Dental Assistant with not-so-perfect teeth?

Hi. I am 30, and about two years ago, I decided that I would like to become a Dental Assistant, so I did, and recently found a job.





My mother had dentures by the time she was 27, so that gives you an idea of how I was raised to take care of my teeth. I went to the dentist once as a kid, and the school took me. I don't remember my mom ever making me brush my teeth (although as a teen, I did on my own). When I moved from home I got into a bad marriage and when I started to develop decay and cavities, my husband just said we couldn't afford the dentist, which was true. By the time I remarried a wonderful husband, it was too late to do anything but extract my back teeth and crown some of the others, including 8 and 10 (two front teeth, basically). I take care of them the best I can, but I still have decay on several of the few remaining teeth I have.





I love the profession I chose, as ironic as it is, but I am ashamed of my teeth. Should I be?

Dental Assistant with not-so-perfect teeth?
i know what you mean! i went through dental assisting school, and found a job as a dental assistant. like you said, ironic as it was, being a dental assistant, i was ashamed of my teeth! i had bad teeth, and bad gums. so, i talked to the dentist i worked chairside with, and he was more than happy to help me out! he said i was a walking display of his work in his office, and was proud to see me smile! and, to top it off, he did it all for free! i explained to him that my mother never had insurance, so i had never been to the dentist before. he totally understood, and said it happens all the time. so, dont feel bad, and dont be afraid to talk to your dentist about doing some work for you! i was really ashamed to have the dentist i worked for look in my mouth at first, but it paid off in the end!
Reply:Ask the dentist you work for if you can have a discount on repairing your teeth. I am sure he will be happy to help you. You should not be ashamed but it would be good to get started correcting the problem.
Reply:No, you shouldnt be ashamed. I am a retired dental assistant and when i started working for the dentist i needed some work too. In due time your dentist might be able to help you with your teeth for the asking. I found that one of the perks of my job!
Reply:Do not beat yourself up, there are many nutritionist that are overweight, Doctors that have addictions and Police Officers that have problems with the law. We do the best we can. Maybe this is why you have chosen to be a Dental Assistant, to work on yourself while helping others. Talk to your Dentist I bet he/she will consider doing work on you for a reduced cost (maybe just pay for the lab bill) or may try new procedures on you for free. You are a good person on the inside and that is all that matters, be happy on the inside and it will begin to show on the outside. Good luck with all that you do!