by Cathy Price, RDH, BS
As a new graduate from Marquette University back in 1987, I recall being reticent in my first experiences with dental hygiene interviews in Milwaukee, Wis. I remember thinking, Are they going to like me? Am I going to say the right thing? What am I going to experience when I walk through that door? I remember one interview in particular where I was led into a room, an hourglass set down next to me, and asked to answer a series of mathematical questions before the timer ran out. Yes, that employer was certainly impressed by his dental team's perfect mathematical competencies, but he did not ask me one single question about dental hygiene.
I was not impressed. As my rose-colored glasses began to fog over, I started to search for answers. But first, I had to ask myself what kind of working environment I was really looking for.
That experience, as well as others, began to season my inner consciousness to realize that it is not just what the employer thinks of me but what I think of the employer! As a new grad, I wish someone would have taken me aside and shaken some sense into me by yelling in my ear, "You are a valuable asset to any practice! You are known as a producer and a skilled dental caregiver!" Armed with that knowledge, maybe I wouldn't have been so nervous.
I want to share some other things I have learned that may help you get through those trying times.
Write down your objectives and goals for what you want in a job. Seeing it in writing is an eye-opener! I thought I knew everything, being the new grad. But I quickly learned that I didn't know all I thought I knew, and that there are often more questions than answers. Boy, what a revelation!
In your list of objectives, ask yourself: Do I want to work in a private practice or a group practice, government or hospital setting, general practice or specialty practice? How many minutes do I need per patient? Do I want to take care of the recare program? What kind of equipment do I need to perform my job effectively? Will I get an assistant during probing patients or when turning the operatory over between patients?
Then, with these answers in mind, write down questions that you want to ask your potential employer during the interview. Here are some sample questions to ask your potential employer that may help negotiate your position:
• It is important for me to have an excellent rapport with my patients. Will I receive a full hour per patient (instead of "how many minutes do I receive per patient")?
• Is the recare program an integral part of your practice's marketing strategy? How do you see me being a part of that and staying on top of my patient schedule? Do you think that it would be a good idea to involve the front desk administration in this recare role?
• I would like to offer your practice the best business success and give the highest level of quality patient care. Would you be adverse to acquiring X and Y equipment so my efforts will not be limited?
• I am excited to be part of a team-oriented practice. I am willing to do what it takes to help create a team environment. Do your other staff members exemplify these same thoughts? Will they be willing to assist me with probing patients and helping me turn over the operatory during busy times? Do you offer hygiene assistants in your practice?
If you are asked a question to which you do not know how to respond, calmly reply, "I do not know the answer to that question. Let me get back to you tomorrow before noon" (or whatever time you deem reasonable). Good employers will respect their employees and try to be reasonable so that everyone is able to achieve the highest level of success for their businesses.
You may be asked illegal/inappropriate questions during an interview. If this happens, you have the right not to answer those questions, but be prepared to respond in a pleasant and nonoffensive way. For more about this topic and for tips on how to answer appropriately, click on jobsearchtech.about.com and jobsearchtech2.about.com.
Good luck, grads, on finding that first job! It is exciting! You have worked hard making those quotas, passing those boards, and getting that license. Sharing your knowledge with people who need you is the best reward you will receive for all of your efforts.
Looking for a job? Hiring? Visit www.dentalworkers.com and
