The decision to change careers is different for everyone. While some will spend their entire life working in the same field or even at the same company, others often find that their passions take them in a different direction. This desire to shift toward a new opportunity comes with hard work and dedication; however, there are ways to do it successfully. If you are considering enrolling in a dental assistant program and making the switch to pursuing a career in dentistry, here are 4 ways you can do it and start enjoying your chosen vocational path.
Determine How Satisfied You Currently Are
As you evaluate your current job situation, determine how happy or satisfied you are in what you’re doing. If the money, time off, benefits, or responsibilities are not matching what you had envisioned at this stage in your life, maybe it’s time to consider an alternative path. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make a switch in your chosen career, but it is important that you are mindful of what you want and don’t want, so you don’t fall into the same trap again when pursuing a different field.
Build Your Network
When identifying the type of career you wish to pursue, one of the first things you can do is connect with professionals who are currently working in the field. If you know individuals who are dental assistants, talk to them about their job duties and responsibilities. Asking to conduct an informational interview with a friend, members of your college alumni career network or even your local dentist’s office staff can help you better identify if working as a dental assistant is something you might enjoy.
Pursue the Opportunity to Shadow a Professional
One step up from networking is to inquire about job shadowing. This allows you to observe someone working in the field. Watching a dental assistant perform daily job functions will allow you greater insight into the day-to-day operations, helping you to see a clearer, more well-rounded view of what is required from this type of individual. If you’re unsure where to look for a job shadowing opportunity, ask a professor in one of your dental assistant classes for assistance.
Take a Class or Enroll in a Program
There are many dental assistant courses available for you to choose from, but when taking this next step, make sure you choose a program that is designed to prepare you for working within a dental office. Knowing textbook information is important, but you should also receive ample hands-on training, career assistance, and learn from individuals who have experience in the field. This will ensure you have the knowledge, preparation, and skillsets to be effective in your position as a dental assistant.
People successfully switch careers all the time, so why can’t you? Guess what? You can! By following these steps and reaching out to others who have already done it, you will be well on your way to enjoying a new life and a new career.
About Dental Assistant Pro
For more than 25 years, Dental Assistant Pro has been providing aspiring dental assistants with essential knowledge and hands-on skills learning. Our philosophy is the best dental assisting training should be taught in a dental office at an affordable cost, so why not take a chance and enroll in our 10-week course schedule? It’s now more affordable than ever to become a dental assistant! To learn more about us, visit our website or call (614) 202-3919.
