Finding My Strength Through My Career

Atia Black

Dentistry has been constant in my life for the last 20 years. It started when I was 17, working my first job as a dental assistant. I didn’t know it at the time, but that job would lead me to exciting and rewarding opportunities I never im agined. That job would open a career path that allowed me to flourish. That job would give me the confidence to continue to learn and grow. That job would provide the support and independence I needed to build a new life.

And now, in my current role at the Dental Assisting National Board, I’m able to give back and help other dental assistants grow and find their way.

I Liked The Challenging Patients

Working as a dental assistant was really fulfilling and gave me a unique perspective on life. I had patients who would request to have me. It made me happy that they were looking forward to seeing me and I could make their experience at the dentist great.

I liked the challenging patients that no one else wanted. I enjoyed learning why they didn’t like to come to the dentists or what their fears were. It was interesting to talk to them and get to know their stories.

It Brought Me Strength

The dentist I worked for really encouraged me and my growth. He taught me so much and trained me on many expanded functions allowed in my state. He took the time to answer all my questions and expand on what I was asking about.

As I developed my skills with an expanded number of functions, it brought me strength. It gave me pride. When I learned how to make a temporary crown that looked as much like a tooth anatomically as possible, it was a huge moment for me. I liked developing skills in placing bands and prepping teeth for fillings. I will always remember the times when the dentist joined me and was happy with how well everything was placed. But it wasn’t always easy.

A Ray Of Hope

While I was working as a dental assistant, I was struggling with an abusive situation in my personal life. Dentistry was a huge part of how I was able to get out of it and sustain my life. My job gave me the confidence and financial independence to support myself. Without it, I would have crumbled. But I was able to rely on my dental training, and I had this ray of hope from the knowledge and career that I had.

I was also really fortunate to work with a supportive dentist. When you work in such close proximity with someone for that many years, they get to know you – the good and the bad. At a time in my life when I needed grace and acceptance as I navigated a really hard situation, I showed up in his office trying to put on a tough face. But he could see through it. On one particularly rough day, he took one look at me and just gave me a big hug. We’re still in touch, and his support of my professional growth stays with me to this day.

Hustle And Determination Kept Me Going

As much as I loved dental assisting, I really wanted to keep learning and progressing. I felt like the natural next step was hygiene school. I started down that path twice and just didn’t love it like I did restorative dentistry and business. In the end, I realized I was more energized by helping others grow their businesses. So, I got my business degree and transitioned to the vendor side, helping practices with their business success.

Making the transition was hard because I wasn’t as familiar with the software and systems of sales and business development. It was new, and I felt unsure of what I was doing. I was also a single mom doing it on my own, which was sometimes tough. But I’m both a learner and competitive. Hustle and determination kept me going, and I quickly learned the ropes.

I also had the advantage of being familiar with the dental offices and challenges they faced. I could relate to what they dealt with (including pesky sales calls). I tried to listen to what they needed and help solve problems for them.

The relationships with people are important, and this industry has amazing people. In my career journey, many of my customers became friends. I remember a time I was talking to a doctor’s wife who was trying to run the practice with him. She was so overwhelmed and uncertain of how to keep things going. We talked for almost 45 minutes, and most of the time she was in tears.

There are other colleagues who have been alongside me for years. We see each other at events and make time to catch up. One of my former customers became my mentor, and I dearly love her. I’ve learned so much from her experiences and wisdom. She travels often for work, and every time we’re in the same city, we get together.

Helping Each Other Grow

The Dental Entrepreneur Woman and Dental Entrepreneur communities have also been so important to me. Two years ago, there was a DeW meet-up at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. I attended because some friends of mine had been to the DeW retreat and raved about what a great place it was that offered women opportunities to collaborate, helping each other grow. Since then, I have gone to two retreats and joined many virtual events. It was always a positive experience, and it was just what my friends had said it would be.

This past November at the 2024 retreat, I met some women from my local area, and we formed a monthly meeting where we collaborate. We talk about things we can do to support each other, and our meetings have proven to be great for conversation, insights, and laughs. It’s a unique group with consultants, a dentist, a banker, and me – a former dental assistant who became a software sales leader who now works as the Director of Business Development for the Dental Assisting National Board – which has been such a great next chapter in my story.

Helping Assistants Find Their Path Forward

After working for several years in software sales, I was ready for a new opportunity, and I’m so thrilled to be the new Director of Business Development for the Dental Assisting National Board, or DANB, as we call it. DANB provides national certification, education, and training for dental assistants.

Being at DANB is an opportunity to go back to where I started and help the dental assistants find their path forward. Dental assistants are literally the heart of the practice and do so much. I am passionate about our initiatives that will allow dental assistants to grow in their positions, such as online education to expand their knowledge and credentials to help them build their confidence and reach new levels in their careers. We’re also conducting research and collaborating with others to help elevate dental assisting as a profession for the long term.

Since I’ve been with DANB, I’ve met several amazing dental assistants who love their job and are committed to what we’re doing at DANB. I’m finding a group of people who are just as passionate about it as I am, and it feels like home.

Atia Black is the Director of Business Development for the Dental Assisting National Board. She began her career as a chairside dental assistant, office manager, and sterilization manager. She went on to hold leadership roles in administration, management, and business development at dental software organizations, including Dental Intelligence and Method Procurement Technologies. Atia holds degrees in biology, pre-dental hygiene, and business administration. She earned the Women in Leadership certificate from Utah Valley University.