Excerpted from an Access article by
Roberta G. Hoskins, RDH, BHSE

Part 2:
Where to Look

Occasionally, the perfect job will fall right into your lap, but usually the dental hygienist must take an active role in seeking a new position.

Newspapers
Many dentists prefer not to use newspaper ads, and those who do often use a “blind ad” when looking for new employees, which requires that you respond to a post office box. This allows the dentist to remain anonymous, and puts the dental hygienist at a distinct disadvantage. You might find yourself applying for positions you don’t want. If you are already employed, you may be sending a resume to someone whom you would rather didn’t know your intentions. However, it is still a good idea to check newpapers on a daily basis. Classified ads from many of the nation's prominent newspapers are listed online with Careerpath.com.

Since online employment resources are expanding rapidly, you may want to start by using conducting a keyword search for employment resources on popular Internet search site such as Infoseek, Lycos, AltaVista, Webcrawler , Yahoo or Eblast. Indeed, some of these Internet "portal" maintain their own extensive employment listings. ADHA Online lists a few online resources in its Related Links section.

Professional Publications
Your professional journal, as well as other professional publications, contains a classified section in the back. These ads are often for positions in underserved, and sometimes exotic, locations. You should check these publications if you are interested in relocating, or are the adventurous type.

Unsolicited Cover Letters and Resumes
If you are in an area where the dental practice population makes it practical, you might consider sending a cover letter and resume to each practice. You might get lucky and have one land in an office with a new, unadvertised opening. Be sure to include a statement of flexibility, such as a willingness to work nontraditional hours or to substitute -- it will make you more marketable -- and ask that your resume be kept on file in case of future openings.

Local Professional Associations
Many local professional associations have an active job referral system. If you are new to an area, contact your state association, where someone can give you the name of the contact person for your local component.

Dental Auxiliary Placement Service
Most metropolitan areas have dental auxiliary placement services. Fee arrangements vary among agencies. Some charge the employer, some the employee, and some divide the placement fee among both parties. Most agencies are listed in the telephone directory, and many advertise in newspaper classified ads and in professional publications. If you decide to use one of these services, be sure you read and understand thoroughly any contracts into which you enter.

Temporary Placement Service
A temporary placement service -- a company that provides employees to meet short-term need. “Temps” may be needed on short notice for short periods of time, to substitute for a dental hygienist who is ill, for example, or for planned, longer periods, such as for a maternity leave or vacation. Many temporary dental hygienists have found ideal permanent situations this way. Both the dentist and the dental hygienist have the advantage of knowing each other fairly well before making any commitments. Once again, be sure you understand the policies of any agency with which you contract, especially the consequences of accepting a permanent position.

Dental Hygiene Schools
Dental hygiene programs usually have a “job board” or a faculty member who keeps track of open positions, both locally and around the state. Dentists consider programs to be good sources of potential applicants, and many call or write when a position is available.

Networking
An oral health care community is much like a small town: everybody knows everybody, and if they don't, they know someone who does. Call practicing dental hygienists in your community and let them know you are looking for a job. If a dentist you contact is not looking for a dental hygienist, ask him or her to pass on your resume to a colleague who may be. Dental supply representatives also are excellent resources. They visit offices on a routine basis and usually are knowledgeable about current employment situations. Dental supply reps are concerned with creating and maintaining good will, and most are happy to help.
next >>


Part 1 Preparing For the Search
Part 2 Where to Look
Part 3 Cover Letters
Part 4 Resumes
Part 5 Walking in the Door
Part 6 Finding a Good Fit
Part 7 Good Luck!


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