We recently connected with Tia Barnett and have shared our conversation below.

Tia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I have been a dental assistant for over 19 years. I love what I do and I love teaching what I love.

Something that I learned at the school I attended was book work, paper charts, and 12 months of coming to classes. After I graduated, I was hired at a great dental office who was willing to train a new assistant. It was then I realized after 12 months of school, I knew nothing about the practical clinical workings of a dental office. I had a great office that was willing to teach me everything and anything dental related. I learned a lot of things at that first office.

I ended up working at several offices throughout my career. About 13 years into my career, I met a hygienist who subbed at the office I worked for. She told me she was the co-owner of a school and she was hiring for a teaching position at her school. She asked me if I have ever considered teaching. I told her I didn’t know that was an option. I loved my job and didn’t want to leave. She let me know It was an evening class that I would be teaching and it would not interfere with my current position that I loved. Before committing to a new position, I wanted to know more about the school. She explained that she attended the same dental assisting school I went to. She had a similar experience where she didn’t feel prepared to teach after completing the course. She ended up going back to school and becoming a registered dental hygienist. She started the school with the intention of preparing students for the real dental office knowledge they need. I had remembered what a horrible transition it was for me and if I could help another assistant transition into an office with ease, that is what I was going to do.

That was almost 7 years ago. I have had the pleasure of helping hundreds of students over the years. That is the main reason that I became an instructor. To help others succeed. Now I have the extreme pleasure of running the program that has helped so many assistants find their true calling.

I look back on how unprepared I was right out of school, and I am so happy for a hygienist who saw a way to eliminate the extreme frustration. I have been so incredibly lucky to be doing what I love and helping others accomplish goals. Seeing success in others is truly the best job I could ever ask for!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I believe that one of the biggest part of a dental assistant’s job is sales. Not one part of my training over
the first 15 years of my career mentioned sales being a great skill. It’s the skill that sets me apart from an average dental assistant.

I have always been a people person. I care about others and always have wanted the very best for my patients. I never thought that 90 present of my job was sales. Let me explain.

I first introduce myself to the patient and let them know they can count on me while they are there for their dental visit. I sell myself as trusting and knowledgeable as a dental professional.

Then I let them know that they are in good hands with the doctor. I sell him and his skills as the best they can get.

During treatment I communicate with them about what is happening, I notice when they may need additional anesthetic or a quick rinse. I sell our teams ability to know exactly what the patient needs and get it for them.

After treatment I explain what we did, what the aftercare is and what the upkeep with this kind of treatment will be. I sell the patient again on the skills of the doctor, the caring nature of our office, and the investment we have made in our patient to keep them coming back.

Knowing people is my job. Selling them on the what I know to be safe, true and ethical while keeping them calm and cared for is being a dental assistant.

Any advice for managing a team?

In my career as a dental assistant, treatment planner, office manager, instructor and now a program manager, I have read books, went to courses and inhaled all things that could help with managing a team. I think the one piece of literature I keep going back to is the book, “The Anatomy of Peace”, by the Arbinger Institute. It is written as a story but it is an incredible piece of information. It explains how a mind works and how thoughts, positive or negative will affect the outcome of everything you do. How is that helpful for leading a team? When you have a team member who has a communication problem, and you throw negativity at them, they will communicate with negativity to the team they are already not communicating well with. Understanding how to see a bigger picture is going to help you in every point in your career and your life, including managing a team and helping them communicate efficiently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://utahvalleyda.com
• Instagram: @utahvalleydentalassisting
• Facebook: Utah Valley Dental Assisting
• Other: UVDA School -TikTok

Image Credits

picture of Tia Barnett taken by Tylene Annala