Dental Traits to Succeed
To be successful in the dental field, employees who possess certain personality traits are those who can positively manage the day-to-day interactions with both patients and coworkers.
While there is a list of qualities that make for good employees, I find three key traits essential in the dental field. These are the traits a dental office manager should look for when interviewing.
1. Passion
The first key trait is passion. Passion in the dental field shines through even during the most challenging tasks.
One great question to ask an applicant during an interview is how they started in the dental field. It is amazing to hear how passion shines through this question.
Personal stories about dentistry’s impact on the applicant’s life or the desire to impact others through their work are great answers; these answers demonstrate passion!
Passionate employees make a difference and become patient favorites.
2. Desire to Grow
The second trait is a desire to continue growing, demonstrated by a willingness to learn.
Nothing is worse than working with employees who think they know everything and refuse to learn new skills, techniques, and methods.
When interviewing, an office manager should ask about the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses in the field. It can be a red flag if their list of expertise is the only thing they discuss, and they only mention weaknesses once directly asked about it.
An applicant who admits to a weakness and is willing to learn shows the hallmarks of a good employee. This type of employee can adapt to office policy, learn new techniques, and incorporate technological advances into their daily practice.
3. Longevity
The third trait to look for is longevity. Longevity can be found by looking at job history.
If a resume indicates that the applicant has a new job every year, they may not be the best candidate for a long-term employee. It is also concerning if someone wants to avoid an office manager contacting previous employers for a reference.
It takes more than ninety days to get a new staff member fully trained and in line with the office standards, and it becomes problematic when so much time is invested only to find out the employee was not truly vested in working long term.
This issue can be avoided by obtaining a sense of longevity desire during the interview process.
Finding Your Dream Team
Dental employees who are passionate, willing to learn, and want to fully show up and grow old with you are dream employees. Positive patient interaction, a good attitude, and solid commitment can supersede even dental skills.
Skills are easier to teach than these qualities. Figuring out what is most important for your office and trying to find that during the interview can be like hitting the jackpot!
About the Author
Tammy Fortenberry, MAADOM
Tammy Fortenberry, MAADOM, has been immersed in the dental field since 1992, pivoting from her initial dream of becoming a teacher to a fulfilling career in dentistry. She began her journey as a Dental Assistant and transitioned to the role of Office Manager in 2003. Tammy has been with her current practice since its inception in 2005, playing a key role in opening its doors.
In 2023, she earned the prestigious FAADOM designation, and in 2024, the MAADOM designation, reflecting her commitment to excellence in dental management.
Outside of work, Tammy enjoys life as a devoted mom to a blended family of four children, a proud owner of a perfect doodle, and the wife of her incredible husband.
