The dental industry continues to grow throughout the United States, which means more and more dental assistant positions are becoming available in dental offices. Applying for such a job can be a daunting task even if the applicant has prior assistant experience, went to dental school, and continues their training on a regular basis. Following the tips outlined in this article can help all those applying for a dental assistant position at a Los Angeles dentist office or any dental office across the country.
Personal Presentation
Interviewing for a job, no matter the profession, is a difficult task to undertake but is even more difficult in the health care industry. The interviewer will scrutinize your appearance from the minute you walk into the interview when applying for a dental assistant position so be sure that you are well groomed for the interview. Poor personal grooming and poor hygiene can turn an interviewer off and can cause health problems for patients should you be hired for the job.
Know the Job
As with any job interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your dental schooling and work experience. He or she will also ask questions about the industry, trends, laws and other practices. Before interviewing for a dental assistant position be sure you read up on the industry and know what you will be asked to do should you be hired for the job.
Always Ask Questions
Interviewing for a dental assistant job should include you asking the interviewer questions about the job, the office, the office's policy on customer care and much more. Avoid asking questions about salary, benefits, and vacation time. Only focus on the position itself when asking the interviewer questions. This will show the interviewer that you truly do care about the job and the office's patients.
Be Prompt and Attentive
Do not arrive late for your interview. In fact, it would not hurt to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time. This will show the interviewer how serious you are about the position and their business. While in the interview be sure you are attentive to what is being discussed. This does not mean you have to take notes during the interview but make eye contact with the interviewer, respond to what is being said, and acknowledge the interviewer often.
