Happily Ever After — Life After Pediatric Dental Assistant School
What’s life like after graduating from the Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Marietta?
To answer that question, I got two of my former students on the phone to find out how their lives have changed after going through just nine weeks of career training. Were they happy with the results? Would they recommend the same course to others? Here’s what they had to say.
Former PDAS Students Speak Out
[Author’s note: Interviews were conducted by a third party so as to encourage honesty]
Our students
Holly – Female, 22 years old. Attended PDAS in the fall of 2015.
Irving – Male, 21 years old. Attended PDAS in the winter/spring of 2015/2016.
What were you doing before being trained as a pediatric dental assistant?
Holly: Before attending PDAS, I had been a student at Jacksonville State University for three years, and I was still undecided about what I wanted to do with my life.
Irving: I was doing well as a utility worker on day shift, but I just didn’t want to do that forever.
How did you hear about PDAS, and what inspired you to give that a try?
Holly: I was always drawn to the world of dentistry and I absolutely love kids, so that’s when I decided I wanted to be a pediatric dental assistant. I looked at every school for miles around, but none of them offered a pediatric focus, and I wanted to work with children. Then I discovered PDAS online, and I was so happy that I was able to find what I wanted.
Irving: I was accepted to a dental assistant program at the college near me in Atlanta, but there was a waiting list. Their classes were so full that I had waited over a year and still wasn’t able to attend, so I had to look elsewhere. I found PDAS online, and I was excited that I would be able to start the very next session.
What were your favorite aspects about the PDAS (hands on training, instructors, easy scheduling, etc.)?
Holly: I was very nervous my first day of class, but after meeting my instructors and touring the office, I was immediately at ease. I loved every single part of the course and I could go on and on about everything I learned. The hands-on instruction really helped with learning the material and helped me feel comfortable learning to do it on my own.
Irving: PDAS offered a significant benefit in that I didn’t have to quit my job to attend school. I could keep my normal job during the week while training for my new career on the weekend. As far as the classes themselves, my favorite things would be the small class sizes and the hands-on training. With a small class, you receive a lot of one-on-one time with the instructor, whom from day one, is putting tools in your hands and teaching you how to do the job.
How hard was it finding work after completing your course of study?
Holly: After graduating from PDAS, I was on my way to find a job and put my skills to the test. At first, the job search was difficult because everyone wants a dental assistant with experience. I reached out to Dr. Haugseth and she helped me find my first position.
Irving: It took me about two months of job searching in my spare time before I started my new job. I was able to get several interviews right out of the gate, and within eight weeks I had a new job, actually getting a great gig as a pediatric hygiene assistant rather than a dental assistant.
Did you feel prepared when you started your new job?
Holly: Despite this being my first job in the field, my coworkers were impressed that I came with all of the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary needed for my career. I was surprised how well I was able to learn all that I did in just nine weeks.
Irving: I felt like I was ready to go. Every office has their own variance in standard operating procedures, but I had the skillset I needed to be successful and learn the preferences of the practice I work for.
How do you feel about your future? How does that compare to the time before your career change to a pediatric dental assistant?
Holly: I absolutely love my career and my new lifestyle. I definitely want to be in the dental field for the rest of my life. Being a pediatric dental assistant has made me want to further my career, so down the road I plan to venture into pediatric dental hygiene.
Irving: I really like this career a lot more than my previous job. This work has made me really love dentistry, so I am going to stay in the field.
What advice would you give someone who is considering the same career path/change?
Holly: I would recommend Pediatric Dental Assistant School to anyone! I received all the training and knowledge I needed and now I have a wonderful career.
Irving: Do it! This is something that sticks with you; it will have value forever. To be successful, it’s important to organize your schedule, study, and follow a plan.
If you’ve been wanting a career change, it’s time to make a move
Our next class begins January 14th, 2017. If you register and have your tuition paid by November 30th, you’ll receive a $200 early registration rebate! You can start a new career in as little as nine weeks, so don’t delay!
~ Dr. Rhea Haugseth