An Inside View of Dental Assisting Training: Student Interview

Preparing for a New Career with Dental Assisting Training

Hien Dang, Dental Assisting Training Student
Seattle Vocational Institute

Dental Assisting Training with Real Patients

Hien Dang chose her school for its dedicated teachers and the clinic it offers the residents of its central Seattle neighborhood. "The teachers seemed really involved in making sure you know everything you need to know. You can tell that they really care.

"I like working in the clinics; it's exciting to work with real patients. You're on your feet all day, and you're never bored!

"The dental clinic is great—there's a dentist to work with you. And my classmates are a really diverse set of people, which I love. I have classmates from Nicaragua and West Africa."

Academic & Hands-On Dental Assisting Training

As a part of the community college system, Seattle Vocational Institute’s (SVI) one-year dental assisting training program provided an affordable option.

"The classes here are relatively inexpensive, and my financial aid paid for all of it. I haven't had to work, which allows me to totally concentrate on learning."

Dang enjoys the theoretical part of her training. “Some people in my class have trouble with the theoretical stuff, but I'm a good book learner. We studied radiology, what x-rays are, and how to be safe in the office. I like learning the science and the techniques of doing each procedure.

"The hands-on learning is harder for me. I feel nervous when I'm working with a doctor, especially the first time doing a procedure. My first big procedure I did forget something, but the doctor was really nice. He asked questions and helped me along, so everything went okay." Get more information on dental assistant education requirements here.

The Importance of Dental Assistant Internships & Externships

The SVI dental assisting training program includes an externship in two different places. The teacher who coordinates the externship "knows us very well, and she places us at sites where she thinks we'll do well. I'll probably go to the clinic at the University of Washington – they have general dentistry, oral maxifocal surgery, and orthodontics."

"Usually we start with a general practice, and then if we want to specialize we can go into that area in the second half of the externship. I made a request to go into prosthodontics – bridges and dentures. Our coordinator wants to be sure we get the experience we want to learn everything we can." (The dental assistant glossary defines other areas of specialty.)

Her interest in prosthodontics relates to a larger goal: to find a position as a dental lab technician in the future. “I haven’t found any schools that focus on dental lab technology; it’s more of an on-the-job training situation. The labs make dentures, crowns and bridges. I like to create things and make art, so I’m interested in the craft aspects of the lab work.”

Earning Patient Trust

For Dang, taking on the role of dental assisting means adopting a more professional image. “Dental assisting is a conservative, professional job. We have to make sure the patients trust us and keep the office orderly. We can’t do anything that might upset anyone; we have to make sure that what we say is reassuring and always makes the practice look good.”

She’s been thinking about changing her look, and is considering how that might affect her job possibilities. “I was thinking about dying my hair pink, but I haven’t done it yet. I’d have to find a very cool office to work in.”

Dental assisting offers Dang a stable and well paying job, along with the possibility of shifting to a more technical position in the future. “It’s a job that can support me in all my interests. People should know that it’s a good way to support yourself, but it takes a lot of hard work. You have to like working with people and hearing their stories. That’s one of the best parts!”