Hi everyone. My name is Cathy and I am just starting out as a new Dental Assistant. I have a Certificate in Dental Assisting but not the DANB CDA so I guess I'm certified but I'm not. I'm in Las Vegas and have a job interview this afternoon and am I nervous! I served a 3 month externship. My funny story: At lunch the dentist gave me a brownie. Later that afternoon I was assisting him chairside when he asked me if he could have a brownie. I said "now?" He replied "yes". I said "you have got to be kidding me". He smiled real big, got up, returned and explained that what he was holding was a brownie. I was so red! I'll never forget it.
<edit> I guess I should have replied to the other message...oops.
I don't know. I don't do well in interviews and I need some dental work on my front teeth but he asked me if I would be willing to come in for a working interview and was told they would call me for it. I think if I was actually going to get that they would have scheduled it right away? I don't know. I could be very good at this job but I get sooo nervous in proper interviews. I really want my teeth fixed but I just can't afford it unless I get work. I think I am in a fix. Is that something I should bring up in an interview? Only because it is readily obvious upon meeting me :(
Glad to hear from someone on these boards! I hope they pick up :)
Interviews are an interesting thing. To do well, you must look at yourself as "the product" and the interview as a "commercial". Without bragging, you must share with the interviews why you are the perfect person for the job, your experiences, strengths, and your motivation.
When you truly love dentistry, other will be able to see it in your eyes when you talk about it!
Working interviews are very common. They allow the dental office to "try before they buy". It is your BIG CHANCE to show them how hard you are going to try, your skills, and willingness to learn. In many offices it is more important that you have the right attitude than that you possess the right skills. Skills can be taught, attitude can not.
As far as the nerves... just remember, they are not judging you as a person, but rather trying to decide if you fit into their "family" or not. Working in an office where you do not fit it... is well... horrible. It is better to relax, be real, but be professional. There is a gap between selling yourself in an interview and faking it. They will always find out if you fake it. So, be you - relax... if it is meant to be, it will come. Better to wait for the right office than to regret missing it!
Regarding your teeth - it is difficult to work in a dental office - educating dental patients- when you can't set a good example for them. Try to get your teeth (especially the front) fixed. Look at dental schools, local low cost care centers, and other places. If those fail, try applying for care credit - to finance your work, until you can afford to pay it back. Having a good smile will go a long way when looking for a job. Your appearance says so much about you - a clean, pressed, nice nails, hair, smile... means you pay attention to details, and care about yourself... enough to be the very best you can be. It means a lot to the potential employer.
Good luck - I'm here for advice, whenever you need me... just post. I travel a lot, so it may be a few days before I respond.
Other than my teeth, I am very clean cut. Thanks for pointing out that they are not judging me as a person, I think that will help me immensely. I will look into dental schools and such, I hadn't thought of that. I have good insurance but not the cash for the co-pay. I am on a VERY tight budget. My current FICO score is not good so I don't think I can get credit with a dentist. It's part of the reason I need a job. And yes, I do love dentistry! I thank God for dentisits! They have helped me immensely! Dental pain is the worst, I would rather give birth again!!
Thank you so much for your reply, I am so glad you are out there. I may be a well qualified (in my state) DA, but making the interview process work for me has been highly difficult for me. Thank you, thank you!
It is your BIG CHANCE to show them how hard you are going to try, your skills, and willingness to learn. In many offices it is more important that you have the right attitude than that you possess the right skills. Skills can be taught, attitude can not.
