Starting your first job as a dental assistant is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. You’ve spent months studying, practicing, and preparing, and now it’s time to put your skills to the test in a real dental office with real patients. That said, whether you’re walking into a fast-paced clinic or a smaller, private practice, your first few days will be filled with learning, adjusting, and settling into the flow of things. Here are a few tips to help you navigate and thrive throughout this time.
Tip #1. Arrive Early & Show Up Ready to Work
Punctuality matters quite a lot in dentistry. Patients really appreciate it when their time isn’t being wasted. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early isn’t just advice for patients—it greatly benefits staff members as well. Showing up early also shows your team that you’re reliable and serious about your new role. Plus, you can use those extra minutes to get familiar with the day’s schedule, check that supplies are stocked, and ensure everything else is squared away.
Tip #2. Read Directions, Take Notes, & Ask Questions
No one expects you to know everything on day one—in fact, you have years and years of learning and experience ahead of you! But you don’t have to be afraid of asking questions or speaking up when it comes to protocols, patient preferences, or where tools/materials are stored. It’s even worth taking notes to keep track of all these things, or to write down helpful tips you discover on the fly. And of course, don’t hesitate to ask the doctor or your other team members questions as they come up; don’t try to improvise or wing anything.
Tip #3. Stay Calm Under Pressure
You may feel nervous or unsure at times, especially when faced with a new situation or challenging circumstances. The pace of things might be faster than what you’re used to, and it’s even possible that you might make mistakes. This is perfectly okay and part of growing into your new career! What matters is how you respond; stay calm, be honest about what you don’t know, and show a willingness to learn from every experience. Your coworkers will admire you for this tenacity, and in time, you’ll feel capable of handling any situation thrown your way.
Tip #4. Celebrate the Small Victories
The first few days might feel like an exhausting whirlwind, and it might be tough to stay positive at all times. However, you shouldn’t forget to slow down and celebrate the little victories, like mastering a new instrument or getting positive feedback from a coworker or even a patient. These moments may seem small and forgettable, but each one is a step forward in your journey as a skilled dental assistant. Be proud of the work you’re doing and pat yourself on the back every now and then!
About the Green Country School of Dental Assisting
Our team here at the Green Country School of Dental Assisting has proudly helped countless new dental assistants in Claremore successfully kick off their careers. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to request additional enrollment information, please reach out online or call today; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! Telephone: (918) 343-7188.