u/Africangrey-mq

First off I ( M,19) just wanna say the reason I want to start dental assisting is because, when I was getting my braces on and removed, tightened etc… I had this feeling, I could imagine working in dentistry and showing up to this clean environment everyday. It just feels like the right career for me. I have two main reasons I’m scared/nervous about starting school/dental career.

One is patients, what if a patient is just being difficult and simply rude. One of my fears would probably be a patient commenting on my voice, I am a gay guy so If someone did comment on it, just being hateful. I would probably cry (hopefully in the bathroom.) 💀 In general tho if a patient does start to get upset or difficult would it be better for the doctor or hygienist to handle the situation? Not to trying to make it their problem obviously, I would try my best to reason with the patient before.

The other reason is how high stress it seems possibly? I’m afraid that I’ll be overwhelmed either during my school or during my first week dental assisting. What if a dentist really doesn’t like me ? I’ve heard rough stories 😭 I feel really passionate about teeth and I want to work in this field! My dream is to work in ortho as a hygienist on braces and such.

Also what if I accidentally get the giggles or like gag from someone’s breath 😭 I wouldn’t wanna insult a patient obviously not even trying to be funny

(I don’t usually write much so i apologize if this is worded poorly or anything of the sort, this is just how I’m feeling before committing to school)

TLDR: 19M who fell in love with dentistry during his own braces journey is nervous to commit to dental assisting school. Main fears are dealing with rude or hateful patients (especially any comments about his voice as a gay dude), surviving a high-stress work environment, clashing with a difficult dentist, and accidentally giggling or gagging mid-appointment. Ultimate dream is to work in ortho as a hygienist working with braces.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​