💙 From “I Hate Mondays” to “This Is It”: How APDAS Helps You Start a Meaningful Career in Pediatric Dental Assisting
Do you ever get that heavy feeling on Sunday night? 😩
The feeling that another long week at a job you don’t love is about to begin?
You’re not lazy.
You’re not unmotivated.
You work hard. You care about your family. You want stability.
You just want a career that makes sense.
At the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School (APDAS), we meet people every day who feel exactly this way — and are ready for a positive change.
If you’ve been searching for “career change,” “healthcare jobs,” “dental assistant training,” or “jobs working with kids,” you’re in the right place.
🤍 Feeling Stuck in Your Job Is More Common Than You Think
Many people who contact APDAS tell us they feel:
✔️ Burned out
✔️ Underpaid
✔️ Unfulfilled
✔️ Unsure about their future
✔️ Nervous about starting over
You may have:
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Thought about updating your résumé
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Googled “best careers without college debt”
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Wondered if you’re “too old” to change careers
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Asked yourself, “Am I good enough for healthcare?”
Let us reassure you:
You are capable.
You are motivated.
You are ready for more.
You just need the right training and support.
“Learning together, laughing together, and building confidence from day one — that’s the APDAS experience.”
💡 Discovering Pediatric Dental Assisting as a Career Path
For many students, there’s a moment when everything clicks.
They realize:
💙 “I could work in healthcare.”
💙 “I could help children and families.”
💙 “I could be part of a professional dental team.”
💙 “I could have a schedule that fits my life.”
💙 “I could actually enjoy going to work.”
That moment often leads them to pediatric dental assisting.
Pediatric dental assistants play an essential role in helping children feel safe, confident, and comfortable during dental visits.
It is a career that is:
✔️ Practical ✔️ Professional
✔️ Meaningful
✔️ Family-friendly
✔️ In demand
A new career starts with one brave step — and a supportive team cheering you on.”
🎓 How APDAS Trains Future Pediatric Dental Assistants
At APDAS, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. “
Our students train in a real pediatric dental office environment, not just a classroom.
In addition to clinical skills, students also develop the professional communication skills needed to work confidently with children, parents, and dental teams. You can learn more about why communication skills matter in pediatric dentistry in this article.
They learn through:
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Hands-on practice
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Repetition
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Guided coaching
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Real patient simulations
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Supportive instruction
This helps build confidence quickly.
“Hands-on practice is where everything clicks. Students learn by doing — again and again — until skills feel natural.”
Our Program Includes:
✅ No years of college
✅ No massive student debt
✅ No endless lectures
✅ No confusing theory-only classes
Instead, students gain real-world dental assisting skills they can use immediately.
In just nine Saturdays, students progress from:
😬 “I’m nervous…”
to
😄 “I’m confident and ready to work.”
🌈 Life After Graduating from APDAS
Graduates of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School often tell us they love:
✔️ Working with supportive dental teams
✔️ Helping children every day
✔️ Feeling proud of their profession
✔️ Having predictable schedules
✔️ Earning steady income
✔️ Enjoying work-life balance
They don’t just get a job.
They gain direction, confidence, and long-term career stability. 🚀
Many graduates quickly find employment in pediatric dental offices throughout the Atlanta area and beyond.
🤍 Making a Career Change Doesn’t Have to Be Dramatic
Most successful career changes don’t happen overnight.
They start quietly.
With a thought like: 💙 “This makes sense.”
💙 “This feels right.”
💙 “This could be my future.”
If you’ve been watching our videos, reading our posts, or researching healthcare careers, this may be your moment.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
At APDAS, we guide students step by step — from the first question to graduation and beyond.
“Yes, we work hard — but we also have fun. Confidence grows quickly when learning feels positive and encouraging.”
📍 Why Choose the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School (APDAS)?
APDAS is led by Dr. Rhea Haugseth, a pediatric dentist with over 40 years of experience in pediatric dentistry and dental education.
Our mission is simple:
“From clinical skills to real office systems, students gain the practical experience they’ll use every day in their new careers.”
To train confident, skilled, compassionate pediatric dental assistants who are prepared for real-world success.
We focus on:
✔️ High-quality instruction
✔️ Small class sizes
✔️ Personal mentoring
✔️ Job readiness
✔️ Professional development
Our graduates are respected, prepared, and in demand.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Assistant Training in Atlanta
How long does pediatric dental assistant training take at APDAS?
Our program is completed in just nine Saturdays, allowing students to gain hands-on experience quickly without spending years in college.
Do I need previous healthcare experience?
No prior healthcare experience is required. Our pediatric dental assistant training program is designed to guide students step by step from beginner to confident professional.
Is pediatric dental assistant training a good career change?
Yes. Many of our students come from unrelated fields and choose pediatric dental assistant training because it offers stability, meaningful work with children, and strong job opportunities in Atlanta.
Can I find a job after completing training?
Many APDAS graduates find employment in pediatric dental offices throughout the Atlanta area shortly after completing the program.
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👇 Ready to Start Your Career in Pediatric Dental Assisting?
If you’re thinking about a new career in healthcare, working with children, or becoming a dental assistant, this may be your next step.
📩 Contact us today to learn more about upcoming classes.
💙 Comment “YES”
💙 Send us a message
💙 Or visit our website to apply
You can do this.
And we would love to help you.
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.