Graduation.

It was fall 2016 and I had just graduated from the Dental Assisting program. Having learned everything that I had to know and being fully equipped with knowledge, I was ready to jump into the work field.

Choice 1 : I Need a Plan B.

I Need a Plan B.

Because it was a bit challenging finding a job right after graduation, I wasn't sure what to do.

Choice 1 : Do an internship at the Jewish General Hospital.

Choice 2 : Find a dead-end job.

Do an internship at the Jewish General Hospital.

I started off by doing an internship at the Jewish General Hospital, which lasted for about four months. My family was a huge support during those hard times, as my mom would always say: “Internship is an effective way to gain great experience in your field of study, Elena, you should do it”. As an intern, not only did I get useful on-the-job-training, but I also learned the ropes of dental assisting. However, I sometimes felt overwhelmed because learning the ropes was also a challenge and a test drive. Unlike some dead-end jobs, where I sometimes needed a premium wage to earn a little more cash, I didn’t tackle a lot of problems when volunteering. Also, I got to acquire valuable and in-depth skills and I got to learn the ins-and-outs of a dental office. Though I wasn't paid much, I got the opportunity to work with many dental residents, and I assisted in various amazing dental procedures like implants, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, etc. It was all worth it at the end though because all the experience that I gained as an intern came in handy.

Choice 1 : Work as a Dental Assistant in a private dental office.

Find a dead-end job.

Since I wasn't earning enough as an intern, I also worked at Tim Hortons on weekends to end extra cash. It was very tiring because I felt like I was working more than I was paid.

Choice 1 : Quit my job as a fast food employee.

Quit my job as a fast food employee.

Since, I had been hired to work with Dr. Tooth Fairy at the private office, and that I was making enough money, I decided to quit my job as a fast food worker.

Choice 1 : Work as a Dental Assistant in a private dental office.

Work as a Dental Assistant in a private dental office.

After my internship, the boss in the dental department referred me to a dentist in a private practice, where I was hired to work with Dr. Tooth Fairy. Surprisingly, the job wasn’t as overwhelming as it would have been if I had not done an internship. Luckily, my experience helped me to get my foot in the door, and, at that moment, I knew that dentistry is the field for me.

Choice 1 : Keep my Dental Assisting job.

Keep my Dental Assisting job.

While I was working with Dr. Tooth Fairy, I had the opportunity to put in use the various skills that mastered from the Jewish General Hospital. My overall responsibilities revolved around welcoming patients and walking them to the treatment room, communicating with them and making sure they were relaxed and knew which procedure they were getting. I also did chair side assisting in various dental procedures. For example, dental fillings and crowns, root canal treatments, taking of dental impressions, taking of dental x-rays, making of mouth guards and whitening trays, sterilization of dental instruments, etc. Plus, I scheduled and confirmed patient appointments. I worked here for about a year and a half. However, I wasn't very happy at this job because the dentist wasn't very nice to me. So, I had to make a choice.

Choice 1 : Quit my job as a Dental Assistant and find another one.

Choice 2 : Never work as a Dental Assistant again.

Quit my job as a Dental Assistant and find another one.

Despite the fact that I acquired so much experience when I worked with Dr. Tooth Fairy, working with her was hell! Not only did she undermine me in front of patients, but she also ordered me around and treated me like a slave. For example, whenever she needed me to do something she had to add a judgmental comment. - Elena! She said. - Yes, I said. - Come here. - Disinfect the treatment room and make sure you do it well because honestly, you kind of look like the messy type. Besides, I don't your hair. Why do you black people braid your hair anyway? It's very weird. - Okay, I said. Mind you, this all happened in the presence of patients. One time, I had to use the bathroom while she discussed the treatment plan with a patient, and she got very angry at me and spoke poorly to me in front of the patient. Honestly, I felt like crap. So, after the patient left, I finally brought it up to her in a nice and respectful manner, but she never saw her wrongs. More often than not, she treated me like I’m worthless, which is why I always felt so incompetent while working for her, to a point where, most days, I used to go home crying. At that point, I had to make a choice.

Choice 1 : Never work as a Dental Assistant again.

Never work as a Dental Assistant again.

After my last encounter with Dr. Tooth Fairy, I was so hurt and fed up that as soon as I had gotten home, and my family asked me how my day was, I literally burst into tears. I was balling! That night, I put aside my emotions and gave everything a thought. I said to myself: “Elena, Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life? Should I continue? What if I don’t find another job?” That day, I realized that I couldn’t continue like that way, so, I quit the next day. Eventually, I found another job as a Customer Relations Specialist for Great West life insurance, where I stayed for about a year.

Choice 1 : Go back to school as a Dental Hygiene student.

Go back to school as a Dental Hygiene student.

One day, I decided to apply for the Dental Hygiene program and that’s how today, I ended up in the Dental Hygiene program at the Maisonneuve College. I’m currently in my second year and on my first stage, and I have to say: I’m absolutely loving every moment! I have my own patients who I work directly on. My overall duties as a dental hygienist revolve around cleaning teeth (by removing dental plaque), conducting patient initial screenings and educating and advising patients on good oral health and preventative care (brushing, flossing, anti-cariogenic foods). In the end, everything turned out quite well! I guess everything does happen for a reason.

Choice 1 : Be a Dental Hygienist forever