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I was a dental assistant for 14 years. I have been out for about 13 years. I really miss the dental field, however, since I have been out for so long, no one seems to want to interview me. I feel that I have a great cover letter and resume. I really don’t want to settle for just any practice just to get current experience. Any advice?
Welcome back!
Good luck!
Well, you have to look at yourself from the other side…do you come across confident? Do you have a great smile (teeth)? Are you outgoing? Remember, dentists want someone that will represent their practice in a certain way. I would suggest you pick a certain type of practice, then look at their patient base. How can you be an asset for a dental practice to bring more of those patients in?
Did you read all the blog posts here?
I am more than willing to help you, just give me more info
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I recently had an interview that went very well, I was very tempted to jump at the job but – it was part time and not enough hours. His personality and reputation really went along with what I have in mind.The Periodontist I interviewed with said he wanted someone with “maturity” and not someone just out of school. So he appreciated that about me. It did give me a good experience and chance to practice with an interview.
I have a professional appearance and very healthy smile!
I am able to help patients feel comfortable and help them feel at ease, as well as, keep the day on track. I really feel that I can do well in providing a positive outlook for the office. A lady who used to be a patient of mine remembered me and told me how good I was as an assistant, this was just recently. That really got my attention for her to remember how she was treated that long ago!
One dental office stated that they had 40 applicants, so I could understand that someone who has been out of the field awhile could have a more difficult time. I think that a lack of recent experience is the issue. I just don’t see that it will be that tough to learn new materials and get caught back up. How much different are things now? The hygenist at my own dentist has tried to help me and my dentist said he would take my resume to his dental meetings. However, he later had a opening for an assistant (he didn’t call me, but I sent in my resume anyway) but he wanted someone with recent experience ( the hygienist let me know)….I kind of wish he had just told me that himself. I am really motivated to keep trying, though it is tough not to feel a bit antiquated!
As far as what I am looking for in a practice…I really need to have trust and confidence in whomever I work for – that is all I need for that to help me to go the extra mile to build confidence in the patient.
I’m hanging in there…
Thank you for your advice.
Thank you for your feedback as well! Remember, there are different things dental offices look for! Don’t just think “assisting”. Show how you have other things to offer as well, and then show how those things add to the office!
Hi…
I am an Indian Dentist with 3 years of experience and now I want to work as Dental Assistant .I dont know what DHA asks to them.I am really confused and tensed..I need job badly but dont have any hope..need motivation from our seniors and friends..
Thanks..
Hello Savi. Your background as a dentist certainly makes you highly qualified to work as a dental assistant here!
Never give up hope. You have the skill and can add a lot to any dental practice! There is a perfect fit for you out there. What have you done to try to find a job? Did you make a resume? What challenges have you encountered with offices you approached?
I will do what I can to help, so keep your spirits up!