One of our most-read blog posts is:
Master Your Working Interview to Get Paid More.
But it recently occurred to me… before a dental professional even gets to the working interview, there are several other “interviews” you go through—some formal, some subtle, but all equally important if you want to land a job that pays you what you’re worth.
Yes, I know dentists are desperate right now. And honestly, dental assistants, hygienists, and front office personnel could likely do the bare minimum and still land a job somewhere.
But if you want top dollar at an amazing dental practice—you know, the one with great systems, awesome coworkers, and patients who actually show up—you’ve got to master every step of the hiring process.
Let’s break them down:
Think of Your Resume as an Interview
It all starts with your resume.
I tell my dental offices not to stress over perfect formatting because job boards can mess it all up. And typos don’t always reflect your clinical skills.
But a sharp, professional resume? That opens doors—especially if it impresses an office enough that they just have to call you.
To make your resume shine, check out these two posts:
How to master the “resume interview”: Have a clean, nicely formatted resume free of errors that instantly makes a great impression.
What Does Calling You Feel Like?
Voicemail
Is your voicemail friendly and personalized? Or is it just the robotic voice spitting out your number?
Even worse—can people leave a voicemail? I’d say 30% of the time, I can’t leave a message because the mailbox is full.
If a potential employer can’t reach you, they’re going to move on.
How to master the “voicemail interview”: Record a warm message, clear out your inbox daily, and return job-related calls within 12 hours.
Answering the Phone
If you answer, how do you sound?
I know spam calls are annoying, but answering with a grumpy “Hello?” can instantly turn off an employer. And if you’re in a loud place or can’t talk? Let it go to voicemail and return the call later.
How to master the “answering the phone interview”: Only answer when you can sound calm and friendly—and have time to chat.
The On-the-Spot Phone Interview
This is becoming the go-to first interview. I used to schedule calls ahead of time, but now, if someone picks up and sounds great, I jump right into a quick phone interview.
You might not have your resume in front of you, and that’s okay—just be honest. Let them know if you’re unsure on exact dates.
Also, give them a heads-up if there’s background noise or if your battery’s low.
Be ready to talk about:
- Why you left previous jobs
- Your skillset and certifications
- What you’re looking for in terms of pay and benefits
And don’t forget—it’s a two-way street. Ask about the role and the practice so you can decide if it’s worth moving forward.
How to master the “on-the-spot phone interview”: Be honest, polite, and prepared. Show enthusiasm. Ask questions. And if it feels like a good fit—ask for the next step.
Assessment Tests (AKA the Skills Test)
Before the working interview, some offices like to do an Assessment Test—a quick, in-office skills check that helps them evaluate your clinical or front office knowledge without having you interact with patients just yet.
These usually happen after the formal interview, but sometimes they’re combined into the same visit. It’s not a full working interview, but it still gives the office a sense of your capabilities and comfort level with their systems.
They might ask you to:
- Set up and break down a room
- Identify instruments
- Take impressions or X-rays
- Enter treatment plans into the software
- Answer a mock phone call
- Talk through insurance verifications
The goal? To make sure your skills match what’s on your resume—and to build confidence before putting you in front of real patients.
How to master the “assessment test”:
- Be honest if you’re unfamiliar with a task, but show a willingness to learn
- Move with purpose—be confident, but not rushed
- Ask clarifying questions if instructions aren’t clear
- Treat it like a real job scenario—professional, prepared, and proactive
And just like with the formal interview, agree on pay ahead of time if you’re doing this as a paid assessment or it’s expected to take more than 30–60 minutes.ents, ask the recruiter what kind of test it is and how long it’ll take. That way you’re prepared and not caught off guard.
Formal Interview
Formal interviews are becoming rare, but some offices still do them—and they take them seriously.
These practices want to make sure you’re a good fit before bringing you in for a working interview. And honestly, that’s a good thing! It means they care about their team and their patients.
Bring a few copies of your resume and a “brag book” with certifications, licenses, and CE credits.
Dress professionally if you can. If you’re coming from work and will be in scrubs, let them know in advance so they don’t judge unfairly.
Be ready to talk through your experience in detail—and show your passion when discussing your favorite procedures.
How to master the “formal interview”: Show up on time, bring a brag book, dress professionally (or give a heads-up if in scrubs), and ask thoughtful questions about the practice. If it’s a good fit, ask for the working interview.
Lastly, the Working Interview
This one really does need its own post… and lucky you, it has one:
Master Your Working Interview To Get Paid More
If you’ve nailed every step leading up to this, the working interview is where you seal the deal. So go read that post and knock it out of the park.
I hope this helps you feel confident and prepared the next time you’re job hunting. You’re not just trying to get any job—you’re going after one that values you, pays you well, and brings out your best.
Smiles,
Holli Perez
DirectDental
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