Insights into Pursuing a Career in Dental Assisting: A Personal Journey

Choosing a career path can sometimes be a journey full of drama and surprise. In this article, we share the inspiring story of one individual's personal journey into the world of dental assisting and hygienists. This personal insight is particularly valuable for anyone considering a career in this field.

What Inspired My Journey to Dental Assisting

My love for dental assisting spans across decades, deeply rooted in a story that begins with a dentist who saw potential in me. This dentist, whom I was married to for 54 years, was very handsome and appreciated my intellect. Together, we spent countless years working side by side in the dental field, creating a strong and fulfilling partnership. This long-lasting personal connection played a significant role in my professional journey.

The Evolution of My Career

Back in the seventies, my role models and social influences were limited, and my career choices seemed narrow. Teachers, nurses, and secretaries were among the options that seemed familiar, yet I found myself drawn to something different. From an early age, as early as sixth grade, I made up my mind to become a dental assistant. This decision proved to be a defining moment that shaped my professional life for over four decades.

A Turning Point with a Dentist Friend

Fortune smiled on me when I was working at the Boeing Company, and they were going through a wave of layoffs. It was during this period that my husband and I became close friends with a couple. One day, on an outing, the female dentist in the couple mentioned the work of her assistants and how rewarding it is to see them in action. She invited me to come to work with her one day and experience firsthand the role of a dental assistant. This visit was a revelation; what I saw was exactly what I needed.

Taking her advice to heart, I enrolled at Renton Technical College in Washington for an eight and a half month course aimed at dental assisting. The institution's accredited program furthered my education and turned out to be one of the best times of my life. I successfully graduated, and my career in dental assisting took off from there. Over the years, I've had the privilege to work with many doctors and consider myself a highly skilled and dedicated dental assistant. This journey has undoubtedly been a wonderful and fulfilling career for me.

Learnings from a Former Career Lesson

For another individual, the path to becoming a dental hygienist was a bit of an accident. Initially majoring in business, she found herself uninterested in that field, leading to a casual suggestion from her ex-partner: since she took such outstanding care of her teeth, she should explore hygiene school. Taking a leap of faith, she enrolled and discovered her passion for a career in dental hygiene. Her story shows that sometimes it's the smallest of suggestions that can lead to a fulfilling professional path. She also found the opportunity to work not just in the dental chair, but also in a front desk role, providing additional support and making her day-to-day tasks even more rewarding.

Whether your path is inspired by an initial dream, a casual suggestion, or a life-altering visit with a dental professional, pursuing a career in dental assisting can be a deeply satisfying journey. Each story, like these, offers valuable insights into the diverse and rewarding career options within the dental industry.