Advice on my dental assistant job

[577455]

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Hey guys,


A few months ago I was volunteering for a large FQHC which was a clinical rotation site for two of my in-state dental schools. After two months the dental director offered me a position as a dental assistant. I feel like she's become a mentor to me and she was hooking me up and giving me the basics of dentistry. The first two months were great. I was assisting 4th year dental students and residents in restorations and extractions. The director was starting to teach me about taking impressions last week.

Today one of the lazier dental assistants started complaining to the office manager about needing a floater. Basically now the manager and the other assistants decided I would be made the permanent floater which means I will be responsible for bringing patients back, setting up for the procedure, cleaning up the room, and steralizing the instruments. Of course the other assistants would love to have someone clean after them and set things up for them. This means all they have to do is sit next to the dentist and pass them instruments. However, I will have to run around and stand for hours scrubbing and cleaning. Most importantly I won't be assisting.

I feel this is pretty unfair. When I initially spoke to the dentists about this position I had the understanding that I would be assisting. Even though I'm close to the director I don't want to approach her about it because she is incredibly busy and is responsible for the whole department (4 dental clinics, 6 dentists, 2 gpr residents, 4 dental students, and staff).

Any one have any clue as to what I should do? Should I just suck it up and stay here until I get into dental school? This sucks.

 

[JLT223]

Are you being paid? You're going to have a rough time in dental school if you can't speak up. Don't suck it up if you are unhappy.

 

[prophyprincess]

Offer that each assistant takes a day out of the week and you all rotate. Make a table on word outlining the schedule and then go talk to the director about it


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[prophyprincess]

**mention that you're wanting to do this to all of the assistants first or else they will feel like you went behind their backs


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[577455]

Are you being paid? You're going to have a rough time in dental school if you can't speak up. Don't suck it up if you are unhappy.

I'm getting paid. This is basically what I was doing when I was volunteering, the only difference is I'm actually getting paid now. That's why half of me feels like I should be happy. However, I've gotten used to assisting and it's my favorite part of the job. Their reasoning why I was chosen to be the float is because I'm not a certified dental assistant so I can't take XR. They said it would make most sense for me to float. Of course no one else wants to float, so I feel like this is all too convenient.

 

[super frank]

I'm getting paid. This is basically what I was doing when I was volunteering, the only difference is I'm actually getting paid now. That's why half of me feels like I should be happy. However, I've gotten used to assisting and it's my favorite part of the job. Their reasoning why I was chosen to be the float is because I'm not a certified dental assistant so I can't take XR. They said it would make most sense for me to float. Of course no one else wants to float, so I feel like this is all too convenient.

Why don't you take the test to get certified?

 

[doc toothache]

You seem to have a little trouble understanding the chain of command, not to mention other work related issues.

 

[fayevalentine]

Why don't you take the test to get certified?

Seriously, just go get certified. The test is ridiculously easy.

 

[577455]

You seem to have a little trouble understanding the chain of command, not to mention other work related issues.

Yes I am having some work related issues which is why I am seeking advice on this forum. In regards to the chain of command, I understand that the director is above this which is why I don't want to approach her despite our discussions regarding my job description. I'm trying to figure out whether the right move is to be a team player and do what's best for the clinic. Or, am I being mistreated? Would I be justified in protesting?

Seriously, just go get certified. The test is ridiculously easy.

I live in MI. Apparently the only way to sit for the exam is to complete an accredited dental assisting program. Otherwise I can sit for the exam if I have worked within the office for at least 1 year. By then I hope to be in dental school.

 

[577455]

Why don't you take the test to get certified?

Apparently in my state you have to go to an accredited program to get XR certified. The other option is work at a dental office for a minimum of 1 year and then I would be eligible to sit for the exam.