by No matter what profession you are in, goals are essential to achieve success in your career. Especially in a dynamic and competitive field like Dentistry, goal setting is mandatory if you want to thrive and advance, and be the best version of yourself!
So, after you’ve completed the certified dental assistant program, and started working as a full-time dental assistant, setting goals can help you hone the necessary skills and pave the way to advance in your career.
In this blog, we will learn some of the best short-term and long-term goals that can help you set a path for your career as a dental assistant.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Goals- Understanding the Differences
Before delving too deep, let’s understand the differences between short-term and long-term goals.
Well, the most basic difference is the objectives of these goals. Short-term goals are the ones that you plan to achieve in a quick span, ranging from a few weeks to a year, after completing your dental assistant certification program.
For instance, as a dental assistant, your ideal short-term goal might be to gain additional certifications or enhance soft skills.
On the other hand, long-term goals are the bigger ambitions that you have for your career. While short-term goals focus on immediate achievements, long-term goals reflect your persistence, and visions, and might take years to achieve.
An ideal long-term goal for a dental assistant might be to gain expertise in a particular niche of dentistry or to co-own a dental practice.
Short-term Goals for Dental Assistants
Now, let’s move on and take a look at some of the short-term goals that you, as a dental assistant, can set for yourself.
- Master A New Skill
This could include mastering a new dental procedure, learning and honing proficiency in handling the latest dental software, etc. This opens the way for you to perform a wide range of dental assistant duties.
- Hone Your Soft Skills
As a dental assistant, handling the patient remains a big part of your job. So, an ideal short-term goal for you would be to enhance your communication skills and learn empathy and teamwork. This will help you provide better patient care and also make it convenient for you to work along with dental teams.
- Optimize The Workflow
You might’ve seen the ideal workflow of your mentors or seniors at the dental assistant training academy. Well, that’s normal in a real-time dental office! So, along with honing new skills, focus on streamlining your overall workflow to reduce the overall chair turnover time.
- Work On Your Online Presence
Nowadays, an online presence is just as important as your practice! So, another ideal short-term goal might be to create a professional profile on social media platforms like LinkedIn and showcase your resume, skills, and experience. This helps in networking opportunities and also helps you strengthen your long-term objectives.
Long-term Goals for Dental Assistants
Ever faced the question- “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Well, that’s your long-term goals that an interviewer wants to know!
- Specialization
If you have gained interest in a particular specialization like orthodontics, or oral surgery, try to earn the position of lead assistant at that particular specialization. This enhances your salary potential, as well as your demands in the industry.
However, what you need to remember, is that you have to be in this constant process of learning and application for the rest of your career! It’s going to be a tough journey, but if you endure and work through the process, the rewards are enormous!
- Mentorships
Another great long-term goal that you can set for yourself, is to join the mentorship program in dental assistant schools in California. You’ll get to teach the newbies the skills, temperament, and life of a dental assistant, whilst having a brisk income.
You’ll turn out to be that helpful and supportive path-finder, who assists newer candidates and effectively guides them toward the right way to excel in this competitive field. While mentorship might seem difficult, nothing will feel more wholesome than when a successful student meets up after years and shows their heartfelt gratitude for the guidance you gave them!
- Dental Office Management
A management position within a dental office, or a lead dental assistant, requires you to handle responsibilities, and also unlock higher earning potentials. So, focusing on becoming a dental office manager or a lead dental assistant are great long-term goals you can have as a dental assistant.
Wrapping It Up
Once you’re done with your dental assistant certification requirements, it’s all a matter of time and upskilling! Along with it, having short-term, and long-term goals can help you set a definite career path, and work towards it to achieve a successful, and fulfilling career!
