KOMET Korner Q&A with Shari Becker, CDA, RDA, FADAA, for March 2010 DAD

This month, KOMET Korner welcomes back our friend and colleague, Shari Becker. As you all know, Shari works for Dr. Stephen Snow in Danville, Calif. She is on the faculty at the Mt. Diablo Adult Education Center in Concord, Calif., and has been teaching dental assisting for more than 12 years. Shari also helped develop the Shari Becker Provisional Fabrication Kit (TD 2118) for KOMET USA.This month, Shari gives her opinion on what to do when a coworker spends too much time texting or checking her e-mail, gives advice for getting back into dental assisting after time away from the profession, and suggests how to put together a resume and prepare for interviews after losing a job. We thank Shari for participating in Dental Assisting Digest™’s interactive column. Don’t forget, we want to know what’s on your mind. If you have something you want to ask KOMET USA’s panel of assistants, please e-mail them to [email protected]. Keep your questions coming, and we promise to answer them in next month’s issue.DAD: One of my coworkers is constantly running into the staff lounge to check her phone for texts, voice mails, and e-mails. Not only is it distracting to other staff members, but she also leaves her patients every time she hears her phone. I don’t want to “tattle” to our doctor, but it is creating a serious problem in the office. What do you think I should do?Becker: You should speak directly to your coworker about your concerns. Tell her that it is very distracting, not only to other team members but also to patients. I can only imagine what patients think when she leaves in the middle of a procedure to check her phone. If she continues with her behavior, then you must bring it to the attention of the doctor or office manager. The reality is that while she is at work she should use her break time to check her phone and messages, and not use patient care time for personal business.DAD: I am returning to the dental profession after being out of the country for the last seven years. How do you recommend I get back up to speed with today’s practice?Becker: Welcome back and congratulations on your return to the profession. Here are a few suggestions on how you can get back on track:

• Check your state’s current dental practice act and find out the current scope of practice and what is required for registration or licensure, and if it is applicable in your state.
• Try to find a progressive dental office or clinic and ask to observe for a day or two so you can become reacquainted with the current equipment, techniques, and materials.
• Take updated online education courses and learn the latest and greatest about specific areas, including techniques and materials. The American Dental Assistants Association is a wonderful source for up-to-date home study courses.
• Seek out education meetings offered through your local or state dental associations. Also, attend your state and regional meetings and view the latest equipment and materials on the exhibit floor. Ask plenty of questions.

DAD: I recently became unemployed after my doctor had a sudden heart attack and died. His surviving family immediately sold the practice, which left me out of a job. I have been in the field for more than 25 years and am nervous to be on the market again. What tips can you give me as I put together a resume and prepare for interviews?

Becker: I’m sorry to hear of your doctor’s passing. I’m sure it was a shock to his family, the office, and community. There are many resources available online for creating a current resume, as well as for reviewing interview techniques. Here is some basic information that should be included when creating your resume:

• A header that includes your name, address, and phone number
• A description of the job objectives and your qualifications
• A description of your work experience
• A description of your education, including degrees and honors
• A description of all specialized training or certifications
• References provided upon request

Keep in mind that your resume should summarize your education, work experience, strengths, and accomplishments. You should keep your resume short, concise, and if possible, to a single page.

Again, there are many online resources for interviewing techniques. Here are a few basic skills to have before the actual interview:

• Be able to articulate your experience, strengths, skills, values, and career goals.
• Be able to relate why you selected this field and why you are interested in the position. Have a complete description of the job you are applying for and the skills required for the position.
• Research your prospective employer. Find out about the staff, the doctor’s education, licensure, and professional development.
• Practice by conducting a mock interview. Be sure to know your resume, practice some key sentences about yourself, and learn to be clear and concise with your answers.

For the interview itself, you never get a second chance to make a great first impression:

• Be early for your interview.
• Get directions ahead of time and plan on extra time for traffic or parking.
• Be prepared with printed copies of your resume, references, transcripts or other documents that may by needed to accompany an employment application.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask your employer.
• Be sure to dress professionally for the interview, and avoid trendy styles and flashy colors.
• Be sure fingernails, glasses, and shoes are clean.
• Go light on perfume and makeup.
• Carry your paperwork in a portfolio or briefcase, and good luck!

About Shari Becker, CDA, RDA, FADAA
Shari Becker has been a full-time chairside assistant for Dr. Stephen R. Snow in Danville, Calif., for 14 years, and has been an RDA and CDA since 1985. Shari is on the faculty at the Mt. Diablo Adult Education Center in Concord, Calif., and has been teaching dental assisting for more than 12 years. She is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the California Dental Assistants Association, Diablo Dental Assistants Society, the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers, and the California Council on Adult Education. She is a fellow of the American Dental Assistants Association and is currently serving as the 12th District Trustee to the American Dental Assistants Association, representing California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. She has served in many capacities on the local, state, and national levels, including president of the California Dental Assistants Association and president of the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers. Shari is currently working in conjunction with dental manufacturing companies to heighten the awareness and acknowledge the contribution of dental assistants to the profession of dentistry.