Any Dental Assistants out there!!!

[Valerie13Ann]

I am starting school at the end of August for dental assisting! I am very excited to begin a new career but also a little nervous what to expect in this career. I have always wanted to do this, my question is, how does an emetophobe deal with this kind of enviroment. I know there is a chance someone could v* although for some reason I don't think it will be too bad. Cause I won't be alone, I'll have the dentist beside me so I don't think I will panic as much. any feedback is greatly appreciated! thanks!

[haylz113]

When my mum went to have a mould of her mouth taken for dentures, her gag reflex kicked in and she threw up on the guy's hand. He wasn't a dentist though, he was one of those guys who makes retainers and false teeth and stuff. The only way I could see anyone being sick at the dentist is either from nerves or because the dentist sticks a tool too far into their mouth and activates the gag reflex (which would probably be rare. My mum is just really sensitive. She can't even brush her teeth without gagging. Weird I know). I'm sure you will be fine. I am studying to be a primary school teacher and am scared of having kids throw up in my class. People have told me some horrible stories about that. But apparently it's not that common. I guess there's a chance you could witness it with any job.

[Valerie13Ann]

Very true. Anywhere you go there could be a chance. I can tell you I worked in a daycare with two year olds and there was probably 3 or 4 times I had to deal with a child v*ing. And those were two year olds so the chances are probably less likely if you're working with primary school aged kids

[wargerbil]

I was thinking about dental hygienists, because the best one I ever had would just chatter away at me the entire time she cleaned my teeth and it was a great distraction!! Unfortunately I moved 150 miles away so it's no longer practical to go there! I guess as an assistant though you're not alone with patients doing stuff to be chattering at them.