I am thinking of making a career change, and I feel like this could be a field of interest for me but I am scared and hoping to get some perspectives from people that have done this. I currently work in a call center for a large tech company as a supervisor. Actually, currently doing a 9 month stint in recruiting but supervisor is my real job haha. I work for, truly, a wonderful company and have been there 7.5 years but lately it is sucking the life out of me more than normal. I am sick of the overly competitive nature, the corporate culture that says they want one thing but then will only do things the very cheapest way and expect you to somehow work a miracle. Theoretically I have a fairly flexible schedule but it is looked down on to actually take time off. Switching to a dental assisting career, I would be taking an over 50% pay cut which is really really scary but I feel like we could save our bonuses, cut back in some spots, and make it work while I work my way up. I feel like (and could be wrong of course) the environment will be less back-stabby while still giving me a fast paced environment where I can still help people and still have room to grow. If we get to a place we can afford it, I’d love to go to school to be a hygienist but I can’t afford to do full time school right now. I’ve been looking into dental assisting programs and it looks like I might be able to go on my upcoming maternity leave (I have a 12 week bonding time after my std ends plus I have about 20 days of pto I can take if needed. I’m due in oct. I’m not required to pay back mat leave or benefits if I don’t come back and while I wouldnt broadcast I’m doing it, going to school on bonding time is not disallowed by my company). I tried to anticipate any questions you guys might have about my plan hha. Sorry for the super long post. I would love any insights or experience anyone has to offer
Oh I forgot to add- part of what appeals to me about this also is it seems like (and I could be totally wrong so please correct me) this career could be one where I could go PT if our finances ever allowed it, or stop working to stay home a bit/go to school without totally screwing myself over which isn’t possible in my current job/ field.
I have experience in both dental assisting and working in a call center (HR). If you’re looking for a less back-stabby working environment, I would not recommend dental. One of the reasons I moved out of the field was because of how dysfunctional the working environment was. After finding the same problems in three different offices and confirming with coworkers who had more experience than I did, I gave up on the idea of being able to find a reasonable work environment.
I'm not a dental assistant but we have a dental hygiene program in my college and so I'm decently familiar with the dental field.
I agree with katespade that I would not count on dental offices being less back-stabby.
One of the biggest complaints from our adjuncts and graduates is the difficulty in finding full time jobs with benefits. Most dental offices are small businesses and would rather hire multiple part timers than full time employees who require benefits. For the larger (or chain) dental clinics, there are quotas that a lot of employees are unable to meet while doing a good job or are otherwise uncomfortable with.
I don't know how much of the above applies to dental assistants, but it would surprise me if there weren't many of the same issues.
I mean, I guess you can get back stabby and mean people in ANY job because people suck haha. I just want to not be expected to work 50 hours a week and feel like everyone is rolling their eyes if I take a day off. Although I currently carry the benefits, MH has very similar packages so that isn’t necessarily a deal breaker
I mean, I guess you can get back stabby and mean people in ANY job because people suck haha. I just want to not be expected to work 50 hours a week and feel like everyone is rolling their eyes if I take a day off. Although I currently carry the benefits, MH has very similar packages so that isn’t necessarily a deal breaker
I’m a teacher. I took five sick days off from school and was reprimanded by my principal. He’s an ass. He said I need to tell him 3 days in advance if I was going to be gone. Ummm no. I don’t need to tell you anything. I found a sub, made plans and did what I needed to do.
My point is, eye rolls for taking time for You can happen everywhere . Dental assisting won’t make that go away.
I just want to not be expected to work 50 hours a week and feel like everyone is rolling their eyes if I take a day off.
You will probably not see improvements with these two areas in the dental world, especially if you work for a private practice. They typically want your planned time off to align with the doctor’s time off (and unless you have PTO to use you don’t get paid when the doctor takes time off), and there tends to be a lot of guilt associated with unplanned days off because it’s expensive and difficult to get a replacement with short notice.
I just want to not be expected to work 50 hours a week and feel like everyone is rolling their eyes if I take a day off.
You will probably not see improvements with these two areas in the dental world, especially if you work for a private practice. They typically want your planned time off to align with the doctor’s time off (and unless you have PTO to use you don’t get paid when the doctor takes time off), and there tends to be a lot of guilt associated with unplanned days off because it’s expensive and difficult to get a replacement with short notice.
Hmmm definitely good to know. I’m wondering if the work environment I’m looking for even exists haha
I mean, I guess you can get back stabby and mean people in ANY job because people suck haha. I just want to not be expected to work 50 hours a week and feel like everyone is rolling their eyes if I take a day off. Although I currently carry the benefits, MH has very similar packages so that isn’t necessarily a deal breaker
I’m a teacher. I took five sick days off from school and was reprimanded by my principal. He’s an ass. He said I need to tell him 3 days in advance if I was going to be gone. Ummm no. I don’t need to tell you anything. I found a sub, made plans and did what I needed to do.
My point is, eye rolls for taking time for You can happen everywhere . Dental assisting won’t make that go away.
Ugh I’m sorry that happened to you! I wasn’t aware most people get 3 days notice before they get sick haha. I do know that I need to work personally on not worrying so much about everything and creating more work/life balance for myself but I have a really hard time knowing how to do that.
Hmmm definitely good to know. I’m wondering if the work environment I’m looking for even exists haha
I mean, I think there are probably plenty of places where you can find this kind of work environment, but you won't truly know until you get into them, you know?
My work environment is great in this regard. There are things about it that I'm not happy with, but my boss is awesome and gives me all the flexibility I want. Like, true flexibility. I tell him I'm working from home, he says ok. I tell him I'm taking PTO, he says ok. No questions asked, no guilt. But, again, this is all totally dependent on who you're working for. The rest of my company is not like this and the amount of flexibility I have does create some problems with others who think it's unfair.
DH is expected to be "on" a lot with his job, but he similarly can come and go as he pleases. He chooses when to be in the office and doesn't even really need to tell his boss about it.
I'm not sure I think you're going to get into a better situation in a call center, but I have no experience with that, it's just a gut feeling. And I know nothing about dental. That said, I would encourage you, if you want to look for other jobs, to be very up front about what you're looking for and try to apply for jobs where the description states that they provide flexibility. If it's something they promote, it's likely something they truly do abide by.
I’m so curious about this field. Do you actually like teeth? It seems like such an oddly specific choice if you are just looking for a better working environment. Why the dental field? Why not just get an office job somewhere?
Why not just look for a job in your field but at a different company? Not all companies have the same attitudes. When interviewing just make sure you ask about work life balance etc. I recently was looking for a new job and in the initial phone interviews I asked them About work life balance explaining I had two little kids etc
The companies where I didn’t like the answers, if they evaded the question or seemed wishy washy I just didn’t proceed with the process.
I’m in a field where long hours and being discouraged from taking vacation isn’t unusual (software developer) but I’ve found jobs that are a good fit for me. I always take all the vacation allotted to me because I do consider it part of my pay.
You could be a little flex on pay to get more of a chill environment but without taking a giant 50 percent pay cut.
I won’t chime in on dental, but I will address the training.
Instead of taking a 50% pay cut, I’d save 50% of your checks until you have enough money to just go to school for what you want to do, and earn more, more quickly. I think that’s the more financially stable route.
Well what I really want to do is stay home but I’m trying to find an acceptable compromise because I can’t do that at least for a while. And there really isn’t anything I want to get a 4 year degree for. I feel like I’m having a career identity crisis. Haha
I’m so curious about this field. Do you actually like teeth? It seems like such an oddly specific choice if you are just looking for a better working environment. Why the dental field? Why not just get an office job somewhere?
Haha I don’t have a particular feeling either way about teeth specifically. This appealed to me because of what seemed like a relatively flexible schedule, part time availability if I ever decide to do that, and the ability to grow and make comparable to what I am/can make now if I choose to go back to school. Which I think I’ll be able to do, just not right now.
Why not just look for a job in your field but at a different company? Not all companies have the same attitudes. When interviewing just make sure you ask about work life balance etc. I recently was looking for a new job and in the initial phone interviews I asked them About work life balance explaining I had two little kids etc
The companies where I didn’t like the answers, if they evaded the question or seemed wishy washy I just didn’t proceed with the process.
I’m in a field where long hours and being discouraged from taking vacation isn’t unusual (software developer) but I’ve found jobs that are a good fit for me. I always take all the vacation allotted to me because I do consider it part of my pay.
You could be a little flex on pay to get more of a chill environment but without taking a giant 50 percent pay cut.
I have looked a little into similar positions within the industry and tbh they’re all pretty much the same. For the most part, call centers are call centers and are going to attract the same sort of mentality. My company is actually very unique in the benefits they provide, little things like snack day, free soda, family events, etc. which is why I super adore my particular company and have stayed as long as I have. although the work is definitely not glamorous I do generally feel passionate about my company, which is actually part of the problem haha. I feel like doing the right thing and getting/keeping the right people has become nearly impossible because we are starting to take on more of a ‘regular call center culture’ rather than what we were before. I guess maybe the company is evolving into something I don’t like so the payoff isn’t worth the crappy party’s anymore. I truly never thought I would leave this company ever
Thanks everyone for your insight. I definitely have a lot to think about and keep researching. And I have time, I’m definitely not going anywhere til after I have this baby and take my 6 month maternity leave anyway. If you super love your career path I am open to suggestions 😂
I’m not sure that I would make the switch to dental with the goals you have in mind. There can be a lot of drama in dental offices, just like any job. I’m a hygienist and have worked in some pretty high drama places. It can be very stressful, you work through lunches, run behind, stay late. Plus most people are NOT happy to be seeing you!
I would steer away from anything medical related honestly. The hours can be so unpredictable (as far as getting done "on time") and trying to take a sick day without massive amounts of guilt, or a planned day off, can be so difficult. Usually staffing is so tight there's not much wiggle room for coverage, etc. It stinks.
Post by icedcoffee on May 18, 2019 20:52:31 GMT -5
If what you’re looking for is flexibility I definitely don’t think the medical field is what you want. Like PP said, you’ll need to work whatever hours the dentist wants you to work. Sick days sound like a pain with patients getting rescheduled etc. I definitely do t think it’s more flexible than a call center.
Even my field which seems flexible has guilt associated with sick days or vacation. I’m a CPA. As my first boss said “there are no accounting emergencies. Relax”. And yet there are times I feel super guilty for a sick day when I have a full day of meetings or vacation in the weeks coming up to year end.
Basically—my advice would be to find a boss who is understanding and flexible in any field.
But overall, my hunch is dental assisting isn’t where you want to go.
Yeah I guess I just assumed it would be a less intense medical environment haha. I was thinking I could still help people just in a different way and it seems like most dentists around here are regular business hours with a weekday off (mine doesn’t work Friday). The idea of changing career paths is really scary to me but so is the idea of being stuck where I am. I should have been a trust fund baby 😂
My dental hygienist works only 3 days a week so I think it’s probably the kind of job you can do that more than say many office jobs, but still.. if you don’t have some kind of passion for teeth it is specific and a big change. I’m sure people enjoy it but I would have a hard time digging around in people’s mouths all day, it seems like hard work. You also have to be pretty social, making small talk all day it seems so that would be challenging as well.
Since you have supervisor experience perhaps you could apply to manage a team that isn’t in a call center? I’m assuming management experience is something that is transferable (not that I’ve ever managed a team just guessing!)
Hi, I'm an orthodontist and I have my own practice for about 7 years now so I can share some insight. You can PM me any questions you might have. Are you in SLC? I've heard there are a million dental offices there. I've grown to the point where I need to hire 2 full time assistants this summer and I can finally offer candidates medical insurance. I only need them to work with patients like 2 days/week but I'm tired of hiring part-timers. The other days they will do non-patient care tasks like re-stocking the clinic, inventory, etc. My last 2 part-time assistants - one left to go watch her grandkids full time and the other is graduating dental hygiene school and will leave when she gets her license. I have another awesome front desk person who is starting nursing school this fall and trying to work her schedule and hours to stay full time with me because she needs the medical insurance. But if part-time is what you want, you will easily find it. All of my dentist colleagues are looking for assistants but the job market is tight everywhere. I've read where some of my orthodontic colleagues treat their staff very generously and offer great benefits to the point where I'm reading their post and thinking "hey, I would love to work for you" LOL.
There is a local dental assisting school here that charges like $20K for their 1 year program. Honestly I feel bad for the people who go through with it to take on that kind of debt for something that can be trained on the job for someone willing to do some serious job searching. I've been having their students come through my office for their 50 hour rotation requirements as a way for me to "pre-interview" people. So I'd hire someone from there but I'm going to have to spend a ton of time training them anyways. Our state requires a special radiology license to take x-rays and you aren't even guaranteed to graduate with the radiology license after spending $20K, you're just eligible to take the exam. And that's not even the Registered Dental Assistant license (RDA) which requires more training and studying. A candidate with an RDA starts at like $21 - $25/hr here and it can go up. You could take a prep course for the radiology license for only $700 in literally the next town. I paid for 2 of my employees to take the $700 course after they worked for me for 6 months. They both passed. I'll even pay for them to go to training courses to take the exams for additional licenses but I have yet to have anyone pass the RDA exam. But i guess people have been conditioned to think they need to go to "school" to be hired for stuff. And licensing requirements vary greatly by state so I would look into that carefully before paying for any training program.
As far as the backstabbing, I don't think you can get away from that in any field. Time off would vary by the office. In my office, I really don't want anyone taking off in August which is our busy month. Anytime school is closed for holidays like MLK or President's day, we are open and so busy. I know some offices require you to take your vacation when the doctor takes it. Around here, many offices require some weekend hours. We are open one Sunday a month which happens to be tomorrow. The schedule is packed. Our schedule is also relatively dead from 10 - 2 and then packed from 2 - 6 on the weekdays. It's going to be like that in any offices that work with mostly kids. Offices that work with mostly adults might have a more balanced work day.
ETA - And like your dentist I also don't work Fridays. My office is still open to answer the phones.
Hi, I'm an orthodontist and I have my own practice for about 7 years now so I can share some insight. You can PM me any questions you might have. Are you in SLC? I've heard there are a million dental offices there. I've grown to the point where I need to hire 2 full time assistants this summer and I can finally offer candidates medical insurance. I only need them to work with patients like 2 days/week but I'm tired of hiring part-timers. The other days they will do non-patient care tasks like re-stocking the clinic, inventory, etc. My last 2 part-time assistants - one left to go watch her grandkids full time and the other is graduating dental hygiene school and will leave when she gets her license. I have another awesome front desk person who is starting nursing school this fall and trying to work her schedule and hours to stay full time with me because she needs the medical insurance. But if part-time is what you want, you will easily find it. All of my dentist colleagues are looking for assistants but the job market is tight everywhere. I've read where some of my orthodontic colleagues treat their staff very generously and offer great benefits to the point where I'm reading their post and thinking "hey, I would love to work for you" LOL.
There is a local dental assisting school here that charges like $20K for their 1 year program. Honestly I feel bad for the people who go through with it to take on that kind of debt for something that can be trained on the job for someone willing to do some serious job searching. I've been having their students come through my office for their 50 hour rotation requirements as a way for me to "pre-interview" people. So I'd hire someone from there but I'm going to have to spend a ton of time training them anyways. Our state requires a special radiology license to take x-rays and you aren't even guaranteed to graduate with the radiology license after spending $20K, you're just eligible to take the exam. And that's not even the Registered Dental Assistant license (RDA) which requires more training and studying. A candidate with an RDA starts at like $21 - $25/hr here and it can go up. You could take a prep course for the radiology license for only $700 in literally the next town. I paid for 2 of my employees to take the $700 course after they worked for me for 6 months. They both passed. I'll even pay for them to go to training courses to take the exams for additional licenses but I have yet to have anyone pass the RDA exam. But i guess people have been conditioned to think they need to go to "school" to be hired for stuff. And licensing requirements vary greatly by state so I would look into that carefully before paying for any training program.
As far as the backstabbing, I don't think you can get away from that in any field. Time off would vary by the office. In my office, I really don't want anyone taking off in August which is our busy month. Anytime school is closed for holidays like MLK or President's day, we are open and so busy. I know some offices require you to take your vacation when the doctor takes it. Around here, many offices require some weekend hours. We are open one Sunday a month which happens to be tomorrow. The schedule is packed. Our schedule is also relatively dead from 10 - 2 and then packed from 2 - 6 on the weekdays. It's going to be like that in any offices that work with mostly kids. Offices that work with mostly adults might have a more balanced work day.
ETA - And like your dentist I also don't work Fridays. My office is still open to answer the phones.
This is amazing thank you so much! I will write a pm in a few. Yes I am in SLC and yeah I don’t know why but apparently Utahns are extra worried about their teeth because there are so many dentists here! Browsing indeed it looks like there are SO MANY jobs but I think there are also a ton of people that want to be dentists/hygienists haha. As far as I can tell there is actually only one 13 month program and it’s decently far from me, most schools around here are 10-11 week programs that are around $3k so I could pay for that fairly easily with part of my stocks. I might look into most offices around here and see if they are open on holidays, it seems like they aren’t maybe my dentist is just picky about his hours lol but he’s worth it 😂
What do you mean about wanting flexibility? Pre-planned flexibility (only working certain days/hours) or day-to-day flexibility (I have an electrician coming at 10, so I’ll be there around noon)? I worked as an SLP in a private practice office that provided tons of pre-planned flexibility. When I was hired, I could essentially name my days and times that I wanted to work, but essentially no day-to-day flexibility. I had standing appointments and some were planned months in advance. I could obviously call out sick, and no one made me feel bad about it, but I knew that meant that either my co-workers would lose their paperwork time to see my clients or they’d have to cancel my clients. So *I* felt bad, even if no one else said a word. I think the same would be true in any client/customer facing position, including a dental office.
I worked in an office of about 15 women and there was zero drama of any sort. It was definitely a unique and wonderful environment! It was largely due to the boss’s hiring practices and how she ran the office. That’ll be the same in any job...so much depends on the manager/owner rather than the field itself.
Thanks everyone for your insight. I definitely have a lot to think about and keep researching. And I have time, I’m definitely not going anywhere til after I have this baby and take my 6 month maternity leave anyway. If you super love your career path I am open to suggestions 😂
I work in academia where I am the head of operations for a School of Health Sciences. I feel like I am helping people by making sure their clinicians are caring, compassionate, and well-trained.
I love my job and I also have a lot of flexibility day to day.
Do you have any academic institutions you could look at getting into?
Thanks everyone for your insight. I definitely have a lot to think about and keep researching. And I have time, I’m definitely not going anywhere til after I have this baby and take my 6 month maternity leave anyway. If you super love your career path I am open to suggestions 😂
I work in academia where I am the head of operations for a School of Health Sciences. I feel like I am helping people by making sure their clinicians are caring, compassionate, and well-trained.
I love my job and I also have a lot of flexibility day to day.
Do you have any academic institutions you could look at getting into?
i mean there are definitely academic institutions here but I’m not sure how available a position in that field would be unless I have a degree which I do not.
What do you mean about wanting flexibility? Pre-planned flexibility (only working certain days/hours) or day-to-day flexibility (I have an electrician coming at 10, so I’ll be there around noon)? I worked as an SLP in a private practice office that provided tons of pre-planned flexibility. When I was hired, I could essentially name my days and times that I wanted to work, but essentially no day-to-day flexibility. I had standing appointments and some were planned months in advance. I could obviously call out sick, and no one made me feel bad about it, but I knew that meant that either my co-workers would lose their paperwork time to see my clients or they’d have to cancel my clients. So *I* felt bad, even if no one else said a word. I think the same would be true in any client/customer facing position, including a dental office.
I worked in an office of about 15 women and there was zero drama of any sort. It was definitely a unique and wonderful environment! It was largely due to the boss’s hiring practices and how she ran the office. That’ll be the same in any job...so much depends on the manager/owner rather than the field itself.
Good question! I have okay pre-planned flexibility, I guess I would like more day to day flexibility. I feel so disappointed about how things are going in my current position in recruiting at my job because I think I am decently good at it but I am really struggling with the limitations and inflexibility of the culture. So I keep talking myself into and out of leaving haha
What do you mean about wanting flexibility? Pre-planned flexibility (only working certain days/hours) or day-to-day flexibility (I have an electrician coming at 10, so I’ll be there around noon)? I worked as an SLP in a private practice office that provided tons of pre-planned flexibility. When I was hired, I could essentially name my days and times that I wanted to work, but essentially no day-to-day flexibility. I had standing appointments and some were planned months in advance. I could obviously call out sick, and no one made me feel bad about it, but I knew that meant that either my co-workers would lose their paperwork time to see my clients or they’d have to cancel my clients. So *I* felt bad, even if no one else said a word. I think the same would be true in any client/customer facing position, including a dental office.
I worked in an office of about 15 women and there was zero drama of any sort. It was definitely a unique and wonderful environment! It was largely due to the boss’s hiring practices and how she ran the office. That’ll be the same in any job...so much depends on the manager/owner rather than the field itself.
Good question! I have okay pre-planned flexibility, I guess I would like more day to day flexibility. I feel so disappointed about how things are going in my current position in recruiting at my job because I think I am decently good at it but I am really struggling with the limitations and inflexibility of the culture. So I keep talking myself into and out of leaving haha
I think anything that is people facing is going to be hard to find day to day flexibility - since someone has to cover for you if you’re not there.
I honestly was a little bit flabbergasted when I started dating H and. O one cared when he was at the office as long as he was making meetings and logging his hours. But he doesn’t deal with external people, ever and even for a meeting they don’t care if he calls in.
I taught so if I wasn’t there at the specific times someone had to cover for me.
Now, these are probably the extremes but I wouldn’t expect anything like a dental assistant to have great day to day flexibility.
I work in academia where I am the head of operations for a School of Health Sciences. I feel like I am helping people by making sure their clinicians are caring, compassionate, and well-trained.
I love my job and I also have a lot of flexibility day to day.
Do you have any academic institutions you could look at getting into?
i mean there are definitely academic institutions here but I’m not sure how available a position in that field would be unless I have a degree which I do not.
I wouldn't count yourself out. My position requires a degree but many, including the one I held previously, do not.
This is amazing thank you so much! I will write a pm in a few. Yes I am in SLC and yeah I don’t know why but apparently Utahns are extra worried about their teeth because there are so many dentists here! Browsing indeed it looks like there are SO MANY jobs but I think there are also a ton of people that want to be dentists/hygienists haha. As far as I can tell there is actually only one 13 month program and it’s decently far from me, most schools around here are 10-11 week programs that are around $3k so I could pay for that fairly easily with part of my stocks. I might look into most offices around here and see if they are open on holidays, it seems like they aren’t maybe my dentist is just picky about his hours lol but he’s worth it 😂
From the time I entered the field as a dental student, I heard the following - "Being a dentist is great because it allows you to earn a good income and have time off with your family. That's why there are so many Mormon men in dentistry. And their wives all want to go back to Utah after graduation making it one of the most competitive dental markets in the country." I'm sure there are LDS dentists everywhere but there definitely more out west than compared here on the east coast. I went to school & residency with a few LDS doctors in my class who were from New York, Virginia and Utah. They ended up in Colorado, Colorado, and a SLC suburb.
I would respond to some offices that are hiring and ask if they would hire with no experience before spending $3K for a 11 week course. I read that everyone is tired of candidates who don't follow instructions when replying to job ads and then ghosting interviews if they do manage to speak to the person doing the hiring. You really may not need the course.