Hosting the Dental Intern!

Is your office hosting a student intern this year?  If so, how does your team prepare for a temporary staff member?  For most offices, the dental internship goes smoothly with little complications throughout the 8-10 week experience; however, there are times when the situation just gets plain frustrating!   If your office has ever experienced a “bad” situation while hosting an intern or if your office is hosting for the first time, you may benefit from these tips…

1) Interview the student!  Does the student seem genuinely interested in your office?

2) Communicate your expectations!  Make certain that both the student and your office is on the same page!

3) Create an introduction plan.  It takes most students a solid week to feel comfortable with the staff and office surroundings.

4) Make the student part of the team! Students who feel welcomed to learn often strive to please!

5) Communicate concerns with the instructor!  Many instructors are monitoring over 30 students at a time; let them know early if something is not going right!

6) Evaluate your experience!  How can your team improve the internship experience for the next time?

Hosting a dental intern does not have to be a negative or dreadful experience if you carefully plan; communication is key.  Make certain that the entire office is willing to participate in the student’s success.  If one or more members disagree with the hosting, find out why.  How can you benefit from the additional office help without isolating employees?

It is a good idea to communicate with the student’s institution before committing to an experience.  Get to know the instructor and learn the expectations/objectives of the internship course.    Keep in mind, the field of dentistry cannot prosper without continued participation and growth.  Many dental schools are dependant upon their community members and quality internship offices are appreciated greatly!   Remember, the best hires are those whom you’ve had the opportunity to know!

Make Them Say Yes!

For all of the students  who are feeling anxious about beginning your dental externship, just know that you don’t have to be!  There is an effective way to approach your experience and if done correctly, will set you up for a job position later and make them say yes!   Most of the time, students are relying on the instructor to place them in an externship.  Don’t!  Talk with your school about setting up your own externship site; you really do not want to be placed in a job that isn’t a good fit for you.   Half your battle is won if you appear in person to the dental office of your choice, here are some tips to allow you to feel comfortable about asking for an externship:

• Have the contract agreement in hand (you get this from the instructor) with your supervisor’s business card and a syllabus for the externship course.  Dentists want to know what you are able to perform at this point in your education.

• Do NOT show up in scrubs for the first meeting.  Students think their school uniform looks professional (and it does), but the best impression will appear intelligent, mature and professional.  You want to appear “different” from the previous students who have completed an externship at the same office.  Wear a suit or a very nice (not trendy) business attire.

• When you arrive, ask the front office staff if you may briefly meet with the Dentist or Office Manager.  These two are most likely to make the final decision; avoid dental assistants who are not in charge for now, not everyone wants an intern in their office…

• When asked why you are there, say that you are hoping to speak with someone about an externship opportunity.  Keep in mind, this is a huge advantage for the office as well…they are getting free help!

• Once you have the chance to speak with the right person, let them know why you are interested in their office.  What do you like about them?  Are they small, big, innovative, friendly, popular?  You can even say that the office is close to home and it is important to you that you are able to get as many hours as possible.  (Numerous students have said this and it really does work!)  Who doesn’t want LOTS of free help?

• Offer your materials and let them know that most of their questions can be answered in the reading.  Also, point out the business card for easy contact.  Know you dates of externship!  You must have your ducks in a row before you visit!

• Most importantly, offer a working interview!  You can almost always snag your externship by offering to give them a preview of how you will “fit in.”   Don’t worry, they know you are a student and are not expecting fluency; however, they want to see if you are going to ask questions, show dedication and look for opportunities to learn.  You will only have one day to convey that message!

• When your conversation has ended, let them know that you will contact them within the next 7 days.  Try to offer this first as some places say the old “we will call you”; there is nothing wrong with putting a little pressure on them to commit.

• Repeat this process for at least three more externship sites.  Chances are you will land one within a week.  Remember, if you get the welcome from two offices, take them both! Find a way to work them into your education, whether it is by committing to one or two days a week or scheduling them at a later time…don’t lose them!  Most accredited dental assisting programs require more than one office experience, use them!

Talking to the Dentist, the office manager, or dental staff may seem frightening at first; you might be afraid of sounding unintelligent or getting turned down.  Toughen up.  You could get turned down a few times before landing the position, but it will likely be because they have had a previous bad experience or don’t have the time.  Either way, if you keep at it and stay confident in your self, you will get what you are looking for and complete you education successfully.  You just might land a permanent position with that office later!