References for Dental Associate positions

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Toothypasty

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Hi, I'm starting Dental School in August, and I am thinking of quitting my job at a Dental office that I've been working in for the past 5 years as an assistant. If I quit, it would not be on the best of terms. I was wondering if it would be an unwise thing to do as I might need him in the future as a reference? Would he even be someone I'd ask to be a reference when applying for jobs as a Dentist after 4 years of dental school? What kind of references does a person straight out of dental school typically use?

I don't want to burn any bridges, but I am definitely being undervalued and underpaid in the office and working there is just becoming way too demoralizing. I would however continue working there if sucking up and getting a good reference from him would be important in the future. Any advice would be greatly greatly appreciated!😛

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working there is just becoming way too demoralizing.

Wow, I am in a similar demoralizing work situation (except not in a dental related position). It is hard to go into work sometimes. 🙁

Won't you eventually have to quit once you start dental school anyway? I haven't started dental school yet (and therefore have no actual experience looking for dental associate positions), but I would assume more current references from dental school (clinic profs?) would probably be better than from an old job that was four years ago (by the time you graduate).
 
Would he even be someone I'd ask to be a reference when applying for jobs as a Dentist after 4 years of dental school? ?

100% no. That's a useless reference. An employer won't care if you were an awesome dental assistant half a decade ago.

A good reference would be from dental school instructors that actually worked with you and know how you are in terms of dentistry. Even better are references from program directors of residency programs or GPRs, etc. These are good references because ideally they can attest to your dental knowledge and skills, as well as your ethics and values.
 
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Thanks guys. I had a feeling he probably wouldn't be a good reference anyway, but wanted to make sure! 🙂
 
you definitely dont need him as a reference; but why not quit on amicable terms? you have to start dental school soon and want to take some time off.. i dont see anything unreasonable? and your right; you dont want to burn any bridges; who knows in 5 yrs he may be looking for an associate or for somebody to buy his office; you never know
 
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