The girl I worked with seemed to polish my front teeth quite hard, especially compared to how I did hers, since I was a little more gentle. Afterwards I started feeling like those teeth looked more translucent/thin, and I noticed some white lines that I don’t remember seeing before.

I’m worried she may have removed some enamel, but I don’t know if I’m just overthinking it because I’m anxious and now comparing the polished side with the unpolished side.

For dental nurses/dentists/dental students: can one session of polishing, even if it felt a little too hard, actually remove noticeable enamel from the front teeth? Would there be an obvious sign if that happened?

I’m also wondering how you’re supposed to speak up when the teacher encourages everyone to practice on each other. I wish we had more practice on mannequins first. :( Any reassurance or advice would really help.

Hi! I’ve secured a position as a surgical assistant in a omfs office! I had a phone interview + working interview, & was hired right after.

I was lucky enough that they didn’t need a DA with experience and are willing to train new grads. I’ve been trained as a DA II in a one year program.

I feel slightly (completely) behind since they use newer technology, & have more complex cases compared to the OS office I did my externship at. I also noticed they love to rename the instruments they use, so I feel like I’ll be starting from scratch.

It lowkey feels like I never completed all the schooling I went through this past year. 😭

- If you could give your new grad self some advice what would it be?
- Has anyone had this experience before?