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

Part 5:
Walking in the Door

Preparation for your interview is crucial to success. If you can, make inquiries about the dental office and practice philosophy before going. Be sure that you know what salary arrangements are acceptable to you, and be prepared to justify your request.

You should appear promptly at the scheduled time, if not a few minutes early. Dress professionally. A dress or simple suit is appropriate, as are stockings, and shoes with conservative heels. Make-up and hair style also should be conservative, and represent what you would wear in the office. Keep perfume to a minimum.

Initiate a firm handshake, both at the beginning and end of the interview. Smile pleasantly. Maintain eye contact and an open, calm body position. Pay attention, show interest, and be aware of nervous habits you may have. Listen carefully, and think before answering questions. Don’t criticize past employers, jobs, or salaries.

A personal interview is a mutual opportunity to gather information and impressions. It is the initiation of a relationship. It is just as important that you learn what you need to know to be happy in your position as it is for the dentist to learn enough about you to make a hiring decision. Don’t let the interview become one-sided.

You can expect the interviewer to evaluate your resume, work qualifications, and professional philosophy. Also, your behavior and personality will be evaluated to determine whether you will “fit in” with the practice both patients and staff. Your appearance will be noted, and although traditional norms of attractiveness should not be a consideration, neatness and cleanliness are essential.

As the interviewee, you should be sure you get information about specific responsibilities, salary and benefits, vacation and sick leave policies, and office policies such as appointment scheduling. Ask questions about the present staff, and ask to see the office. Pay attention to the equipment and supplies. It is also extremely important that you attempt to develop a rapport with the dentist. His or her willingness to be pleasant and conversational will tell you a lot about the working conditions in the office. You should take your cues from the interviewer about the length of the dialogue. At the conclusion, offer a firm handshake, elicit a commitment to “let you know one way or the other,” and ask when you might expect to hear from him or her.

A follow-up letter, written in business style on resume paper, thanking the dentist for the interview opportunity and restating your interest, will reinforce the professionalism you conveyed during the application and interview process. If you think of questions that may affect your decision to accept the position, call the office and ask. It is essential that you have enough information to make that all-important decision.
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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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