Dealing with discouragement

[Apple04]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

I’m new to this but I wanted to ask around about how people have dealt with something I’ve been struggling with.

I was so excited when I finally found a clinic to volunteer at, but it’s only discouraged me. Training was short and I can’t go in often. I told myself I’d learn along the way, but the volunteer coordinator always seems frustrated when I don’t know what to do. The one time she let me assist a dentist, I didn’t know how to do something because training didn’t go in depth and she replaces me. It seems like she always has something to be bothered with.

I’m not here to complain but to seek advice from those who know this feeling. I know I’m just letting my self doubt and the poor learning environment get to me, and I don’t want to give up this opportunity. I genuinely want to learn skills and help out, but the condescending treatment makes me feel more like a chore than anything. I’m not scared to admit the sighs and eye rolling are bruising my confidence. It also doesn’t help that the other volunteers are more preoccupied with showing off than showing me around so we can get stuff done.

I just feel disheartened by the community and out of place, wondering if I’ll ever fit into this.

 

[NewEngland123]

I would suggest finding a different clinic to volunteer at. It sounds like either the culture at that clinic is toxic or your way of working or your skills are not the best fit. Don't get discouraged! Just find a better working environment for yourself where you can help and where you can also learn!

 

[Iroh]

Did you try bringing pen and paper? When I started working at a new job as a dental assistant I was floored from day 1, and I had worked as an assistant in another practice for years.

I brought pen & paper with me and wrote down the specifics for each doctor, what burs they liked to use, what flowable shades and types, how they liked their setups, etc.

It helped me to at least make sure I wasn't forgetting too much while I was still learning the place.

Now I don't even need the notes anymore.

 

[coldicecream]

I definitely understand where you're coming from.
Try watching youtube videos to be familiar with basically restoration procedures and supplies needed.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

When you pay minimum wage you get minimum effort. When you expect predents to volunteer for free you get even your results can vary....

Don’t feel discouraged. Read through stanelz guide to assisting and just give it time. When I started I was terrible too.

 

[Apple04]

Thanks all for you advice. There’s seems to be a lack of volunteer clinics where I live but now that I have more time to go, I’ll try asking her how I can better prepare myself before assisting. I’ll also look into the videos and guides you suggested. I’ve also found some opportunity to volunteer at my university’s dental school so hopefully things work out!

 

[Do Ray]

Definitely start by watching videos, so you get a good idea of procedure steps. Then I'd bring pen/paper to get the *exact* specifics of how the clinics dentists perform the procedures, so that you're eventually an independent volunteer and they know they can count on you.

 

[Stanelz]

Don't be discouraged. We have ALL been there. When I left my assistant job my bosses and coworkers were depressed for like a week because I had become so essential to the team but then I reminded myself of how long and hard of a process it was to get to that point.

I remember when I first started assisting, I was thrown into the fire with no training and the first two months I was literally about to cry every day because I had no idea what I was doing and I felt like I was letting everyone down. I look back on that and yea sure maybe I should have left because I wasnt getting the support I needed but it made me a stronger assistant in the long run and allowed me to be effective as a trainer later on because I had struggled to learn everything myself. You learn the most when you struggle and after a while you yourself and the people around you will never remember that you struggled at all.

I know its hard to not take it personally but all you can do is try your best. If you feel like you are really in a bad spot and being abused in any way you should definitely leave but if you can keep going and at least stay there for a while longer to gain experience, it will help you land a job elsewhere much easier and you will have a better grasp of the basics.

Refer to my assisting guide in my sig if you need help