4 signs it might be time to change dental assisting jobs
Dental assistants love their jobs for many reasons — from working with patients to improve their oral health and alleviate anxiety to working alongside teammates. Beyond this, many dental assistants say they love working not just in the dental field, but for their employer in particular. That’s why many stay at their practice for years! According to DANB’s 2024 Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey, nearly 70% of Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) have been with the same employer for at least 10 years.
You may be in this camp, or you might be wondering if it’s time for a change — especially when your workdays start to feel a bit too routine or, on the flip side, too challenging. Maybe you’re wondering if there are better professional opportunities for you, or you might be questioning your overall job satisfaction.
When these thoughts become less fleeting and more persistent, you may consider searching for a new job. But how do you know what changes to make in your dental assistant career, and when?
When you’re ready for a new challenge
Dental assistants love their careers because of all the opportunities that exist for expanding their knowledge and taking their careers to the next level. Educated and experienced dental assistants can take on additional responsibilities and grow into new roles — such as performing expanded functions or office management duties. Plus, dental assistants who stay up to date with changes in dentistry may feel energized and engaged in their career path. However, if you feel you have limited chances for learning and advancing at your current office, you may consider making a change.
Consider staying: If you’re looking for new challenges and responsibilities during your workday, talk to your supervisor because opportunities may exist for you to do just that. Perhaps your employer has some ideas about how you can cross-train in the dental office. They may also encourage you to complete continuing education, earn DANB certification, pursue an expanded functions credential, and more.
Enhancing your education or earning credentials may enable you to perform additional duties as allowed in your state. Or you might be able to transition into a new position, such as dental office manager, lead dental assistant, or infection control coordinator. The sky’s the limit for those who embrace their own professional development goals! And doing so usually starts with asking your employer about ways to grow in your role or office.
Consider going: If you feel as though there are limited learning and growth opportunities at your current practice and your employer has not been receptive to inquiries about career growth, consider moving to a different office where professional development is better supported. Explore your professional networks — particularly, ask dental assistants and other professionals you respect and trust to keep an eye out for openings. They might even put in a good word for you!
When you’re overworked
Dental assistants juggle numerous tasks in the dental office, and many are taking on more duties than ever before. There seems to be more to do and fewer people to do it, with many areas lacking enough qualified dental assistants. If you’re feeling stretched thin and it’s affecting your work-life balance or stress level, it might be time to see what else is out there.
Consider staying: If you’re starting to feel swamped with work in the dental office, consider bringing this to your supervisor. Together, you could brainstorm the best ways to delegate the work so that nobody on the team feels overloaded. Or, your employer might consider hiring another team member to help out. Alternatively, you could ask for a raise to compensate for the extra duties you’re performing.
Consider going: If staffing issues on your team can’t be quickly addressed, and your extra duties seem here to stay, it might be time to seek out another office with a bigger team to share in the workload. While interviewing for another dental assistant role, ask about team size and delegation of duties to find out if you’ll have better work-life balance in your new position.
When your team isn’t getting along
Because you work with many people throughout the day, dental assisting is a profession for a “people person.” According to the results of the Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey, feeling like part of a team is one of the top factors that determine dental assistant job satisfaction. And if you don’t feel like part of a cohesive team, it can make your job challenging.
While some dental assistants love their teams, unfortunately, others say their office dynamics are difficult, whether it’s due to interpersonal drama or colleagues who are difficult to work with. When this is the case, you might wonder whether this team is the right fit for you.
Consider staying: Keep in mind that any issues you’re experiencing with coworkers might not even be about you. For example, a chronically late coworker may just have a long commute or car troubles, and the issue may not be personal to you at all. If you can reframe how you view your coworkers’ actions and focus on the positive, the situation may feel more manageable. However, if a coworker is consistently negative or rude toward you, try having a polite, professional conversation with them or asking your supervisor to help address any issues.
Consider going: If the issue seems to boil down to an overall culture mismatch — for example, if the workplace dynamics are negative or toxic and this goes unnoticed and unaddressed by management — it may be time to find a different workplace. Consider, though, that wherever there are people working together, there will be interpersonal and team dynamics to navigate.
When you’re seeking a higher salary or more benefits
According to the Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey, salary is the top factor in dental assistants’ job satisfaction. And their feelings about their compensation are mixed. While some dental assistants are satisfied with their pay and benefits, others feel they’re underpaid. Looking for a higher salary is one of the main reasons dental assistants seek out other opportunities.
Consider staying: Luckily, dental assistants have the opportunity to grow their salaries without making a drastic change such as switching offices. This is because salary can vary depending on many factors, such as experience and credentials. So if you’re just starting out in dental assisting, you may wish to put in the work and after a few years, assess whether to stay the course.
Dental assistants with more experience and credentials tend to earn more than those who are new to the profession. Earning DANB certification or state credentials can allow you to take on more duties and potentially increase your earnings. Dental assistants who hold CDA certification earn $3.50 more per hour and are more likely to receive raises than those who are not certified.
If increasing your salary is your goal, look into earning DANB certification and exploring the career ladder in your state. Then, sit down with your employer and discuss your goals. If your employer is open to supporting your professional development and compensating you accordingly, sticking with the same practice may be the way to go.
Consider going: If you’ve already pursued avenues such as certification and you’re still not compensated fairly, it could be time to find another job. With the shortage of dental assistants, there are many practices hiring and they may be willing to pay more than you currently make. At the very least, it doesn’t hurt to interview and see what opportunities are out there for you.
If you do receive an offer with a higher salary, consider giving your current employer the chance to make a counteroffer to match. Turnover is costly, and your employer may be willing to give you a raise to keep you on board.