Dental Technician Job Profile: Female, age 31, from Petersburg, VA (ID# 3325)

1. What exactly do you do?

What field is your job in?

Dentistry
What is your job title?

Dental Technician
Please provide a brief description of the firm or organization that you currently work for (size and general description of what type of organization it is)

I work for a small dentists office with ten employees.
How long have you been employed in this position?

For a four years.
How many hours do you work a week on average?

40
Please provide a BRIEF description of your duties and responsibilities. (job description)

40
Please provide a BRIEF description of your duties and responsibilities. (job description)

I am responsible to assist the dentist in all dental work. I perform rinses and floride treatments. I also provide dental care instructions.
What was your gross income last year? Please include any bonuses or incentives received.

25000
What is your expected gross income for this year? Please include any bonuses or incentives you expect to receive.

27000
Please list any benefits you have (Please include number of weeks vacation, sick leave and type of health insurance, retirement plan 401k)

two weeks vacation, cigna health, 401k, sick days as needed
Do you feel you are under/well/over compensated at your current position?

I am well compensated

Does your job entail you working with others on a daily basis? Is this something you like/dislike about your job? Explain

I work with patients on a daily basis. I love working with people. I like to help people with their dental problems.
Do you work collaboratively with supervisors/managers?
Do you work collaboratively with your co-workers?

Yes
Describe your work location (e.g., office, home, theatre, in the field) and what you like/dislike about working in it
Please rank in order of importance from 1-8 (1- most important 8- least important) Assign each number once.
- 2 Income
- 3 Work Environment - co-workers
- 8 Work Environment - supervisors
- 4 Benefits
- 5 Hours
- 6 Level of responsibility
- 1 The actual "work" you do at your job
- 7 Job Title

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?

Go to school and become friendly with your local dentist. Make sure that you have an impressive resume. If work experience is a problem, ask your local dentist if you can assist for free so that you can obtain work experience.
What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours? Please be specific and explain why (e.g., social skills, organization skills, technical skills)

You must have good social skills and be very patient. Many of the people treated are in pain and may be a little grumpy. Organizational skills and technical skills are also very important. Knowledge of dental procedures is key to being a good assistant.
Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?

Yes
What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?

If you get turned down, keep trying. Dental offices often have techs that stay in their postions for a long time. Eventually you will find an opening.

How did you find your current job? (e.g. newspaper, internet, referral, etc.)

I was hired at my personal dentists office. I let them know I was in school and that I was interested in any openings.
What was the application process for your job? (e.g. submitted resume, paper application, electronic application, all, etc.)

I submitted my resume.
Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail? (e.g., number of interviews, who you interviewed with, group interview, individual interview, etc.)

I had one interview with the two dentists who work in the office.
If you can remember, what questions were you asked at your interview?

I don't recall.
Is this the job / field you planned to work in?

Yes
If your job is in a different field from your original plan how did you get here? Explain (Plan can be from high school/college/post college/personal plan)

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?

I went to school to be a tech. It was a two year program.
Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain

Yes. My employer took a month to train me and did not let me on my own until I was completely comfortable.
Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain

Yes. My classes were informative and prepared me for my current position. I had hands on experience in school that greatly helped me.
If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare you for your job?

If someone were to observe you at work, what would he or she say is "fun" about your job?

We have fun and joke around all day. The patients are great and the employees are even better. It is like I work with my second family.
What is (are) the most fulfilling aspect(s) and least fulfilling aspect(s) of your current employment? (e.g. fiscal, spiritual, type of work, hours, commute, compensation, etc.)

I love to help people look and feel better. The compensation isn't bad either.
Is your current employment part of your career plan? Why or why not?

I plan to eventually go to denistry school and become a dentist. My current employment will greatly help me.
What are your current career goals? (Can be broad or specific)

I plan to work at my current postion for a few years and to then return to school.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your career?

I love my job and know that if you are considering it as a career you will love it too!!!!!!!!!