Congratulations! You’re a newly graduated dental hygienist or dental assistant… Now what?
The question of what to do after graduation is common among new grads. Full of hope and worry, dreams and fears. 2020 may have been a strange year to graduate as most of you did not get to walk the stage, but rather saw your name flash across a screen. But, don’t fret new grads: we promise you great things await!
As all you look ahead to your bright future, we have come up with some tips to help ease your mind and keep you feeling positive.
1. Stay Positive
We at TempStars strongly believe that a positive attitude is one of the most impactful tools at your disposal. It can be easy to lose your optimism as you try to find employment or navigate unfamiliar workplace situations. But, always remember the passion you have inside that put you through your program in the first place.
Life never seems to go perfectly to plan, so learn to be open and see the positive opportunities in whatever comes your way! This attitude will set you apart in the eyes of your colleagues and will make you more satisfied overall.
2. Keep Learning
Learning doesn’t end after you graduate and get your degree or diploma! Some dental hygienists and assistants even feel they learned more in the field than they did in their program. You are given great foundations from your school, but you will never stop learning on the job. Some of your greatest teachers will be your own colleagues, so keep your eyes and ears open and take it all in.
3. Be Proactive
Finding a job, practising your skills, and being a better team member all rely on being proactive! This starts with taking responsibility for yourself and your career by becoming more mindful and identifying opportunities to grow and become the best dental professional you can be.
Think about who you want to be as a dental professional and work back the steps to achieving your goals. Reach out to that dream office you want to work for! Network with other professionals! Learn a new skill! You will be surprised how much your confidence grows when you adopt a proactive mentality.
4. Network & Connect
Outside of the workplace, the dental community is full of incredible and accomplished individuals to learn from and connect with. Getting out there and connecting with other professionals opens you up to opportunities you might not otherwise hear about.
Make some friends and join some Facebook groups (hint hint: TempStars) as an easy way to get connected. Your school program likely has an alumni network to participate in, allowing you to continue your connections from school as well as meet others who graduated before you.
Another great way to meet professional contacts is….
5. Try Temping Shifts
Dental temping! Ok, so we’re probably a bit biased here, but many of our hygienist and assistant members would agree. When you’re just starting out in hygiene or dental assisting, it can be difficult to find full-time work without experience. Temp shifts are the perfect way to start working quickly, learn on the job and grow professional connections. You’ll get a feel for your work life and test out some dental offices.
Not to mention, temping gives you’re the flexibility to choose your own schedule and with TempStars you always choose your own hourly rate.
Over 6500 (wow!) hygienists and assistants use TempStars to find dental temping shifts, for FREE.
Not yet a member? Sign up today for free to learn more about how TempStars can help you hit the ground running in your new profession. Start working, feel proud and get the respect you deserve – in any job market.
