Hiring That Shining Star for a Long-Term Career
Has anyone else noticed that hiring has become quite a daunting task these days?
When we post an ad for a receptionist position, I am flooded with tons of resumes. Most of them do not have any dental office experience or any office experience at all, even though the ad states it is a must.
People are job hopping so much right now since everyone seems to be hiring. The thought for the person applying is to take advantage of whoever will pay the most, and that is it. I understand that pay is significant, but I also know that so much more thought should be put into the proper practice of work. It is hard to find someone who is looking for a long-term career.
What happened to take into consideration, along with the pay, things like the benefits package, the great hours, and the fact that you get to help people daily? The things that do make working at a dental practice an excellent career choice!
The Importance of Finding the Right Receptionist
Finding the right person for any office position is paramount, but none is as crucial as the receptionist position. That is the first person that patients see and hear when they walk in the door or call the practice.
Whether we like it or not, patients will most likely get their first impression of our practice from that smiling (or not) face behind the reception desk or the friendly (or not) voice answering the phone.
The team member in the receptionist position plays a big part in why a potential new patient chooses our practice versus the one down the street!
Think about how you feel personally. Are you more likely to go to a place that greets you with a friendly smile and welcoming words? Or do you prefer someone to be all business, slide the glass door open, ask for your name, and then tell you to have a seat?
That first interaction truly will make you feel more comfortable and at ease, or not. Especially in a place you may not be too excited to be at anyway!
Personality Plays a Huge Part
Plainly stated, personality and friendliness are not something you can train others to have. Either they have it, or they don’t.
When sorting through all of those resumes, pay attention to the jobs they have done in the past and the length of time they were there.
As one example, we have found that someone with waitress/waiter/bartender experience typically knows about customer service and most likely knows how to be friendly and polite, pay attention to detail, and be able to hold conversations with others. After all, they earned tips based on how well they treated people and met their expectations.
When you don’t have a ton of applicants to choose from who have dental office experience, look at their personal qualities and for someone who is a “people person.”
Experience is always a plus but not always the most important factor. Don’t let someone’s lack of dental office experience be your deciding factor when you hire for the receptionist position. You may find that the shining star you seek has no dental experience.
About the Author
Kay Thompson, DAADOM
Kay started on her dental journey when she was a little girl and used to play “Dentist” with her dolls in her mom’s kitchen, using the utensils in the utensil drawer as her “instruments.”
After completing the Dental Assistant Program at St. Louis Community College in Kirkwood, MO, she worked in the dental field as an assistant for 20 years. Then, she became a Practice Administrator for the last 13 years.
She is excited about being an AADOM member and in 2020 she earned her Fellowship (FAADOM). In 2023, she earned her MAADOM and her DAADOM in 2024.
Away from the practice, she loves doing mission work and is active in her church, riding motorcycles and ATVs with her husband, and spending lots of time with their 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren.
