Congratulations, You Graduated! Now What? You’ve tossed your cap in the air, passed your exams, and your shiny new certificate is framed on your bedroom wall. […]
July 21, 2025
You’ve tossed your cap in the air, passed your exams, and your shiny new certificate is framed on your bedroom wall. Now comes the big question: how do you actually land your first shifts, gain experience, and build a reputation that keeps clinics and pharmacies calling you back?
If you’re a newly minted Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), or Pharmacy Technician, this guide is your friendly roadmap from graduation day to a rewarding temp gig (and beyond).
RDA, RDH, or Pharmacy Tech guide
Before you can accept paid shifts, make sure you’ve:
Check your local college’s website for exact steps. For example, the Ontario Dental Assistants Association or Ontario College of Pharmacists has clear checklists.
Even for temporary gigs, you’ll need a simple, clear résumé that includes:
Pro tip: Keep it to one page if possible — busy clinic managers appreciate quick reads!
Nowadays, most new grads find their first shifts through a trusted temp staffing platform like Relief Buddy. Why?
Sign up, complete your profile honestly, and upload your documents. Many students get their first real paycheque this way — sometimes within days.
As a new grad, flexibility is your best friend. Clinics are more likely to give you a shot if you’re available on short notice or willing to cover evening or weekend shifts.
This helps you:
When you walk into a new workplace, you want to feel prepared. Keep a small kit in your car or bag with:
It shows you’re proactive — and helps you feel confident on day one.
Temping is a crash course in real-world dentistry or pharmacy. Each office or pharmacy will have slightly different protocols.
Don’t be shy — ask the right questions:
Take notes so you don’t repeat questions next time you cover there!
Think of each temp gig as an audition for future work. Show up on time (early, actually), be polite to everyone — yes, including the receptionist and the janitor — and be willing to help with any task.
Many new grads are surprised at how often a temp role turns into a permanent offer.
Temping is fantastic for learning what you didn’t cover in school — but don’t stop there.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you become the temp every office requests.
Not every shift will be perfect. You might run into a grumpy patient or a clinic that’s disorganized. That’s normal — don’t let one bad experience shake your confidence.
Take a deep breath, chalk it up to learning, and focus on the bigger picture: you’re building a rock-solid reputation and growing your professional network.
Your first solo sterilization run? Celebrate. Your first patient compliment? Celebrate. Your first paycheque? Definitely celebrate!
Each small step is proof you’re becoming a capable, adaptable professional. And remember: temping is a smart way to test the waters, earn money, and figure out where you’d thrive long-term.
Graduating is only the beginning. With a bit of planning, the right tools, and a positive mindset, you’ll go from nervous new grad to confident temp pro faster than you think.
Start today: update your résumé, sign up for Relief Buddy, and take that first shift. Your future patients (and your future self) will thank you for it.
