Interview Tips And Tricks For Associate Dentist Jobs

So you’ve qualified, you’ve got the paper to prove it, and armed with new confidence and hireability, you’re ready to take on the dental world and make your mark.

But as with any other job, not all opportunities are created equal and not all employers are created equal. Like any other job-hunting scenario, you need to be sure that you’re going to be the right fit for the practice and vice versa.

At the same time, some of the interview tips and tricks you’ve learned over the years are pretty generic and can be applied to just about any job. So to help you figure out if you’re about to walk into career heaven or hell, we’ve created this reference guide of Associate Dentist Interview Tips and Tricks for you.

Interview Tips And Tricks For Associate Dentist Jobs
Interview Tips And Tricks For Associate Dentist Jobs 5

What Must You Prepare Before Your Interview?

Before you step into the interview that could potentially change the direction of your life, being well versed in the company or practise you’re interviewing with is important. Remember, you’re there to interview them as much as they’re going to interview you.

So do a little digging. Check for online reviews from patients and fellow medical practitioners – read the positive, the negative, and the mediocre to get a good sense of what the practice is like. Ask around and see what you can find out in terms of their reputation, preferability, standards of care, etc.

You also want to make sure that you’re suitably rested and well-groomed for the interview itself. When you walk into the practice, it’s important to remember that you can’t make a second first impression. If you are sleepy, this will come through no matter how well-prepared you are.

Have all of your references, both academic and professional, ready for presentation. While it’s possible you may not be asked for references, it’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Included in your document pack should be:

  • Academic transcripts if you are recently out of university
  • Before and after photographs of your work if applicable
  • Case presentations
  • Accomplishments
  • Treatment plans
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Have your production numbers ready (essential)
  • Remember to have a few blank sheets of paper for notes or if you want to sketch an outline or something when making a point.

Arriving at your interview with all of this will allow you to answer challenging questions confidently and easily.

The Kind Of Questions You Should Be Prepared For

Interviewing for Associate Dentist jobs will probably come with the standard set of interview questions such as:

  • So tell us a bit more about yourself.
  • What got you interested in this role and career?
  • How did you find out about this role?
  • What do you think makes you ideal for this practice?

An extra note: you may be required to have a telephone or video interview first. If you do, keep in mind that you won’t have the benefit of body language and non-verbal communication. This is one of the many reasons that having your interview communication skills honed to perfection is important. The easy way of getting that down? Practice.

At Your Interview

Ok, so you’ve made it to the face-to-face interview, you have your document pack ready, you’re in your sharpest suit, and you’re bursting with confidence. Do you know the absolute most important thing you can do to make a fantastic impression?

Arrive ten minutes early. This is the golden rule and should be at top of your mind as you get ready and head out for your face-to-face interview. You’ve probably heard this tip dozens of times – it’s been around forever, and it’s not going anywhere. Showing up early shows that you respect the position and are eager for your interview.

During your interview, smile, speak clearly and loud enough for everyone to hear you, and show an interest in the work of your prospective employer and their practice. When appropriate, take small moments within the interview to check for understanding and cross-reference medical data but never argue or fight against your interviewer.

Keep the conversation easy flowing, and if you need to take a second before answering a question, do so. It will work much more in your favour to do that than to ramble on an answer that you’re not entirely confident or secure in.

Take opportunities to show where you think you could add value to the practice and if you have evidence to back up your claim, present it.

Questions to Ask in an Interview

Far too often, potential employees forget to ask questions during their interview. Preparing questions to ask in an interview before you ever get there can help keep you on track, give you more information about the position and the practice, and shows that you are engaged and excited about the position.

So, what are some common questions to ask in an interview?

  • What is your favourite part about working here?
  • What type of growth is the practice expecting in the next year? Five years?
  • Who is your typical patient?
  • What kind of community work does the practice provide?

In addition to these types of questions, make sure you check for understanding throughout the interview if you don’t understand something or need clarification. This shows that you are engaged in the conversation and paying attention.

After The Interview

It’s always a good idea to contact the interviewer after the interview to thank them for their time, register your interest in the role, and assure them that you’re available for further discussion. A quick email is sufficient, and it should be sent as soon as you get home or at your earliest opportunity.

Remember to do some research around the typical remuneration that you could expect as an associate dentist so that when the time comes to negotiate your package, you’re aware of what’s realistic.

If you are a recently qualified Associate or experienced Dentist, Dentex Health are a fantastic place to develop your career.  Since inception in 2014, Dentex Health has collaborated with a substantial number of successful dental practices across the UK and are on track to achieve 150 partner practices by 2022. Working for Dentex, you will join a collective of practices with a mutual interest in seeing the group grow and thrive.  If you are interested in working at Dentex Health please check out their current vacancies at https://careers.dentex.group