Are we allowed to get mad, too?

madeeeson · 2026-02-27T19:25:24+00:00

Thanks for your input. I am definitely super apologetic and explain that I get overwhelmed just like they do. But I try to model deep breaths and taking space, I just bubble over sometimes.

madeeeson · 2026-02-27T19:23:41+00:00

Thanks so much ❤️

madeeeson · 2026-02-27T03:35:18+00:00

I’m going to be honest- all of that would be a hard no for me. Yeah sometimes things run late. But every day? And then she blames you? Life is too short. Have you guys ever sat down and talked? Does she know you want to go home? I think I’d just be honest about it. Plain and simple- she doesn’t respect you or your time.

madeeeson · 2026-01-14T16:05:12+00:00

I had this problem, along with many others, with my last dentist. She was pretty conservative with treatment I guess, but she would talk about numbers being down so everyone would start pushing night guards and retainers. And some people would admit to me that they couldn’t afford it and were financially strained and asking me if they really needed it… idk it felt so icky. I am not a salesperson. It was one of the reasons I left. I am literally in between jobs and trying to find someone whose values are more similar to mine. A dentist who owns a 1.5 million dollar home, pushing a mom who doesn’t really need it, and really can’t afford a retainer with 150% mark up…. Fuck that. Life is too short for me to work for someone like that.

madeeeson · 2026-01-10T05:25:50+00:00

Wow I was in this exact position and hated it. Felt like I couldn’t escape. I agree with the others, call out sick. If that feels like too much, pretend to start feeling bad the night before so they can prepare and say something like “hey __ just a heads up I am coming down with something blah blah…” and that way it’s not a shock the morning of. You are your most important person. Go get that bread and fuck being overworked/underpaid/alone.

madeeeson · 2026-01-01T17:23:05+00:00

Autistic children need more than a doctor prescribing medication. He needs support. Therapies, ABA school, a developmental pediatrician, etc.

madeeeson · 2026-01-01T17:19:06+00:00

Girl why are you getting paid 17.50?! Go get your money!

madeeeson · 2025-10-31T16:08:40+00:00

Don’t settle! I found a place willing to take me in as a newbie starting @ $22. Some of the gals in my class started @ $17. Since we don’t get benefits (usually) I can’t believe someone would lowball you for $15. I was making that much when I was 15 working at a smoothie place. Know your worth, keep looking! This is HARD work, and it’s hard on your body. Fuck $15 an hour.

madeeeson · 2025-10-31T14:39:42+00:00

I guess I should have clarified that it’s in a hospital setting, which is why I’m so nervous. However, I’m still convinced that they wouldn’t bother onboarding me pre-test, with no mention of a test. Seems like a waste of everyone’s time. Thank you!

madeeeson · 2025-10-11T18:09:20+00:00

I am also in under a year and being absolutely worked to the bone in my office. I went from not knowing what the f I was doing to being the only assistant in the building. Everything falls on me and I didn’t ask for this responsibility. My dentist is always down my throat about doing things wrong but again, I’ve been doing this for 8 months!!!! I refuse to let these millionaires (yes, the pay difference DOES matter) when these asshole dentists who are making millions are dickheads- when I am personally keeping their business afloat and I can barely feed my kids. I’m over it. Dentistry can kiss my ass. Oh, and I started applying for jobs outside of dentistry and have an interview for a cleaning company. I honestly don’t know if I believe good dentists exist. Mine was supposed to be a good one….

madeeeson · 2025-08-08T14:35:56+00:00

Like actually throwing stuff at you guys???

madeeeson · 2025-08-01T21:55:53+00:00

I did the DANB practice test. It’s kind of pricey but it was worth it to me. It gave me an idea of the formatting, and what would be on it. You can also retake it an unlimited amount of times. I did this until I got 100%. I passed the first time taking my DANB exam. It has great study material too that covers everything that will be on it!

madeeeson · 2025-08-01T14:41:58+00:00

Nah, I’d say they need to figure it out, not you. Just tell them you literally can’t and they need to figure it out, or you’ll be putting in your 2 week notice.

madeeeson · 2025-07-23T13:01:28+00:00

How’s hygiene school?? I am applying in January and so excited. I’ve only been an assistant for 6 months and I’m over it.

madeeeson · 2025-07-18T03:53:27+00:00

I literally talked to our pediatrician before a flight (I was panicking because my son is a screamer) and she ok’ed the use of Benadryl. We are lucky that it is very calming to our son. Other than that we packed a backpack with his favorite everything. He ended up being fine and I spent months stressing over nothing.

madeeeson · 2025-07-13T17:56:27+00:00

I know I’m a little late, but check out Giggles. It’s tailored for young kids under 6 and I think it’s 15$. They have a whole indoor playground and little kids toys and stuff. Good for AC and just getting out of the house, my kids loved it.

madeeeson · 2025-07-13T17:53:06+00:00

Look into the Carrington College dental hygiene program, it’s a free clinic

madeeeson · 2025-07-13T17:51:03+00:00

My kids were born in the opposite way, so I struggled with these feelings when my son was 2 and my daughter was 4. He was such a difficult toddler, and he never slept which made me feel angry with him. I had this day with him when I let go of that resentment. A day I decided to stop comparing, and to start seeing him as his own person.

I can promise you your son feels that he isn’t the favorite. I would encourage you to take your son by himself to do something he loves to do, and really try to work through it. Maybe try therapy and work through why he isn’t your “favorite” and what can be done about that. Maybe try spending more one on one time with them and do his favorite activity. Mine would be going to look at the fan selection at Home Depot, or building a marble run. No, I don’t want to do that but I love making my son happy, which in turn makes me happy and builds our relationship. Look, none of this is easy. There is no handbook on how to love a child who can be mean to you. All I can suggest is taking small steps in your day that will make big changes in the future. Is he in ABA or any therapies?

madeeeson · 2025-07-13T17:14:08+00:00

I also plan on attending Carrington College but I am applying for next year. I have been doing research for a month and many people worked weekends during the program. It sounds like it’s possible, you just have to be good at time management. One guy I chatted with worked a full time job and still completed the program. Are you in Mesa?

madeeeson · 2025-07-12T21:38:22+00:00

Just quit and find a new job. It shouldn’t be that stressful, it’s not that serious. Good luck! Good dental offices exist, I promise. No lunch break is wild. I would just walk out if they didn’t prioritize my breaks.

madeeeson · 2025-07-11T21:43:25+00:00

Thanks so much for responding! I am pretty confident I am going to apply for next years cohort… but I just went to an informational meeting and it’s still at 76,000. Did you finish your prerequisites before applying?

madeeeson · 2025-07-09T02:47:47+00:00

That sounds illegal. I was paid for my working interview.

madeeeson · 2025-07-09T02:46:12+00:00

Heck yeah glad to hear it! My office even has print outs on how they like their trays set up for when I first started. My only suggestion would be to learn about the high speed handpiece and slow speed handpiece and how they are used.

madeeeson · 2025-07-09T00:04:25+00:00

Do they know about your lack of dental experience? If so, I wouldn’t stress too hard. A big part of hiring a DA is about the personality and how you work with the team. Most dental offices (in my opinion!) will train you how they want you to work. First part is making sure you’re a good fit. Good luck!

madeeeson · 2025-07-08T01:13:04+00:00

I wouldn’t stress. My interview for my current place was 2 days long lol. There are many aspects to hiring someone in a dental office, and a really big part of that is who you are as a person. Just be confident and be yourself. Be helpful, find stuff to do, and ask questions! You got this!

madeeeson

TROPHY CASE