Lab work? No thank you.

I worked briefly in a dental lab fabricating the metal framework for partials. I had no training what so ever and they knew that when they hired me. I did have dental assisting experience, but that is WAY different than sitting at a work bench using instruments, wax and alcohol torches to create a cast for metal framework. So, I decided when I started I was going to be open to all criticisms of my creations because I had never in my life worked with these materials and tools before. Guess what! Being open to that criticism actually helped me become a better technician. It was critical that it be done correctly because it was being fabricated to fit inside someone's mouth. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it would be if it was too thick or in the slightest of wrong places.

I believe being open to the critical opinion of my co-worker and instructor is what created the amazing technician in myself. It was not only my opinion that I was an amazing technician, my boss was pretty surprised at how fast I picked up the fine skills of fabricating the framework. In a eight month period I was able to accurately wax up as many cases in a day as my two co-workers that had been doing it for years. I couldn't hang with it though. It was very isolated and lonely for me. Sitting at a work bench plugged into what ever music I had at the time, waxing up partials ALL DAY long, it got to be depressing for me. I need contact with people, so I decided to leave. My boss offered me a manager position on the night shift that would pay more, but I would still be sitting at a bench waxing up partials and then not even getting to see my baby. It wasn't worth it to me and just because you are able to do something well, does not mean that is what you are supposed to do.

You gotta go with what brings you pleasure. Go for it!!! Reach out and grab it!!! I am!!!!