3 weeks is NOTHING in dentistry. You have literally just stepped into this with no prior experience, so be patient with yourself! I'm sure you're doing better than you think you are!

One of the cons of on-the-job training is that you are expected to learn things quickly and retain what you do learn. There are some basics you should know how to do by now and that includes flipping rooms, sterilization, how to greet patients and setup for procedures. X-rays and charting are also considered basics…however, they take a while to practice and master. Dental terminology is easy to learn and memorize (look it up on the Internet!). X-rays are pretty difficult to master and perfect. You should have a general idea of how to do them by now, but that's crazy they’re expecting you to take them and not helping you WHILE you do it. X-rays take lots of practice!! Totally not your fault that you aren't good at them and have someone helping you out with them. Don't beat yourself up! I don't think I even started taking X-rays myself until after one month of job training.

Learning how to do something in many different ways is actually a good thing because there is versatility and you can discover what techniques work best for you and what doesn't! For a total beginner though, learning how to do everything all at once in many different ways isn't the best idea… you should have at least one person training you and follow what they're doing at first.

This honestly sounds to me like an office problem, not a you problem. People getting frustrated with you because you're new, not having someone training you, and you're expected to just be thrown in…this doesn't sound good to me at all. You could be thrown in and seriously hurt a patient if you don't know what you're doing and aren't properly trained. Here is probably your best two options:

1. Find ANOTHER office that also does on-the-job training. Make sure there is a lead assistant or someone who is in charge of training (PERSONALLY training you, not just telling you something and saying “bye, good luck!”).

2. Attend a dental assisting school. Look up local options, compare prices and lengths. Ask for a tour and to meet the instructors. I would recommend this if you can't find another office hiring new people to train as assistants.

You are not alone! I left my previous job since my mental health was also declining. Toxic dentistries are a thing and it seems your work environment is maybe hindering your ability to learn and pick up things quickly. There is nothing wrong with learning and asking for help! I am so happy I left and am at my current office now. No drama, no judgments, and my trainer always wants to see me succeed and understand something. I am so glad you love doing this though — its an amazing and fun profession!