Gap Year Plan to Work as Dental Assistant but fail why?

[darknightzzz]

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Hi All,

I am submitting my application this summer and already graduate so I will have a gap year. I want to work as a dental assistant. I have applied to many dental assistant job postings (mostly on Craiglist) and have 2 interviews. Particularly, these 2 interviews they have aimed to recruit new pre-dental undergrad that already graduate and plan to go to dental school in 1 year. So they do not aim to hire a permanent one or ones with experience. I fit in their criteria perfectly. Yet I fail to get accepted to neither. I perform ok during interviews, just standard questions whats ur plan why you wanna work here (of course to know more about dentistry and patient interaction) and what schools u wanna go to. So I don't think I fail awfully at the interviews.

I have above average EC (research, already shadow a dentist, work exp), competitive GPA (above 3.7) and DAT (above 20 for all 3). Even the interviewers tell me my resume is good in term of GPA, DAT, and EC and they assure me I will be fine for "the job consideration", yet I get denied.

I just don't understand why they would say those things and then deny me anyways.

Does any of you have experience with this?


Less worried with the job interviews, more worried with the DS school interviews, I will then may think I do ok during school interviews but then will get rejected or waitlisted at most of them

 

[I want to go to there]

Hi All,

I am submitting my application this summer and already graduate so I will have a gap year. I want to work as a dental assistant. I have applied to many dental assistant job postings (mostly on Craiglist) and have 2 interviews. Particularly, these 2 interviews they have aimed to recruit new pre-dental undergrad that already graduate and plan to go to dental school in 1 year. So they do not aim to hire a permanent one or ones with experience. I fit in their criteria perfectly. Yet I fail to get accepted to neither. I perform ok during interviews, just standard questions whats ur plan why you wanna work here (of course to know more about dentistry and patient interaction) and what schools u wanna go to. So I don't think I fail awfully at the interviews.

I have above average EC (research, already shadow a dentist, work exp), competitive GPA (above 3.7) and DAT (above 20 for all 3). Even the interviewers tell me my resume is good in term of GPA, DAT, and EC and they assure me I will be fine for "the job consideration", yet I get denied.

I just don't understand why they would say those things and then deny me anyways.

Does any of you have experience with this?


Less worried with the job interviews, more worried with the DS school interviews, I will then may think I do ok during school interviews but then will get rejected or waitlisted at most of them

Practice a lot using a recording device. They probably found a more qualified people for those jobs. You may face the same problem during this cycle and get rejected or waitlisted. You will just have to get used to it, that's just life.

 

[Hannah Banana]

Hi All,

I am submitting my application this summer and already graduate so I will have a gap year. I want to work as a dental assistant. I have applied to many dental assistant job postings (mostly on Craiglist) and have 2 interviews. Particularly, these 2 interviews they have aimed to recruit new pre-dental undergrad that already graduate and plan to go to dental school in 1 year. So they do not aim to hire a permanent one or ones with experience. I fit in their criteria perfectly. Yet I fail to get accepted to neither. I perform ok during interviews, just standard questions whats ur plan why you wanna work here (of course to know more about dentistry and patient interaction) and what schools u wanna go to. So I don't think I fail awfully at the interviews.

I have above average EC (research, already shadow a dentist, work exp), competitive GPA (above 3.7) and DAT (above 20 for all 3). Even the interviewers tell me my resume is good in term of GPA, DAT, and EC and they assure me I will be fine for "the job consideration", yet I get denied.

I just don't understand why they would say those things and then deny me anyways.

Does any of you have experience with this?


Less worried with the job interviews, more worried with the DS school interviews, I will then may think I do ok during school interviews but then will get rejected or waitlisted at most of them

Sometimes there is nothing wrong with you but maybe there are other applicants who performed better at those interviews. If you think you did fine then you probably did fine. Don't take it personally. If you interview a few more times, you would land at least one job. The world is competitive so it's not your fault if you've tried your best. Keep it up!

 

[darknightzzz]

Practice a lot using a recording device. They probably found a more qualified people for those jobs. You may face the same problem during this cycle and get rejected or waitlisted. You will just have to get used to it, that's just life.

do you really think a solid applicant (stats and EC wise) who is an introvert and just answers the question to the best of his abilities, end up getting rejected or waitlisted from all schools? Interviews like this favor outgoing and personable people which not all of us are like that.

I mean I can't answer the question in a super happy and excited way which probably makes the interviewers feel good about it.

 

[darknightzzz]

Sometimes there is nothing wrong with you but maybe there are other applicants who performed better at those interviews. If you think you did fine then you probably did fine. Don't take it personally. If you interview a few more times, you would land at least one job. The world is competitive so it's not your fault if you've tried your best. Keep it up!

the problem with interview few more times is that all places will guess im applying to dental school and will leave within 1 year and wont bother with me.

 

[mrdocta]

Try to relax and don't treat these as professional as a dental school interview. I was in your shoes and met with a couple dentists to help assist while in undergrad. Be friendly and laid back. Act like you've known the doctor and treat them with respect. They just want to make sure that you would be comfortable to be around with patients and while working together.

 

[darknightzzz]

Try to relax and don't treat these as professional as a dental school interview. I was in your shoes and met with a couple dentists to help assist while in undergrad. Be friendly and laid back. Act like you've known the doctor and treat them with respect. They just want to make sure that you would be comfortable to be around with patients and while working together.

Yea, I was the type of person that does not get comfortable fast with strange setting, such as in interview situation. Btw staff interviews me not the DDS

i am just surprised how the result does not correlate with what they told me lolzzz they could have just not said anything then im okay

i read on here some people under perform at interviews in DS and still get accepted so may be thats good to hear.

 

[I want to go to there]

do you really think a solid applicant (stats and EC wise) who is an introvert and just answers the question to the best of his abilities, end up getting rejected or waitlisted from all schools? Interviews like this favor outgoing and personable people which not all of us are like that.

I mean I can't answer the question in a super happy and excited way which probably makes the interviewers feel good about it.

Practice will make you seem less introverted. Dentistry as a whole favor outgoing and personable people, so start practicing. I don't think you will get rejected or waitlisted at all the schools with your stat unless you completely freeze and blink out for 5 minutes. In any case, practice interviewing skills and work on improving social skills so you increase your chances at getting in your top choice schools and eventually become an excellent dentist.

 

[mrdocta]

Yea, I was the type of person that does not get comfortable fast with strange setting, such as in interview situation. Btw staff interviews me not the DDS

i am just surprised how the result does not correlate with what they told me lolzzz they could have just not said anything then im okay

i read on here some people under perform at interviews in DS and still get accepted so may be thats good to hear.

Haha well try not to under perform.. way better shot at succeeding when you perform well. But anyways, meeting with the staff just be calm and not frightened. You'll have plenty of time to freak out before the ds interviews. Definitely do mock interviews for ds.

 

[darknightzzz]

Practice will make you seem less introverted. Dentistry as a whole favor outgoing and personable people, so start practicing. I don't think you will get rejected or waitlisted at all the schools with your stat unless you completely freeze and blink out for 5 minutes. In any case, practice interviewing skills and work on improving social skills so you increase your chances at getting in your top choice schools and eventually become an excellent dentist.

well i wasn't that bad to have a panic attack during interview. okay gotcha. I was just supper bummed out because i got denied (right before i am about to submit dental school app)

Haha well try not to under perform.. way better shot at succeeding when you perform well. But anyways, meeting with the staff just be calm and not frightened. You'll have plenty of time to freak out before the ds interviews. Definitely do mock interviews for ds.

yea i was calm probably they think i was not outgoing enough for their office.


it makes me wonder that if these places (which offer 1 year internship and flexible with students schedule) seek students who have low hr shadowing to help out rather than bothering with another student with enough hrs ???

because the intern talked to me when he started here he got 0 hr previous dental shadowing hour and applied anyway to DS (got in one expensive private school and waitlisted at another expensive private thats all he got). I have above 100 hr shadowing a dentist thou (i got this throu craiglist as well and the wife of the dentist was chill enough to not even interview me and accepted me right in)

 

[I want to go to there]

well i wasn't that bad to have a panic attack during interview. okay gotcha. I was just supper bummed out because i got denied (right before i am about to submit dental school app)



yea i was calm probably they think i was not outgoing enough for their office.


it makes me wonder that if these places (which offer 1 year internship and flexible with students schedule) seek students who have low hr shadowing to help out rather than bothering with another student with enough hrs ???

because the intern talked to me when he started here he got 0 hr previous dental shadowing hour and applied anyway to DS (got in one expensive private school and waitlisted at another expensive private thats all he got). I have above 100 hr shadowing a dentist thou (i got this throu craiglist as well and the wife of the dentist was chill enough to not even interview me and accepted me right in)

DA is a social position, if you didn't seem that social, it probably reflected negatively on you and that's why you didn't get the job.

 

[darknightzzz]

DA is a social position, if you didn't seem that social, it probably reflected negatively on you and that's why you didn't get the job.

yep makes sense i guess stats cant carry me this time lol

 

[Bifenthrin]

do you really think a solid applicant (stats and EC wise) who is an introvert and just answers the question to the best of his abilities, end up getting rejected or waitlisted from all schools? Interviews like this favor outgoing and personable people which not all of us are like that.

I mean I can't answer the question in a super happy and excited way which probably makes the interviewers feel good about it.

I understand that not everyone can be an extrovert and super personable, but you have to learn to fake it at the very least. Dental schools are also going to take your social skills into consideration. Dentistry is a highly social field in which patient interaction is extremely important. You need to know how to talk to people and seem personable to be successful as a dentist.

I'm pretty introverted myself, but I have always held jobs that required me to be outgoing and extroverted, so I learned to fake it. It's exhausting of course, and I need a lot of downtime on my own afterwards, but you gotta do it to get ahead in this field.

 

[darknightzzz]

I understand that not everyone can be an extrovert and super personable, but you have to learn to fake it at the very least. Dental schools are also going to take your social skills into consideration. Dentistry is a highly social field in which patient interaction is extremely important. You need to know how to talk to people and seem personable to be successful as a dentist.

I'm pretty introverted myself, but I have always held jobs that required me to be outgoing and extroverted, so I learned to fake it. It's exhausting of course, and I need a lot of downtime on my own afterwards, but you gotta do it to get ahead in this field.

yeap agree, well I am not super shy and timid. I mean I can't talk flamboyantly social like the sales representative, But I think once I settle down 1 one 1 to talk about a problem I can use logic and common sense to persuade at an okay level.

lol how do you suggest to fake being social?

 

[Bifenthrin]

yeap agree, well I am not super shy and timid. I mean I can't talk flamboyantly social like the sales representative, But I think once I settle down 1 one 1 to talk about a problem I can use logic and common sense to persuade at an okay level.

lol how do you suggest to fake being social?

Honestly, practice hahaha.

It's a skill, just like anything else. Record yourself practicing. Try to be bubbly and outgoing and as charismatic as possible.

I personally try to channel my inner Elle Woods.

 

[darknightzzz]

Honestly, practice hahaha.

It's a skill, just like anything else. Record yourself practicing. Try to be bubbly and outgoing and as charismatic as possible.

I personally try to channel my inner Elle Woods.

lol i think its very obvious to spot introvert and non-charismatic people. because the staff told me the adjective above right after the interview. ok another skill to take note off. Schooling isnt everything i see

 

[Bifenthrin]

Schooling is very far from everything. Unless you're going into a career where you will not have to interact with people, social skills and charisma are imperative.

 

[I want to go to there]

lol i think its very obvious to spot introvert and non-charismatic people. because the staff told me the adjective above right after the interview. ok another skill to take note off. Schooling isnt everything i see

Many actors are introverted, but they don't seem at all like it in the movies. You can fake it with practice.

 

[tooth_hurty]

Do these dental assisting positions require any training/certification?

 

[darknightzzz]

Do these dental assisting positions require any training/certification?

the two I received interviews at do not require any training nor certification and will train. these are paid position also. So they are different than unpaid volunteering shadowing.

that is why I speculate if they aim to help pre-dental students with low shadowing hours.....because the pay is really low 10-12$/hr

 

[alpacasarenotllamas]

I don't really think you are the problem. It seems like you're a very nice person.

I was in the same position as you during my gap year. I had a part time job as an assistant that pays $11/hour. I also applied to a lot of craigslist dental assisting jobs because I am the type of person who does not want to ask my parents for money if I can help it. Although a lot claim that they just want that one year commitment, they will hire someone who can stick around longer. Dentistry is a business and they don't want to keep training assistants. Also, my boss told me that it looks bad when offices keep switching assistants.

Even though I had my X-Ray license and other certifications, a lot of places didn't hire me because they said I will just lose you in a year and that is bad for business. Also, if your resume has a lot of research, etc. etc. they will KNOW you will be applying and most dentists want an assistant who will stay. I made sure that it wasn't me who was the issue by interviewing at other places and I didn't mention that I'm going to dental school. Right away, I was hired but I didn't take the job because I felt that it's ethically wrong to lie to them. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't being weird or anything during my interviews.. Haha.

Instead, this is what I did during my gap year. I took advantage of what I learned in school and made my own tutoring gig. On days that I didn't have to assist, I tutored. In the beginning, I only had one student and I charged $25/hour teaching chemistry. Since he was able to drastically improve his score, he referred me to a lot of people and I was able to make $50/hour. As students, applying is so so expensive and why not help people and make some good money on the side? Plus, you did not work hard in those science related classes for no reason! 🙂 Also, I feel like doing this during my gap year taught me a very important lesson that I take to heart. Along with dental assisting and tutoring, I learned that we need to be very patient, listen well, address their concerns, and make them feel comfortable so that they will refer you! A good dentist cares about their patients and if you show them that you genuinely care, they will also return you that favor 🙂

 

[ajj70]

do you really think a solid applicant (stats and EC wise) who is an introvert and just answers the question to the best of his abilities, end up getting rejected or waitlisted from all schools? Interviews like this favor outgoing and personable people which not all of us are like that.

I mean I can't answer the question in a super happy and excited way which probably makes the interviewers feel good about it.

Given what the staff wants you to do for a job, being an introvert probably isn't a good thing. I would all a couple of the places you interviewed at and tell them that you would like some feedback on your interviews to help you prepare for dental school interviews. I would then spend some time in the career center at your college and do some practice interviews there and with anyone else that hires people for their company that you might know. I don't think that being introverted as an actual dentist is as much of a detriment as it would be for a dental assistant.

 

[BrazilianRider]

do you really think a solid applicant (stats and EC wise) who is an introvert and just answers the question to the best of his abilities, end up getting rejected or waitlisted from all schools?

No, but pretty damn close. I know a kid with good stats (3.5, 23 AA) who got like 7 interviews and was only accepted a week or two ago. It sucked 'cause we were all getting into schools, and he was feeling a little distressed considering he had (arguably) the best stats of the group. You really have to come off as personable during these interviews, or else you might run into some trouble.

 

[darknightzzz]

I don't really think you are the problem. It seems like you're a very nice person.

I was in the same position as you during my gap year. I had a part time job as an assistant that pays $11/hour. I also applied to a lot of craigslist dental assisting jobs because I am the type of person who does not want to ask my parents for money if I can help it. Although a lot claim that they just want that one year commitment, they will hire someone who can stick around longer. Dentistry is a business and they don't want to keep training assistants. Also, my boss told me that it looks bad when offices keep switching assistants.

Even though I had my X-Ray license and other certifications, a lot of places didn't hire me because they said I will just lose you in a year and that is bad for business. Also, if your resume has a lot of research, etc. etc. they will KNOW you will be applying and most dentists want an assistant who will stay. I made sure that it wasn't me who was the issue by interviewing at other places and I didn't mention that I'm going to dental school. Right away, I was hired but I didn't take the job because I felt that it's ethically wrong to lie to them. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't being weird or anything during my interviews.. Haha.

Instead, this is what I did during my gap year. I took advantage of what I learned in school and made my own tutoring gig. On days that I didn't have to assist, I tutored. In the beginning, I only had one student and I charged $25/hour teaching chemistry. Since he was able to drastically improve his score, he referred me to a lot of people and I was able to make $50/hour. As students, applying is so so expensive and why not help people and make some good money on the side? Plus, you did not work hard in those science related classes for no reason! 🙂 Also, I feel like doing this during my gap year taught me a very important lesson that I take to heart. Along with dental assisting and tutoring, I learned that we need to be very patient, listen well, address their concerns, and make them feel comfortable so that they will refer you! A good dentist cares about their patients and if you show them that you genuinely care, they will also return you that favor 🙂

yep the problem with tutoring is that it requires me to work consistently (i can't simply take 3 week or randomly a few days off per week for interviews). Plus, LOL application induces stress and this will blow any tutoring. (i had tutoring experience before too)

you are right. Most of my work experience are lab assistant because I work and do research in a science lab. My non-lab experience is just 50 hrs tutoring and 140 hrs dental shadowing lol

 

[darknightzzz]

Given what the staff wants you to do for a job, being an introvert probably isn't a good thing. I would all a couple of the places you interviewed at and tell them that you would like some feedback on your interviews to help you prepare for dental school interviews. I would then spend some time in the career center at your college and do some practice interviews there and with anyone else that hires people for their company that you might know. I don't think that being introverted as an actual dentist is as much of a detriment as it would be for a dental assistant.

I see, well the interview didn't go super horribly. it went above average but I dont consider it to be good. Okay will do that.

No, but pretty damn close. I know a kid with good stats (3.5, 23 AA) who got like 7 interviews and was only accepted a week or two ago. It sucked 'cause we were all getting into schools, and he was feeling a little distressed considering he had (arguably) the best stats of the group. You really have to come off as personable during these interviews, or else you might run into some trouble.

ouch, that burns like hell. my DAT isnt dat high (21AA) well I think most students with these stats (my guess only) show ignorance and arrogance in the way they speak or talk . I come across a lot of them in my undergrad. So that is probably why . I dont personally think I have these killing personalities.

 

[I want to go to there]

I see, well the interview didn't go super horribly. it went above average but I dont consider it to be good. Okay will do that.




ouch, that burns like hell. my DAT isnt dat high (21AA) well I think most students with these stats (my guess only) show ignorance and arrogance in the way they speak or talk . I come across a lot of them in my undergrad. So that is probably why . I dont personally think I have these killing personalities.

Many Asian students have very good stat, but are very introverted. Doesn't really matter, just work on your interview skills enough that they think you are moderately extroverted.

 

[cacajuate]

Maybe its because you are a guy and most dentists don't want a male assistant.

 

[darknightzzz]

Many Asian students have very good stat, but are very introverted. Doesn't really matter, just work on your interview skills enough that they think you are moderately extroverted.

okay i will for sure.

Maybe its because you are a guy and most dentists don't want a male assistant.

probably lol all the dental assistants i see there and also the place I interview at are females. At the clinic I shadow, the only male is the dentist himself, which is pretty awkward.

 

[BrazilianRider]

Maybe its because you are a guy and most dentists don't want a male assistant.

It's probably because he'd only be working for a year, max. There's no reason to hire someone who you know is going to leave in a bit... especially since Dental Assisting can be a career job for some.

 

[super frank]

Do you have your state X-ray certification?

 

[PocketRocket]

The part about DA being female is so true haha. I'm yet to see a male dental assistant. I'm a guy and have been working for a practice as a secretary and I feel like that is more awkward than being a male assistant.

 

[flossboss24]

I am a guy, and I assist. I have seen a few male assistants but it is rare. You just have to keep applying. The key advantage for me is that I am x-ray certified, and that goes a long way! Give it a shot if you can, it is not a very difficult of an exam nor does it take a lot of time to prepare. Also for interviews try to be as sociable as possible, I know everyone has mentioned that. I believe @Muhammed makes a good point to record yourself answering a few common questions and looking over how you respond, or rehearse in a mirror. You must be feel confident with your answers and look confident as well. Lastly, be observant! What I mean by that is you should keep track of unique things because they make for great talking points. For instance, the doctor I worked for had a few pictures of impressionists paintings in different parts of the office. I asked her why she liked the impressionist paintings and boom... the doctor just kept talking and all I had to do was nod and feed into the convo every once in a while. If you learn to ask the right questions, you will have no issue with patients!

@PocketRocket I've worked as a secretary, and I agree. Kinda awkward being a secretary, although the people don't mind, you can't help but feel out of place.

 

[qteepa2t]

@darknightzzz Hey I was wondering if you are in California (because you answered a question of mine before)? I was wondering what offices/dentists or part of CA that offer jobs to people that are not certified and are for pre-dents because it would be a dream come true!!!!!

 

[darknightzzz]

@darknightzzz Hey I was wondering if you are in California (because you answered a question of mine before)? I was wondering what offices/dentists or part of CA that offer jobs to people that are not certified and are for pre-dents because it would be a dream come true!!!!!

Hey, I was in Socal, Orange County to be specific.

This post was made before I realize the cold truth of trying to find dental assistant jobs for non-certified. First, you have to know how to assist (probably from your shadowing, you get to assist because I assist during my shadowing). Some usage of X-ray will be a big plus (I took some Xray during shadowing too, yea the dentist was YOLO enough to let me practice on patients). Second of all, you have to strip away your identity, do not put college education on your resume, just put high school education and a few work experience that is no-university related. Third, do not mention you are going to dental school or a pre dent. Just come in acting like you look for work.

The moment they find out you are a pre dent, and you are going to apply and be a dentist soon, they will show hesitation right away.

I was advised by someone to do the above and I actually applied to 2 positions only and got interviewed and offered the jobs. I didn't take them because the guilt of omitting is so bad after the interview.

Just look for ads around job posting website you will find some.

Best of luck.

 

[qteepa2t]

Hey, I was in Socal, Orange County to be specific.

This post was made before I realize the cold truth of trying to find dental assistant jobs for non-certified. First, you have to know how to assist (probably from your shadowing, you get to assist because I assist during my shadowing). Some usage of X-ray will be a big plus (I took some Xray during shadowing too, yea the dentist was YOLO enough to let me practice on patients). Second of all, you have to strip away your identity, do not put college education on your resume, just put high school education and a few work experience that is no-university related. Third, do not mention you are going to dental school or a pre dent. Just come in acting like you look for work.

The moment they find out you are a pre dent, and you are going to apply and be a dentist soon, they will show hesitation right away.

I was advised by someone to do the above and I actually applied to 2 positions only and got interviewed and offered the jobs. I didn't take them because the guilt of omitting is so bad after the interview.

Just look for ads around job posting website you will find some.

Best of luck.

Thank you honey! But I wanted to work for what would be probably 3 years as a dental assistant because I have a lot of schooling left and a gap year going on. Should I still omit this info?

 

[studentdental8]

I mean I can't answer the question in a super happy and excited way which probably makes the interviewers feel good about it.

I think for dental assistant positions, not an academic one like dental school admission, they care about workplace fit and after all they will be with you 8 hours a day for a year, so they probably want a sociable outgoing type.

But for dental school interview I think its more about ability, but being social doesn't hurt either.

 

[Lambs]

I assisted during my gap year. Try your personal dentist or the dentist you shadowed. If you want to get your X-ray license ask your dentist to sign for you and you can take the course. It is about $400. It is only a two day course with about a week or two in between. You just need to ask your dentist if you can come by, shadow and take two sets of FMXs during that time. With your X-ray license you will be much more attractive as an assistant.

 

[ncide]

Keep applying to dental practices for jobs. I sent out 35 or so applications for jobs as a dental assistant before I landed a few interviews and got in somewhere, and I kept applying until I was able to get a job that I actually wanted.

I also kept all of my credentials, degree and everything, on my resume. I didn't hide the fact that I was interested of pursuing dental school, but I was adamant I was excited about expanding my clinical experiences through assisting until then. It helped since it made me seem more reliable.