Persistence: a virtue or something your teacher told you?

Many new dental assisting grads are now finding themselves with the task of sitting for credentialing exams and then hunting for the perfect first dental assisting job. Does that perfect job truly exist? And if so, will we ever find it? Some of us luck out on the first try while others … well, let’s just say we took the selective route to finding our dream.We grew up hearing If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. This saying can guide you throughout your career from beginning to end, whether clinically, administratively, or academically. As a student who was learning to take alginate impressions or manipulate zinc phosphate cement before it set up, you probably heard try again repeatedly throughout your education. Practice made almost perfect in the classroom, and then you perfected your technique during your externship. Seasoned assistants may have offered pearls of wisdom along the way to help things go more smoothly. I have one more to add: Failure cannot compete with diligence.Failure gets weak at the knees and all jealous whenever it is faced with determination. Failure likes to control people and convince them not to bother pursuing their dreams — whatever that may be to give up and stop believing. But we know better ... at least I hope you do! As a recent grad, you may try to look for the easiest “in” around every curve. As a mid-career dental assistant, you may look for the answers in the less obvious places. And as a seasoned career professional, you may spend time trying to remember where you should be looking for answers. Enter networking ...Networking can help any dental assistant, whether you are just starting out or looking for a “change” from the regular day-to-day pace. Many opportunities are available through “who you know.” Enter your professional association ...I can’t stress enough the importance of belonging to your professional organization. Who else is going to look out for you and your profession? At the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), we have many ways to assist you as you travel through your career. We offer continuing education as well as the ADAA Fellowship/Mastership programs to challenge you professionally. We offer various leadership opportunities at the local, state and national levels through individual leadership or as a group with council and committee work. We offer employment leads not only through our website, but through the group page on Facebook. The ADAA also offers legislative assistance to state dental assisting associations as they endeavor to make a difference in the profession through the various state legislatures. Check us out at www.dentalassistant.org. We have something for everyone!Lesson for the day: Every day you have a barrier to overcome ... and when you do, there will be another waiting for you. That is a part of life. These challenges are what build character. Each of us has unique character, depending upon the personal experiences that have shaped our lives and career. Progress is having the desire to keep going even when you want to take a break from the last obstacle. Growth is having the passion to continue, even when you think you have hit the lowest point in your life or career. Personally, I keep this life lesson in mind as I try to move on to the next level in Angry Birds. Be happy, stay positive, and you will achieve your dreams and goals!Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday to you and yours! Until next month ... NatalieNatalie Kaweckyj, LDARF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPDA, MADAA, BA
President, American Dental Assistants Association