The person who keeps their job is the one that the dentist/office can’t function without.  You need to make yourself “special”.  Do you sell the big cases?  Do you build relationships with all the patients and make them referr new ones?  Are you the happy smiley face that everyone loves to see everyday?

This is not the time to expect anything.  Be reasonable.  Ask what you can do to help the dentist get through this tough time.  Bend over backwards, don’t just go with the flow.  Every patient that comes to the office now is essential, treat them that way. 

If you had issues that need to be resolved, do it quickly.  In other words, has the dentist talked to you about things they wanted you to work on?  You better be on top of that.  Dress sharp, smile, build relationships with the patients and be a team player.  Those who sit around, play on the internet, don’t talk to patients, dress poorly and have a poor attitude will be asked to leave.  Dentists are people as well.  We do not want to let people go, but if we have to, then we always keep the core team that we love to see each day.

This too will pass, as someone in my youth used to always tell me…

• Increase your salary
• get the job you want
• get an interview
• get more benefits

Check back for a link to the manual soon!

There are so many websites out there just copying and pasting articles, information and advice.  So I wanted my readers to know that there is a real live dentist behind this site! Yes, I am Dr. Christian Hahn and I have written everything you read about dental assistant salaries, jobs, and any other advice you get from this site. Everything is based on my experience working with some of the best dental assistants in the field. So, all the information is new and specifically geared towards your profession!

You can read more about me on my personal website in the blogroll on the right. Yes, I have a real job and practice dentistry daily! I have hired and interviewed countless assistants. But more importantly, I have taken the time to talk to many of my successful collegues about this subject and have put together a plan for dental assistants to succeed at their profession.

You may ask why would you do this? Well, it is simple. Good dental assistants are very hard to come by. And I am not talking just good at assisting. There is a huge market for dental assistants that want to be different, and I only hire those assistants that fit into that category. As it turns out, most of my dentist friends do the same, and they are mostly the highly successful kind that have offices you want to work in. So, how do you work with one of those dentists? Well, that is what this site is all about. 

So, look around, follow the blog, see what you can learn. I even try to answer questions! Soon I will post the manual I have been talking about which will put all this information and much more into a simple format.

Here are the resources you can use for now that will most certainly give you an edge in the market.  You are more than welcome to contact me with any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding these - heck, even better, leave a comment here on the blog for everyone else, I have opened the comment section now!.  The information is wonderful and applies to many different occupations!

• Amazing Cover Letters - This is a very good resource.  I learned A LOT from this guide!  Worth its weight in gold.
• How to Ask for a Pay Raise - Another good resource, but here the focus is on pay raises.  

The information in the two above resources in invaluable!  I have learned a long time ago that nothing comes from nothing.  If you do nothing, then nothing changes.  You have to educate yourself and that can only be done by learning from others.  I would not be where I am today if I had not attended hundreds of continued education hours and seminars. I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on my education which has paid dividends way above that. Spend a little money to make a lot…it only makes sense.

1. EVERYTHING about the position you are applying for.  In other words, be prepared to answer questions about your duties as a dental assistant.  Now, to impress the dentist, always drop some other talents you have into the mix when given the opportunity.  I really like to hear assistants tell me they are well versed in marketing (both traditional and web 2.0).
2. The name of the dentist, the practice, and what they stands for.  Every dentist likes to be known for something.  I, for instance, am a cosmetic and natural dentist.  Research the practice and the dentists, find something to connect with them about - a common interest between the two of you!  People hire people they like and relate to!
3. You must be in a fantastic mood, dressed to kill.  Yes, looks matter, I am sorry.  If you are going to represent the practice, then the better you present yourself, the better you present the office.  It is a no brainer.  If I see you walking into my office looking like you were fishing all day, then rest assured, you wil not fit into my office philosophy.  Polish the shoes, dry clean the outfit, get the hair done professionally, get a manicure/pedicure…you get the point.  This is your chance to shine!
4. Bring something unique with you…This I will leave up to your personal creativity.  If you did some modeling, bring your portfolio.  Bring some flowers for the office, or a thank you card.  Bring a very nicely bound resume, with a killer cover letter - make it look different This is something new, it will allow you to stand out from all the other interviews.  Just make sure it fits the caliber of the office you are interviewing with…in other words, don’t bring donuts to a top of the line cosmetic practice (yes, we like donuts and would love some once you work here, but for an interview…no).
5. Practice.  Yes, find a friend to practice with.  Practice answering the questions you know you will get with confidence, looking straight into the Dr.’s eyes.  Sit straight up and slightly forward, don’t fidget.  You need to radiate confidence!  If you want to see an example, wait till the local TV channel or advertising firm sends in their representative to meet with the Dr…..you know what I mean.  Once you feel comfortable answering just about any question that could be thrown at you, go for it.  Remember, don’t talk too much…listen and lead the conversation to ”yes” answers.

These are 5 out of many, but they are important.  Enjoy! 

You have been working for an office for quite some time.  Everything seems to work fine, but there really are no systems in the office that help you know what you need to be doing.  You have not had a review, ever, and it feels that if you don’t say or do something, nothing will ever change.  So, let me help you.  Yes, most of the time, if you do nothing, then nothing will change! 

Most dental practices lack the following:

• Clear system telling you what happens when (such as raises, benefits, reviews)
• A strong leader (no, not a monarchy or tyrany, a strong leader is something completely different)
• Someone that makes sure that the systems are followed (most offices will have an OSHA person, someone that orders, someone that answers the phone - but who makes sure the office systems that are designed to protect the employee and further their growth are followed?)
• Someone strong enough to say something

There you have it.  The basics.  Most dental offices just are too busy doing dentistry!  It is not that the dentist does not care, we do, but we just have too many other things to occupy our minds to be perfect.  Often it is just a matter of “asking” at the right time and taking the lead.

So you are frustrated and want to find a higher paying job.  Fine, but why not look at your current position first?  Chances are much better that you can find a higher paying job right where you work now!  Employees are valuable assets, loosing one is extremely expensive.  We, dentists, do not like to train new employees and usually listen quite well to our employees when they discuss their issues.  Here are a few point you need to consider prior to asking for a higher paying job in your current office:

• Are you a valuable employee?  Or do you gossip (a lot), surf the Internet while working, not put the patients and the office first while at work? 
• Do you dress to impress (even in scrubs), or do you wear pants that are too long, too tight or too loose?  Do you look “messy” or put together?  Do you pick up paper on the floor when you pass it?
• Would you hire yourself for your position over someone else if YOU were the owner?

 At this point you should know into which category you fall.  If you need to make improvements in the areas listed above, do it now. 

Don’t expect to get a raise or get a better job somewhere else if you do the things above, they are deal breakers.
 

As a closing thought, take a look at the people you respect and those who are successful.  Why do people respect them?  Why do they have the job you want?  Why do those dental assistants get paid more?  You too can be that person!

Quick tip #2: It costs about 30 thousand dollars for a dentist to loose, find and train a new employee.  This crazy number combined with the frustration of looking for someone makes it very unlikely that a dentist will just let you go if you ask for a better salary.  This is of course understanding that you need to be a good employee worthy of a higher salary and better benefits!  Look at yourself closely, believe in yourself and make the changes I recommend.  The odds are in your favor.

T

First, I think it is almost funny that since I launched this post, MSN decides to run an article “Five Surprising Salaries” (by Anthony Balderrama), which kind of shows the difference in salary in real life.  I think paramedics should definitely be paid more, they save lives on a daily basis…  Regardless, dental assistant salaries can vary significantly depending on many (most under you control) variables, and it can be quite a surprise how little and how much a dental assistant can make!

Now, here are some guidelines for some of the e-mail I have received:

1.  Jennifer:  If your back and hands are hurting, then you need to strongly consider the fact that dental assisting is hard on your neck, shoulders and back.  Orthodontic assistants do not always have as much strain, but it still can wear you down.

What I am going to teach through this blog will certainly help you in whatever career you choose, but it is currently geared towards dentistry.  Check back ever so often and try to implement the things you learn in your life, you will be happier and more comfortable.

2.  Tawni:  Your frustration with your pay after 2 years of assisting is shared by many of your professional colleagues (I have received too many e-mails about this to even begin to address everyone, sorry). Pay rate varies from location to location, as everyone tells you, BUT you do not want to be in the “average” pay range for your area.  You want to be the highest paid assistant in your area! That is what I will try to teach you all. You mention you are a hard worker and love what you do, which are both essential elements in being paid more. When was the last time you had a “review” and discussed a pay raise? How did you approach the review? How did you dress? How did you prepare? Are you a pleasant, happy, always smiling person in the office? Do you do the little things that nobody asks you to do? Start by analyzing your work habits and how you represent the office. Do you stand out from the other employees? Do you gossip, complain or just hang out too often?  These are just a few things for you to think about. This blog will definately help you!  

3.  Tina: Working in an clinic for 5 years where you feel the quality of care is not good enough is tough. You can not be the excellent assistant you want to be if you do not believe in the work. How did you last 5 years? First you need to realize that you have the choice of almost any dental practice out there. Most dentists are always looking for exceptional employees! So my question to you is, if you are temping and not able to find a job, why? I hire temps when necessary, and when I find one that stands out, then I either ask her/him if they are looking for a job or I keep their name. Every so often a special person walks into my office, and I want you all to learn how to become that special/magical person. Tina, the next time you temp at an office, evaluate yourself on these critera:  Are you enthusiastic?  Do you dress like you mean business?  Do you wholeheartedly smile all the time?  Do you find work when there is none for you?  Do you go out of your way and ask other team members how you can help make their day easier?  I could go on forever, but you get the point.  Good luck.

4.  Karen:  I feel for you.  Most dental assisting schools teach little to nothing.  How do you expect to gain experience if nobody is willing to give you the time needed to get it?  This is one of the most common issues.  From what I can tell you are very motivated, but somewhat resentful to your lack of education from the DA school. Externships are tough on dentists.  They do not really want to hand their system off onto a newbie and figure you standing around will teach you enough.  It is pathetic, I am sorry.  I myself have fallen into this trap and not given interns enough training - it just is a pain for dentists.  Here is where you start:  For you it is not about money right now, but about building yourself.  You need to be the best “team player” that you can be.  Assisting is only a part of your job.  When you interview for a position, remember that unless extensive experience is necessary, most doctors hire staff within the first few minutes of meeting them (they make their mind up almost immediately).  You need to know how to present yourself, and all that begins with you believing in yourself! So what if you don’t have the experience needed to assist yet?  What other qualities do you have that all dentist die to have in their office…think about it! 

Alright, there are many more questions about assistant salaries and getting a job, but I will write more later.  I have been through most of the issues you all have asked me personally.  I have hired assistants with zero experience even after putting “experience a must” in the ad!  I have been through many interns that came to my office for experience and immediately knew if I would ever hire them!  It is time that someone put all this info together for assistants to allow them to avoid these struggles that are so common.  This blog and its resulting e-book will help each and everyone of you in some important way.

This week a dentist friend of mine decided to hire a new assistant.  Adding an assistant is different than replacing one, so for this article we are going to discuss a little on both.  This is the typical approach dentists take to find a new assistant:

• Place an advertisement in the local newspaper classified section.  This costs a lot of money for just a single ad.  My dentist friend placed a simple ad for one sunday and paid just over $800!  This is rediculous, but reality for us dentists.
• Some dentists will then let their supply representatives know they are looking for a new dental assistant.  This is actually a good thing and can be very successful.  Cost is zero!

Now after the ad has run, usually a dentist will receive dozens of resumes!  This always is a complete surprise to me as I never thought there were that many dental assistants looking for jobs!  Most have to be currently working and looking for a better position.

My friend quickly went through the resumes and eliminated most (this is critical, you need to know how to get your resume into the keepers pile)!  Now the fun part begins - calling the assistants and scheduling face to face interviews.  When I hire an assistant, I usually know within the first 60 seconds if they have what it takes to work with me (actually, it may even be less then that).  And no, it is not entirely based on looks!  If you know what it takes to get the job in 60 seconds or less, then you are golden.

Now if you are lucky, you will get a call-back on your resume, and a call-back after your interview, and then you get to see what the “offer” is…

There is a better way.  This is what this site is all about.  Here is a quick tip to get you started: 

Quick tip #1:  You hold all the cards.  Once you know what most dentists are looking for in a dental assistant, then the interview is really there for you to see if you want to work for the dentist, rather than the other way around!  Getting a dental assistant job and the salary plus benefits you like is easier than you think.  How you approach the interview is one of the most important parts of the whole process!

To learn more about Dr. Hahn, please check the ABOUT page above.  There is a link to a youtube video of Dr. Hahn performing a smile makeover.  Please help spread the word by linking to this page if you feel the information is helpful!  Thank you

This information is critical for anyone that is sick and tired of not making enough money, not enjoying their “job”, and wants to

become that dental assistant that every dentist wants!

Here is a quick sneak peek at what you can expect to learn soon:

• How to get an extra $4000 per year without changing anything you do
• How to work for any office YOU chose
• How to get more respect - never again be the one on the bottom of the feeding chain
• What are the TOP dentist in the USA looking for in a dental assistant?
• How to guarantee a call-back when you send in your resume?
• and much much more!

_______________

Dr. Christian W. Hahn, an accredited (through the AACD.com) cosmetic dentist is helping dental assistants reach their full potential, showing them how to get a career in dentistry, not just a job.  Please help us deliver the content that you are looking for by sending us your thought and comments below.  You can visit Dr. Hahns personal website at www.IdealDentistry.com and read more about him there. 

Please help us provide you with the information you desire to succeed.  Leave us a comment with suggestions on what you want to know - Let me know if you are interested in getting paid more.

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