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I have been an RDA in the dental field for 39 years. From a very young age I knew I wanted a career in health care. Helping others was always my passion. Originally I considered a career in nursing then a dental experience ignited the dream of becoming a dental assistant.
I was a young teen needing a large amount of dental treatment as my first introduction to dental care. The dental assistant that worked with me through many visits recognized how frightened I was and took time to explain procedures, answer questions and help me to understand the dental field. She coached me through each visit with encouragement, compassion and kindness. My fear was no longer an issue and I realized this was what I wanted to do for others.
"Having additional licensing opened a door in the dental field that allowed me to be more valuable to the office..."
I enrolled in a basic dental assisting course right out of high school. Once in the field, I quickly realized the value of additional training certificates to help me move my career forward. Having additional licensing opened a door in the dental field that allowed me to be more valuable to the office, more ‘hands on’ with patients, and fulfill my dream of helping others.
My experience has taught me that the core basics I learned in school were a base to launch from. These may be the same in all offices, however, no two offices are identical and differ in their own personal choices such as materials, choice of equipment, etc. Keeping an open mind to use these differences as a learning opportunity, continuing personal growth through added certificates and taking time to have compassion, kindness and understanding with patients has been a rewarding career experience.