I recently graduated from dental assisting school. It was a very short program, 71 days to be exact. I learned everything, just compacted. I did graduate with a 4.0. But, now, I haven't been able to find a job for awhile and I don't have much confidence in myself because of the time lapse. Would a dentist fire me for being "rusty"?

Here's a US Department of Labor Page on Dental Assistants:

Dental assistants (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm#training)

If you're looking to practice in the USA, note that it states that DANB certification is required or recognized in more than 30 states. It sounds like you would have taken a certification exam if you went to an ADA-accredited school. If the school you went to wasn't accredited, it could be that the school you went to or lack of certification could make it more difficult to get a position.

I'm not sure why you're asking about being fired, it sounds like the problem is getting to the interview stage. If you recently completed a program, you're certainly not rusty. You might call a dentist and see if you can interview him/her for information (not to get a job, just to get feedback); take a copy of your resume and ask the dentist if there's anything you can do to improve your chances of getting that initial job. Presumably you have a dentist since you're interested in this field? If so, that would be an excellent person to interview for information & get some feedback on your resume & how your education fares in the job market.

I see from some of your other postings that you have a tongue piercing. I'd suggest, lose all the studs and piercings except for tasteful earrings when you go for an interview (and if you get a position, don't wear them to work). Save the body jewelry for when you're off the job. Ask yourself: if you were a dentist, would you want to hire someone with a tongue or lip piercing?

Vasily

I am just a super over-acheiver I guess. But, I used to have facial piercings. Haha, I currently do not though, I have grown out of that stage.

Oh, also. I did receive my certification. Although I live in CA. You cannot take the state test unless you have worked for at least a year.

I graduated on September 17th, so it has been awhile. I am worried that I may have forgotten some things. I am the type of person who has to keep on doing the same thing.