Why Holly exchanged nursing for a thriving career in Dental Assisting

Holly’s career as a Dental Assistant all started with a surprising pivot in her studies.  

That’s because she had originally intended to study nursing – in fact, her Bachelor of Nursing was already underway when she took up her first role as a Dental Assistant.

‘I applied for a job as a dental assistant while I studied. I ended up really enjoying being a dental assistant and loved the flexibility of the role.’ 

And it has surely proved to be a satisfying career move, because it’s now been eight years and counting. 

Since then she’s worked in private general dental practices, where she got to experience all aspects of dental assisting through general dentists and specialists. Throughout her years working in clinics, her favourite part of the job is an easy pick: the variety in the everyday. 

‘In the same day you could be assisting with a surgical procedure, later you could be working with kids demonstrating to them how to brush their teeth and educating them on the importance of an oral health routine.’ 

The nature of Holly’s role as a Dental Assistant has meant she’s had to develop a few key skills, specifically when it comes to caring for others who may not be so excited about their visit to the dentists’ office.  

‘Most patients are very nervous coming in for their appointments. I do my best to ensure they have a positive experience by treating patients with care, having empathy, and making them feel as comfortable as possible to help build their trust.'

Combining two passions into one 

When Holly entered into the Dental Assisting profession, she had already thought of how she could combine her thriving dental career with another interest of hers. 

‘I have always been interested in teaching and healthcare, so I have always had becoming a trainer and assessor on my mind,’ she explains. 

But it wasn’t until she was given the responsibility of training newcomer Dental Assistants in her most recent role, that she confirmed it was something she really wanted to pursue.  

‘I would train the new staff and trainees. I really enjoyed this, and it motivated me to transition into education.’ 

As a Trainer and Assessor, Holly finds that her particular experience of balancing work and study has been a real benefit for her students. 

‘I believe having experienced working in clinics and completing my own Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting while working helps me to relate to students’, she says. 

This undoubtedly contributes to the most rewarding part of the job for her – helping others. 

‘The most rewarding aspect is being able to support students when they need it, ensuring we do as much as they need to help them graduate.’ 

As someone who has gone through the qualification route and ended up as a Trainer and Assessor, Holly is clearly a supporter of aspiring dental professionals getting a nationally recognised qualification.  

While she does argue that completing a course will make students more employable and broaden their skill sets, there’s one thing that makes those who are qualified truly stand out in the workplace: dental radiography.  

‘Due to licensing requirements the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) qualification is great to have as it allows a dental assistant or practice manager to take on more in the clinic.’ 

Holly has been a Trainer and Assessor at Foundation Education for two years now, where she finds the flexibility of the courses sets us apart from other training providers. 

'As Foundation Education is an online training provider, it gives the students the opportunity to start their course at any time, complete their theory at their own pace and gain real industry experience whilst completing their practical components of their courses at their chosen dental clinic.'

And for anyone out there wondering if they’d be suited to becoming a dental professional, Holly describes the ideal candidate as ‘a hands-on person, who’s interested in healthcare, and wanting flexibility with a rewarding career.’  

Does this sound like you? Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to formalise your experience with a qualification, our Dental Assisting courses will take you where you want to go. Enquire now or call 1300 616 197 to speak with one of our friendly Careers Advisors.