To resolve or not to resolve: that is the question

Greetings and a Happy New Year to All from the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)! It seems to me that the older we get, the more concerned we become with self-improvement and making New Year’s resolutions after the holidays. For some, the New Year may involve a change in position or employment. Remember to use your networking skills and contacts within the dental assisting community! Often, information about key dental assisting positions are obtained through word of mouth or by “who you know” as an introduction to the position.

Still others of us dental professionals resolve each year to further our education, whether that is going back to college to finish a degree, earning additional expanded function certificates, or expanding our knowledge through continuing dental education. The ADAA can assist you in your continuing-education needs through hands-on roundtable learning at many of the regional meetings, informative lectures and seminars through local society and state associations, and a wonderful library of home study coursework available at www.dentalassistant.org. And with all of the continuing education you plan to take this year, why not apply your continuing dental education coursework to the ADAA fellowship or mastership if you are an active member? Join the ranks of your fellow colleagues who already have challenged themselves with their continuing education! And existing ADAA fellows can be challenged with the mastership program by exploring additional areas of dentistry!

Lastly, get a coworker or colleague to join the dental assisting network through membership within the ADAA. We offer different opportunities for all stages of the career and welcome new ideas and insights through discussions, networking, and affiliation! Our profession is ever-changing and improves with new ideas and innovation.

Kids seem to remain amusingly free from the pressure to make major changes in a new year. We might have something to learn from them — less stress should equal more fun! Take charge of your own professional goals and ease your way into a stress-free year. Remember, we dental assistants thrive on multitasking and leading a busy life balancing work and family. It’s OK to act like a kid once in a while ... it’s what keeps us sane!

Natalie Kaweckyj, LDA, RF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, MADAA, BA
President, American Dental Assistants Association 2010 – 2011