Your First Day On The Job As A Dental Hygienist Can Be Fun Or A Horror..... |
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And The Difference All Starts At The Interview! |
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Your First Day On The Job As A Dental Hygienist Can Be Fun Or A Horror..... |
|
And The Difference All Starts At The Interview! |
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by Jane Weiner
I welcome all of you to this wonderful profession that I have enjoyed for the last 35 years, but I do want to caution you about a few "first-day" things. I have been hearing horror stories about " first day on the job" and I'd like to provide you with some tips.
Go to your interview prepared with a list of all matters of concern to you and you will be well ahead of the game.
Remember, the interview is as much "you interviewing the dentist as the dentist interviewing you."
Try and get a working interview....in this case you can actually have two interviews..one at the beginning of the week in order to see the office at its busiest (emergencies always come in droves at that time of the week) and then another one in the middle of the week when the team tends to lighten up a bit. This way you can see both sides of the practice and decide if this is really the office for you.
Beware of those jobs that seem to offer the world to you...many times there is a high price to pay for those benefits.
Find out your real " job description," including all of the responsibilities that are delegated to you. Try to find out the responsibilities of others, especially the assistants as this is where there seems to be a lot of confusion....and conflict.
Remember that you must fit into the team if things are to run smoothly. Don't take a job too quickly and if you do, and find yourself dissatisfied ...GET OUT FAST. This helps everyone. Please remember to always leave politely. Your reputation follows you forever.
Remember that most offices have a 45 minute hygiene schedule (or less) and as a first time hygienist you need to ask that your schedule be adjusted for the first three months until you get the hang of things.
When one gets into the operatory for the first time most find it overpowering. Iron out the wrinkles at the onset and you will be better off. Your are now part of a professionally oiled team. Your co-workers need you and will help you if you ask. Your big mistake could be not asking for help when you need it.
Most first jobs are wonderful and the patients are usually most accommodating to a new graduate so don't worry about a thing.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Jane Weiner, RDH ( Florida)