Corporate or Private Dentistry? Making the decision

A recurring question among dental assistants seems to be whether they should apply for a corporate dental office or a private practice.   Most assistants have heard “good and bad” things about both the corporate and private dental fields.  The truth is, both are good choices , but only when it fits the needs of the dental assistant.   To help break down the advantages and disadvantages of each dental sector, we can begin with the similarities of corporate dentistry and privately owned offices.

It is important to realize that first, some things just are not going to be any different when making a decision for hire.  For instance…

1)  You will still have to drive to work each day so be sure to factor the distance from your home.

2) You will have days that you love…and days that you don’t.  Do NOT bank your decisions solely on the atmosphere or decor the dental office.  In the end, we all get use to our environments.

3) It is likely that you will always wish for more money.  As soon as another cost enters your lifestyle, so will the press for more money.  Consider what other amenities might be important to you.

4) People will change; turn-over happens.  While important, do not bank your decisions on specific individuals.

Now, some of the above comments may surprise you as they might seem contradictory to the old “find the right fit.”  But they are not entirely.  Finding the right fit is still important, but because you are struggling with going corporate vs. private, you should be sure to look at the total deal package.

To begin the comparison of corporate and private dentistry it seems fair to begin with the advantages of both.  As you read, carefully consider the thoughts that are most appropriate for your needs.

Advantages pertaining to the work and schedule environment:

Corporate:  Usually a busier office in which the dental assistant will perform tasks quickly.  There is usually a turnover in patients; receive new ones often and see just as many leave over a short period of time. Usually large enough to include more than doctor and several dental assistants.  Different schedule options are usually available. Paid holidays are likely to be offered.

Private:  Likely to enjoy one or two dentists and just a few dental assistants in office. Patients usually are more apt to stay with the office for a very long time.  Usually a bit slower with occasional busy days.  Likely to keep a standard schedule that will not vary too much.

Other advantages:

Corporate:  Most corporate businesses offer succession plans that allow the dental assistant to move laterally in positions or move up to larger responsibilities.  With succession, pay scales are often used, meaning there will be a “cap” to the potential wages allowed for each position.   Benefit packages are usually offered by a corporate group, which is nice.  Vacation days, sick days, are likely to be offered just in most cases; however, a corporate office may be able to give paid days off.  If needing to relocate, you may not have to lose your job, but just transfer!  For those who value continuing education, corporate offices often make training, in-services, and additional learning opportunities a priority.  Even better, they will likely cover costs.

Private:  Most private offices will base pay increase on merit or “good job done” , which it is nice to be recognized for your hard-work.  Private office will generally offer small bonuses for various reasons, which is fun!  Private offices usually offer a “close-nit” feel that tends to draw loyal patients who desire the same feel.  Private offices are generally pretty good about considering the employees’ opinions in business practices, really listening to new ideas and best practices.  Private offices often complete continuing education as a “family” to keep everyone on the same page.  If a new dentist is being added to the team or a current dentist is “phasing out”, a private office will generally build in a transition plan to ensure the comfort of the employees and patients.

The Disadvantages?

Corporate:  It is not uncommon for corporate offices to utilize a “motivational system” of which certain goals are set and rewards are given to encourage production of care, sales, and budget management, which does not fit everyone’s philosophy.   Another disadvantage of corporate dentistry may be that the business is truly set on budget forecasting, meaning they can only afford employees who deliver.  Turn over may be high.  Often, corporate offices will not warn employees of re-structuring until the very last moment, meaning the dental assistant may not be aware the dentist is being fired until the last minuet; however, they will be expected to continue with optimal performance, regardless.

Private:  There is very little room for a small business to offer significant pay increases.  Some small offices do not value credentials; if they don’t, the assistant pay have to pay for CE credit out-of-pocket.  Depending on the size of the private office, they may not be able to pick up the costs of professional memberships, credentials, or licensure.  Private offices may not have another option for employment should the dental assistant need to relocate.  If a private office is hurting for money, it is not unusual for a dental assistant to become part-time or decreased in hours.  Benefit packages are usually not offered in a private setting due to the costs associated with carrying an insurance for employees.

Remember, regardless of which choice fits your needs the most, it is your attitude that will predict your happiness!  Dentistry is a great career…make the best of it!

The latest salary numbers and previewing the ‘best places to be a dental assistant’ – DentistryIQ

The latest salary numbers and previewing the ‘best places to be a dental assistant’ – DentistryIQ.

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!

Not Your Traditional Interview!

Have you ever web-searched “How to prepare for an interview”? If so, you have experienced the overwhelming amount of articles, blogs, and websites available; all ready to tell you how to get the job you want.  In fact, you are probably thinking, “Aren’t I reading one now?”   Yes…and no.  More times than I can remember, I have advised nervous dental assistants on preparing for the interview; however, I have not published these tips prior to this article. The dental assisting interview is much different from the traditional “answer questions and impress me” interviews.  How?  The interviews held in dentistry are often of two styles…behavioral and practical (working).

The Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interviews are sometimes called situational. This is very common in dentistry due to the nature of the profession and the important need for a team atmosphere.  Once the interviewer has asked you the basic, traditional questions, they will begin on the “hard” questions.  These questions do not have to be difficult to answer if you are prepared for them; they are behavior-based. Behavioral questions will ask you to reflect on how you will or might handle a real situation.  In dentistry, these are usually focused toward conflict management with a difficult patient, team member, or dentist.  Think of possible questions surrounding these situations and plan your response.  To really nail a behavioral interview, you must be able to recount a situation of which you demonstrated your claim, like this:

Interviewer: Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation with another employee…

You: I was once in a situation where our team wasn’t as strong as it could have been; in fact, it was much divided.  Another assistant became belligerent in front of a patient when the dentist wasn’t in the room.  For the patient’s sake, I made the choice to ignore her tangent and just focus on patient care.  Unfortunately, this made her very mad and a soon as the patient left, she went straight to the dentist and complained about me ignoring her.  I could tell she had the opportunity to discuss her frustrations with a few other assistants, everyone was uptight.  I asked the dentist if I may speak to him alone at the first opportunity he had (after patients); he agreed.   I understand that communication is important in solving conflict, after speaking with the dentist; I asked if the other assistant would be willing to join us so that we may resolve the issue.  She was still upset after; however, she never confronted me in front of a patient again!  Because it was successful in this situation, I plan to approach similar situations with open, yet effective communication!

Interviewer: Great answer!  Thank you for sharing!

Behavioral questions need real answers.  The underlying theme of the previous example is patient care, which is the real concern of the dental office.  You do not want to portray constant happy endings; most people know that is rarely the case.  In the example given, the assistant did not say they became friends, only that she handled a difficult employee in front of a patient, brought the situation to the attention of the employer, and prevented the scenario from ever happening to her again.

The Practical (working) Interview

Practical interviews are often called working interviews.  This means you are to arrive to the office, ready to work.  This type of interview makes the dental assistant very nervous. I understand why; however, if you are aware of what they are assessing, you can prepare and ease your fears.  Working interviews for the dental assistant are very common; in fact, volunteering this type of interview will often get you hired!  You are probably thinking the office staff are going to rate your assisting skills, which they may, but only to a small degree.  What the office really wants to determine is how you can adapt to their office flow.  They also want a chance to see you interact with patients and gauge your compatibility with staff.  This is not a time to be shy; here are some tips!

• Before the interview, if you can, ask them about what they consider to be a successful interview, but only if the opportunity is right.  You don’t want to appear naive; you’re just getting a feel for office expectations.

• Show up in pressed, clean (no stains or holes) scrubs. Don’t forget to wash your shoes! Your hair should be up and in place. You can adapt to their dress code once you are hired; however, go “crisp” on the first day!

• Smile. A lot. You must look like you will be a happy addition to the office!

• Watch and learn. Take note of the office flow; watch what the other assistants manage their time and follow suit!

• At some point in your day, show sincerity to a patient. Smile and compliment them or appear interested in whatever conversation they bring up to you!

• Use your manners with the office staff! Say please and thank you often!

• Brush off mishaps; do not let a silly mistake ruin your ability to win them over!  Give a little laugh, a little comment and move on!

• Stay until dismissed! Do not ask to be dismissed.  If someone says you can go, say that you are willing to help with the final tasks. Don’t be too pushy, they probably want to discuss how the day went after you leave.  This is not bad; they may be agreeing to hire you!

• Send a thank you note or email within 24 hours.  Keep them interested and show them you are equally interested.

Remember, in most cases, the behavioral and working interview will be combined in either one experience or two.  Reflect upon your previous experiences in the dental office.  How can you portray your best qualities? Prepare yourself for success and if for some reason you are not hired, then it is probably because you rocked and it made the other assistants nervous!  There is nothing wrong with being a triple threat!