How I Found My Passion in Digital Dentistry: Lessons, Mistakes, and Lifelong Learning

Finding My Calling in Digital Dentistry: Lessons From 14 Years as a Dental Assistant

Dentistry has been my passion since I was 19. For over 14 years, I’ve worked as a dental assistant—but I didn’t always know exactly what I wanted my career to look like. I wondered if I would ever find my “dental home”. And believe me, I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Today, I’m a digital dental assistant and co-founder of the Digital Dental Assistant Academy—and I want to share the journey that got me here.

The Moment I Fell in Love With Digital Dentistry

About two or three years into my career, I discovered CEREC chairside milling, and I was completely hooked. The idea of creating a restoration from start to finish, right there in the office, felt like magic—but it was real, practical, and something I could actually do.

Even as I continued building my career as a general assistant, I knew I wanted more—more digital, more innovative, more hands-on with the technology that excited me. But I hesitated. I was afraid to admit when I didn’t know something, nervous about taking risks, and unsure about asking for help. Looking back, these early experiences set the stage for the lessons that would shape my career.

Early Career Mistakes

Like most people starting out, I made mistakes—some small, some bigger—but each one taught me invaluable lessons.

Allowing mistreatment. Early on, I let coworkers and doctors take advantage of my time—expecting me to stay late, skip lunches, or accept unfair treatment. It took time, but I learned to set boundaries, communicate professionally, and stand up for myself. Respecting yourself is the foundation for building a successful career.

Not asking for help. Early in my career, I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. I worried that asking questions would make me look inexperienced—or frankly, stupid. I often wanted to attend more advanced classes than the typical assistant courses, but I felt intimidated being an assistant in a room full of dentists. In reality, asking questions is a strength—it’s how you grow and avoid bigger mistakes down the road.

Once I learned to ask questions, let go of self-consciousness, and commit to learning, I began taking ownership of my career. I realized I could do anything I set my mind to. This is exactly what I try to teach my daughter, Eleanor. She sees me work hard, push myself, and pursue my goals—and she gets to witness firsthand that dedication and effort truly pay off.

Trying to learn everything at once. My ambition often led me to jump from one area of digital dentistry to another without mastering a single skill first. I learned that focusing on one thing at a time, learning it thoroughly, and then moving on is far more effective. Quality over quantity.

Getting caught up in drama. Workplace negativity always catches up to you. Staying professional, focusing on growth, and avoiding unnecessary conflict saved me countless headaches.

Each mistake was uncomfortable, sometimes humbling, but each shaped the professional I am today.

Lifelong Learning & Growth

Embracing continuous learning completely changed my career. Dentistry is a medical profession—there is always room to improve, refine skills, and discover efficiencies. Accepting that no one is perfect—and that improvement is an ongoing process—propelled me forward.

Digital dentistry, in particular, opened doors I didn’t know existed. I fell in love with the technology—the precision, creativity, and satisfaction of completing a restoration from scan to finish. Mastering these skills even improved my earning potential, which was a tangible bonus.

For dental assistants and professionals looking to grow, here’s what I recommend:

• Take workshops, online courses, and hands-on training whenever possible.

• Attend conferences to stay ahead of trends and connect with others in your field.

• Be your own advocate. Don’t wait for someone else to push your career forward. Tell your doctor what class you want to take, including dates, fees, and benefits for the office. Show initiative and prioritize your professional development.

The Turning Point

The defining moment came when I completed a guard from start to finish—scanning, designing, printing, and delivering it—with no adjustments needed. That was the moment I realized digital dentistry wasn’t just a skill; it was my calling.

From there, my passion shifted toward teaching and mentoring. I imagined teaching because I loved helping other dental professionals become as passionate about digital dentistry as I am. I believe we are all healthcare professionals and should treat our jobs as such—making an effort to stay up to date with new technology and workflows. I remembered my struggles trying to find good courses as a dental assistant—classes that were expensive, far away, poorly timed, or designed for doctors rather than assistants. I didn’t want others to struggle the way I did. Teaching became my way to share knowledge, empower others, and help dental professionals elevate their careers.

Today, that passion drives my work. Whether I’m speaking at events, leading hands-on workshops, or consulting with dental teams, my goal is always the same: make digital dentistry accessible, practical, and empowering.

Key Takeaways

If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from my story, it’s this:

Embrace mistakes—they’re opportunities to learn. Mistakes are not failures; they are stepping stones to growth.

Never stop learning; invest in yourself. Dentistry is constantly evolving, and continuous education is key to staying ahead.

Explore new technology—it can redefine your career. Don’t be afraid to try new tools, software, or techniques—they may lead to your next breakthrough.

Follow what excites you; passion fuels growth. Let curiosity guide your career choices, and you’ll thrive.

Be your own advocate. Push your career forward intentionally. Speak up, ask for opportunities, and claim your professional development.

Treat your work as a healthcare professional. Stay current, be intentional about learning, and strive for excellence in every workflow.

Mistakes, risks, and curiosity shaped my path. Lifelong learning and a passion for digital dentistry became the engines driving my career forward. If you’re a dental professional navigating your own journey, remember: it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s essential to keep learning, and it’s never too late to find your true calling.