Today was confirmation that I need to pursue dental school seriously.
Hi. Dental assistant based in the UK. (We are called dental nurses over here)
I’ve been a DA for almost 6 years now. There are aspects of the job I find really enjoyable and interesting like patient interaction, taking x-rays, helping nervous patients, helping patients get out of pain, meeting all kinds of people etc and there are aspects of the job I absolutely hate: being bossed around, working with difficult dentists, being treated like a worthless human being, being reminded of where you stand in the dental hierarchy, the shit pay, the overall lack of consideration . For the most part, I don’t feel like I’m respected or valued in my job. We keep the offices running and without us… dentists and other clinicians can’t actually see or treat patients.
I’ve always toyed with the idea of going to dental school, as far back as 18 years old (I’m 31 now.) I never thought it could be possible so I just gave up on the idea until I started DA’ing. I envy the autonomy dentists have, being self employed, having a flexible schedule, making a decent living even if regular work part time, not having to be bothered with cleaning up, setting up the surgery, closing down, decontamination etc.
Anyway, today at work, I was snitched on by a colleague for going out to get coffee during a cancellation in the diary. The coffee shop is just across the road from the practice and my other colleagues have always gotten coffee during work hours all the time. I got into trouble with my manager after she asked if I went to get coffee. I said yes and she scolded me and said that she’d bring this up in a performance review. Right then and there I decided to go to dental school once and for all and make my dream a reality. I am so sick of being treated like a child when I work hard, do my job well and go the extra mile whenever I can. I’m so sick of being a DA at this point.
And yes, I’m aware of the unique set of responsibilities dentists have and the stress that they go through. I’m also aware of the years of hard work and studying it takes to become a dentist. I’m also well aware of the fact that dentists have the highest suicide rate of any profession. But the alternative is much more grim. I’m going to make a go of it and actually work towards something worthwhile and dignified. I needed a nudge to push me in the right direction.