Dental job before going to d-school

[Jo07]

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Since I already graduated and took the DAT recently, I'm starting to look for employment. I have been looking in classifieds and there has been no need for sterilization technicians and all the dental assistant jobs require experience. I faxed a resume and a cover letter to a bunch of offices explaining my 'situation' and how I want to learn and am willing to do anything. But I haven't gotten any responses. Also, I tried my family dentist and all he could offer was shadowing.

What should I do now? Dental labs? Take a course in dental assisting? If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

 

[lisunia]

I'd suggest shadowing a few different dentists, especially ones in a large office where an extra set of hands might come in handy (sorry...that was really bad)!

I did this and told every dentist I knew that I was looking for a job as a dental assistant to gain experience for d-school. I was lucky to be offered a job with a new dentist coming into the practice. Fortunately, he hadn't been practicing for a long time so he didn't mind that I wasn't exactly experienced...

While it could be a bit demeaning sometimes, assisting has really given me an appreciation for dental assistants as well as a great view of dentistry in action.

I think the best way to get a job would be to get the word out in person instead of just sending in resumes. I think people are more willing to help when they've already met you.

Good luck!! 🙂

 

[PorkChop2008]

Since I already graduated and took the DAT recently, I'm starting to look for employment. I have been looking in classifieds and there has been no need for sterilization technicians and all the dental assistant jobs require experience. I faxed a resume and a cover letter to a bunch of offices explaining my 'situation' and how I want to learn and am willing to do anything. But I haven't gotten any responses. Also, I tried my family dentist and all he could offer was shadowing.

What should I do now? Dental labs? Take a course in dental assisting? If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

Hey Jo07,
My advice would be to keep applying to the Dental Assisting jobs, especially the ones that are asking for minimal/no experience. I know you keep finding ones that say "exp required", however it can be done. I don't know about the laws in Maryland, but here in WA dentists can hire someone with no experience and train them on the job. Keep trying, send resumes out to every single dental assistant listing then follow up with a phone call. Yes you are going to get a ton of "no thanks", however you will also be able to break into it if you keep trying.

Other options might be to volunteer at your community dental clinic sterilizing instruments or at the minimum take your family dentist up on the shadowing offer, then you can put those shadowing hours on an updated resume.

I have over 5 years experience managing several dentists' offices and it took persistence and diligence to break into the field, I sent out over 100+ resumes before getting a single call back! You can do it buddy, you just have to keep your head up and don't get discouraged. If you want more specific advice, shoot me a pm and I'll be happy to offer any thoughts that I have. Good luck!

 

[CaliGirl15]

I was in the same situation as you, recently graduated and done with all my application stuff. I was really lucky that a bunch of my family and friends were willing to help me. I got an internship one day a week shadowing/assisting a dentist and the other 4-5 days I work as an office manager for a dentist that just recently took over a practice. Resumes did nothing for me I sent out a bunch. I would say look to family and friends let them know that your looking and if they have leads to let you know. (my aunt got me one, and a family friend the other). Definitely keep looking it will come up.

 

[Regmata]

Do something lucrative and save some money...you are going to need it.

Unless your application is weak and needs to be bolstered with extra experience.

 

[predentist]

Since I already graduated and took the DAT recently, I'm starting to look for employment. I have been looking in classifieds and there has been no need for sterilization technicians and all the dental assistant jobs require experience. I faxed a resume and a cover letter to a bunch of offices explaining my 'situation' and how I want to learn and am willing to do anything. But I haven't gotten any responses. Also, I tried my family dentist and all he could offer was shadowing.

What should I do now? Dental labs? Take a course in dental assisting? If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

Go for the shadowing...who knows if the assistant currently working there quits for some reason. and the dentist likes you and offers you to start working. This is not a joke. This has happened with me when I was shadowing although I wasn't able to work for him for personal reasons, so just throwing out a piece of advice. But I think if something like that happens you still have to take the radiology exam that certifies you for taking x-rays.

 

[vhouse3]

I would def. shadow several different dentists and try to get the word out... tell everyone you know. lots of dentists (and their employees) talk, so network and maybe someone in your office hears that dr. so and so is looking for an assistant or an office clerk or whatever. Also, look at front desk stuff... thats how I got into my first dental office job, helping the receptionist and hygienists... it was great for my resume when I could work the front and chairside. Working the front desk also helps you learn how a dental office operates.

 

[losays]

Your best bet is to try and find a part-time dental assisting position. It sucks because the hours are usually weird, and you have to get another job that has flexible scheduling, but the experience has been totally worth it for me.

 

[anonymuz]

thats funny cause i too am in the same position. Its sohard finding a no experience needed job so i am just thinking of becoming a certified pharm tech fora year and will get to learn medicines ... Do u guys think that willbe a good idea

 

[Westley]

When I was an undergrad, I walked into a dental office and gave them my resume and told them that I wanted to go to Dental School. I met the Dr. and was hired a week later. I earned only $7 and after working part time for 6 months, I moved onto another job, where I earned $10. I moved onto another one where I started at 16 and now make 21. What is my point? Have confidence, walk in and tell the Dr. your situation, and someone will give you a chance. Do not offer to work for free, because some doctors will actually pay you to sterilize/suction/etc. I learned everything I know on the job and its possible. Good luck.

 

[SuperC]

How long will you be at the office? If your starting school in Aug. You will only be there a 10 or so months. If you have NO training, they will have to spend time and money training you. The idea is to make you profitable. You are going to have a problem finding a job if you are not going to be there long.

If you can go to a dental lab and see if you can do some deliveries. They wont really need to train you and the up side will be you will meet people in many offices which will be great contacts in the future.

-C

 

[Jo07]

Good news! I have a job at a maxillo-facial surgery office! I don't know what I will be doing yet, but I got the call that they "will definately be able to use me". haha I hope it's not for some experiments.... 🙂

This Dr. is actually the one who did surgery on my TMJ years ago and I guess he remembered/liked me and there ya go. So for anyone who is looking for a job--don't give up and even if job posting specifies that they want "experience" still call because you never know, they might be desperate for help. 👍