New dentists have many career options after graduating from dental school. One possibility is joining an existing practice as a new associate.
This may seem like the best way for a new dentist to get started, but it’s important that the practice owner and new hire are on the same page from the start. This starts with getting to know each other during the first interview and continues as you talk about important topics like pay, benefits, lab costs, supplies, and more.
Whether you’re looking to join a practice or hire a new associate, this article will offer helpful guidance. Let’s start with 9 questions that job candidates might ask when they are considering joining a practice.
Landing an associate dentist position can be a crucial step in your dental career. To make a strong impression, it’s vital to prepare thoroughly for the interview. This guide, drawing insights from the ADA and UCSF resources, will equip you with essential questions to ask and answer, ensuring you stand out amongst the competition.
Part 1: Understanding the Employer’s Perspective
9 Questions Job Candidates Might Ask
- Reason for Hiring: Understanding the practice’s growth plans and why they need an associate helps you assess your potential fit.
- Expansion Timing: If expansion is recent, delve deeper into the timeline and your potential role as the practice transitions.
- Work Schedule: Knowing the expected workload and patient mix helps you evaluate your skills and compatibility.
- Compensation: Clarify whether you’re an employee or contractor, and discuss salary, production/collection-based pay, and benefits.
- Benefits: Inquire about health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and CE allowances.
- Insurance Plans: Knowing the payor mix and who handles different patients helps you understand the practice’s workflow and potential income stability.
- Long-Term Plans: Discuss the practice’s vision for expansion, new locations, or potential sale, and assess your alignment with these plans.
- Mentorship: Explore opportunities for learning new skills, business management, or case presentation and communication improvement.
- Shadowing/Case Review: Request shadowing the owner or reviewing cases to gain a deeper understanding of the practice’s approach and patient care.
Part 2 Presenting Yourself Effectively
10 Tips for Successful Interviews:
- Two-way Street: Approach the conversation as a collaborative effort, where both parties have equal input and decision-making power.
- Active Listening: Allow ample time for the other dentist to speak, ask questions, and share their perspective.
- Focus on the Conversation: Eliminate distractions and give the other person your undivided attention.
- Verbal Cues: Use affirmations like “yes,” “agreed,” and “I understand” to show engagement and facilitate conversation flow.
- Research: Learn about the other dentist and the practice through online resources, blogs, and LinkedIn.
- Prepared Notes: Utilize notes to guide the conversation and keep it on track.
- Balanced Questions: Ensure both parties have ample opportunity to ask questions and gain insights.
- Authenticity: Be yourself and avoid presenting an artificial version of your professional persona.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Lean in, maintain eye contact, and avoid crossed arms to convey interest and openness.
- Open-mindedness: Embrace unexpected responses and explore different perspectives with curiosity.
Part 3: Additional Resources for Success
ADA Articles:
- More Than Meets the Eye: How Associate Pay Can Vary
- What Went Wrong: The Practice Wasn’t Ready for Another Associate
- What Went Wrong: The Quality of Care Wasn’t Up to My Standard
- Red Flags and Must-Ask Questions for Dental Job Interviews
UCSF Dentistry Associate Positions Interview Questions
This document provides a comprehensive list of questions you may encounter during your interview, categorized by skill sets and scenarios. Utilize this resource to practice your responses and feel confident addressing various topics.
Remember: Preparation is key. By thoroughly researching the practice, understanding the employer’s perspective, and practicing your responses, you can confidently approach your associate dentist interview and increase your chances of landing the position.
Focus only on the conversation.
Silence your phones and put them out of reach. Make sure the other dentist knows they have your full attention. Allow no interruptions from staff while you’re talking. Don’t answer your phone or other devices while the interview is going on so you don’t get distracted by texts or emails.
What’s the long-term plan for the practice?
Incoming associates must think about their long-term potential for growth and success. The business owners should be open to talking about their plans to grow, open new locations, or sell the business in the future. Candidates will evaluate whether their career plans fit into the long-term vision for the practice.
If the owner is getting ready to retire, the candidate should know if there will be a chance to buy the business when the time comes. If this option is part of the employment offer, it should be documented in writing. No one wants to join only to find out that the promise of ownership was just a ploy and not a real plan.
DENTAL ASSISTANT Interview Questions & Answers! (How to PASS a Dental Assistant Job Interview!)
FAQ
What is the basic question for a dental interview?
What is an associate dentist?
How do you stand out in a dental interview?
How do you answer a dental interview question?
This question can show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about all dental health standards. Your answer should also address how you would care for varying types of patients. Be sure to positively describe your bedside manner as you answer this question.
What do Interviewers look for in a dentist?
Interviewers want to know that you can assess complex dental issues, prioritize treatments, and communicate a strategic plan effectively to patients. This question allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills, clinical expertise, and patient communication abilities, all of which are essential for a successful dental practice.
What does a dentist do in a dental interview?
As a dentist, you are responsible for addressing and managing dental emergencies or complications that may arise during treatment. This question helps interviewers assess your ability to think quickly, adapt to unexpected challenges, and provide appropriate care to patients.
Why should you ask a dental interview question?
Asking this question allows interviewers to gauge your commitment to ongoing education and professional development, ensuring that you can provide the best possible care to your patients and adapt to changes in the dental industry.
