Hollie A. Bryant, RDA Clinical Coordinator Nash Institute for Dental Learning Charlotte, North Carolina Phone: 704.451.4567 Email: Editor-in-Chief Contemporary Dental Assisting

I often reflect on the value of each and every duty involved in the success of a dental practice. I continuously evaluate the role that I play in our practice. I have had the privilege of working as a chairside assistant, a practice greeter, a sterilization assistant, and a treatment coordinator. I am always finding value in each responsibility that is required in the practice and that will further develop my skills as a dental assistant.

From the sterilization of instruments to expanded chairside duties, every skill will help you grow as a dental assistant and increase your career satisfaction. What is done at the chair is of equal value to what is performed in the sterilization area, when you truly are passionate about dental assisting and desire genuine success for the practice. But success and satisfaction do not come easy; you must continue to learn and grow.

Growing as a dental assistant may require taking on responsibilities that you do not see as needed or justified. But placing restrictions on your potential can keep you from finding genuine career satisfaction. Dental assistants, by definition, cannot work alone. We must function as part of a team. Knowing each office position will allow you to understand what it takes to be successful in the practice and as a team player. Teams are not made simply by grouping together individuals; they are assembled by 2 or more people with a common goal in mind.

I recently attended the American Dental Association Annual Session and the American Dental Assistants Association Annual Meeting. At dental meetings, courses on the team approach—new and innovative ways to motivate the team, methods to select the right team players for the practice—are always popular, well attended, and highly valued. Often we return to work with a "dental meeting high," motivated to the innermost core, inspired to change, and ready to be a real team player—ready to make the changes that move the practice toward the vision of its owner. The vision that the dentist has put his or her heart and soul into. You are a part of the team; the team that is moving toward that vision.

It is human nature to be ready to run with change. But often, we are scared to change. Change is what it is; uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Being a team player is what makes changes successful. New ways, modern innovations, and skilled advancements all come from growth and development. Allowing complacency, objection, rejection, and/or dissatisfaction with your team, your dentist, or your abilities can often become poisonous to the practice and allow you to head toward career shipwreck.

So many times I am asked what keeps me going. My reply is passion. If the passion is there, poison in the practice can't get to you. It may always be around you, but should not penetrate the desires that you have for dentistry. If you truly are called to the dental assistant field and your heart is in it, what comes and goes may cause you to skip a beat once in a while, but will not cause your career to shipwreck. Career shipwreck can occur when you cut corners, compromise beliefs, or become stagnant in your career development and potential for growth.

Be the one. Be the team player that defines passion. Stand for passion. Work with passion. Maximize your potential and develop all your skills.

Go to work and make a difference.

Hollie A. Bryant, RDA