4 goal ideas for dental assistants to spark a successful new year

a pad of paper with "goals 2025" and a numbered list written on it

As the year comes to a close, you may be thinking about what’s ahead. When the calendar changes to a new year, it represents a time of change and self-reflection. Many people use it as an opportunity to set personal and professional goals. Whether you’re a new or tenured dental assistant, you might be thinking about what your career path will look like moving into 2025 and beyond.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some actionable goals for dental assistants in each stage of their careers.

Earn certification

Whether you just landed your first dental assisting job or have been in the profession for many years, becoming certified is a milestone for dental assistants. It’s a culmination of hard work that shows your professional commitment and knowledge, boosts your confidence and skills, and opens up new career opportunities.

For instance, many Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) become leaders in their practices, serving as team leads, infection control coordinators, expanded functions assistants, and office managers. CDAs also earn higher hourly wages than non-certified assistants, according to DANB’s Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey. DANB offers seven different certifications for dental assistants, which you can learn more about here.

Learn more: 5 ways certification jump-starts new dental assistants’ careers

Seek out mentorship

Mentors can be invaluable to dental assistants, passing on knowledge from their years of experience in the profession, teaching them tricks of the trade, and providing advice and feedback. A mentor can help you establish yourself as a dental assistant and grow in the profession. They can help you network, point you toward career resources, and help you outline a plan to reach your career goals. If you don’t have a mentor yet, you may look toward a fellow dental assistant, your dentist, or a former teacher. If you’re already an experienced dental assistant eager to hone your leadership skills, becoming a mentor is a great place to start. Taking a new dental assistant under your wing to show them the ropes can be highly rewarding!

Train in a new area

Dental assisting is always evolving, which requires you to stay adaptable and versatile. It requires staying on top of your education to maintain and expand your clinical, infection control, and patient-care skills. But there are even more opportunities to learn and become more valuable to your practice. In particular, cross-training in other areas of the dental office can make you an indispensable asset to the practice, filling in gaps where needed and increasing efficiency in the office. Dental assistants often get cross-trained in office management duties, such as scheduling appointments, working with insurance, managing inventory, and answering phones. If your teammates are expanded functions dental assistants, you may seek to learn from them about more advanced procedures and how to become an EFDA yourself. You could also cross-train in dental lab work, learning more about taking impressions or making crowns. Whatever your interests are, there are plenty of possibilities to help you grow in your career!

Note that the duties you can legally perform as a dental assistant depend on the state where you work. Be sure to check your state requirements as you develop your career plan.

Focus on your wellness

Dental assisting is all about taking care of others. But the job can be challenging at times, meaning it’s important to look out for your own well-being, too. For instance, dental assisting can be physically strenuous since you’re sitting in awkward positions for prolonged periods. To prevent the physical aches and pains that can come with the job, pay close attention to your posture, talk to your dentist or office manager about setting up ergonomic workspaces, stretch frequently, and exercise to strengthen your muscles and prevent fatigue or discomfort at work.

The job can also be challenging from a mental and emotional standpoint. Dental assistants are responsible for numerous tasks and their days can get busy or even downright hectic, potentially leading to burnout. You can prioritize your mental and emotional health by taking breaks (whether for lunch or a weeklong vacation), establishing boundaries inside and outside the office, and communicating openly and honestly with your boss.

Read more: (opens in a new window)5 ways dental assistants can prevent and manage burnout