Discover Career Growth at Pacific Dental Services: From Dental Assistant to Leadership Roles
When Krista Wink recruits dental assistants for Pacific Dental Services (PDS), she emphasizes that it's not just a job but the beginning of a potential career journey with substantial growth opportunities. Graduates from American Career College's Dental Assistant program are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
"The No. 1 thing I say when people are looking at Pacific Dental Services is that if you're looking to not just stay as a dental assistant and you want to be an office manager one day, if you want to be in a corporate role, that it's the place for you. Work hard and you'll get there," Wink said.
As a former dental assistant herself, Wink understands that while technical skills are important, certain qualities can't be taught in the classroom.
"We're really looking for someone with a positive attitude," Wink explains, "someone that wants to help patients, be there for them, comfort them. The skills come with time, but just being there for the patients, going above and beyond for them is really what we look for."
Dental Assistant Skills and Qualifications for Success at PDS
Pacific Dental Services values candidates who demonstrate:
- Patient-centered care approach - Putting patient comfort and needs first
- Positive attitude - Bringing energy and enthusiasm to the workplace
- Willingness to learn - Being open to coaching and constructive feedback
- Punctuality and reliability - Maintaining professional standards
- Team collaboration skills - Working effectively with dentists and office staff
- Technical proficiency - Applying classroom knowledge to clinical settings
Recent graduates from American Career College's Dental Assisting program regularly impress PDS recruiters with their preparation and professionalism.
Career Growth Pathways at Pacific Dental Services
Pacific Dental Services offers multiple career advancement opportunities:
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Starting Role
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Mid-Level Positions
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Advanced Opportunities
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Dental Assistant
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Lead Dental Assistant
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Office Manager
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EFDA (Expanded Functions)
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Regional Manager
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Treatment Coordinator
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Corporate Roles
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Insurance Coordinator
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Training & Development
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Advancing from a dental assistant to an office management role brings increased responsibilities and professional growth opportunities.
Externship Opportunities for Dental Assistant Students
American Career College partners with various dental practices to provide valuable externship experiences for students. These externships can be an important step toward permanent employment opportunities.
"Every time I'm here I feel like I've met the entire class. They're always really involved, really engaged," Wink notes. "We host a lot of them from here (at externship) so it's awesome to meet them, see them get placed and then see them become dental assistants with us."
Success Stories from Externships
Many students find that externships provide valuable hands-on experience that complements their education and can lead to employment opportunities after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assistant Careers
What does a typical day look like for a dental assistant?
Dental assistants typically prepare treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, take X-rays, assist dentists during procedures, and provide patient education. They may also handle administrative tasks like scheduling and insurance coordination.
What is the typical hiring process for dental assistants?
The process typically involves submitting a resume, an initial interview with a recruiter, possibly a skills assessment, and often an office visit or working interview at a specific practice location.
Do I need to be certified before applying for dental assistant positions?
While certification requirements vary by state, having your RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) certification or being eligible for certification makes you a stronger candidate. ACC graduates are well-prepared for these certification exams.
What advice do you have for someone attending their first career fair?
"Bring your resume with you. That is always a great thing at a career fair. Get to know everybody here. You don't know what kind of opportunities you might be looking for later on. Maybe if you don't pick a certain company to start with, maybe later you're looking for the opportunity. If you're a dental assistant and you're looking for an externship, get in there, get excited. Get in there because there are so many opportunities out there."
What are the top three things you look for in new hires?
"Be punctual. That's No. 1, especially in the dental world. We need to be on time, we need to be early. Someone with a great attitude and someone that's humble, that's good with coaching. That's actually a huge one in the dental world, being open to coaching, taking constructive criticism. That's super important."
What's the best thing about being a dental assistant?
"The best thing in my mind about being a dental assistant is whenever I have a patient come in and I can change the way that they feel and give their confidence back. Honestly, it gives me the chills right now just talking about it, but just seeing that transition of giving that confidence back to the patient that maybe didn't have it before is the ultimate feeling."
Building Your Future in Dental Assisting
The dental field continues to need skilled professionals who are committed to patient care and professional growth. Dental assisting offers a stable career path with opportunities for professional development and advancement throughout Southern California and beyond.
How to Prepare for a Dental Assistant Career
- Get Quality Education: Complete a comprehensive dental assistant program like the one offered at American Career College
- Gain Clinical Experience: Take advantage of externship opportunities
- Develop Professional Skills: Focus on punctuality, positive attitude, and openness to feedback (qualities Krista Wink mentioned)
- Enhance Communication Skills: Practice patient interaction and team collaboration
- Attend Career Events: Network with potential employers at career fairs
- Take Advantage of Career Services: ACC’s career services team can help you navigate the path to employment with Pacific Dental Services and other top dental employers.
- Create Professional Materials: Prepare a strong resume highlighting relevant skills and education
Start Your Dental Assistant Career Journey Today
Ready to get the real-world preparation you need to work chairside along dentists? American Career College’s dental assisting program can help you become career-ready so you can jump in on your very first day:
- Comprehensive dental assistant training program
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Externship placement assistance
- Career services and job placement support
- Ongoing professional development resources
Find out more about ACC’s dental assisting path and see what your life as a student could look like — Book an information session now!
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