If You’re Going to Ask for Top Dollar, Be Ready to Answer These Questions
Today’s dental job market is strong, and talented Dental Assistants, Hygienists, and Front Office Professionals have every right to expect competitive wages.
But if you’re going to ask for top dollar, be ready — because savvy employers will expect you to justify what you’re asking for.
Before you head into your next interview or negotiation, make sure you’re prepared to answer these real questions you’re likely to hear:
1. How did you arrive at this salary level?
It’s not enough to throw out a number. Be prepared to explain:
- What the going rate is for your position in your area
- How your experience, skills, and certifications justify your ask
- Any specialized knowledge (like treatment coordination, insurance billing, expanded functions, etc.) that adds value
🔹 Tip: Always have a few local salary examples ready to reference — and be confident, not defensive.
2. Does this amount include the value of benefits?
Many employers offer benefits like health insurance, paid time off, 401(k) matching, and CE stipends.
When you’re discussing pay, know whether you’re talking about:
- Base hourly rate or salary only
- Total compensation package, including benefits
🔹 Tip: If benefits matter to you (and they should), make sure you’re looking at the full picture — not just hourly wage.
Want a better understanding of how benefits increase your pay rate? Read this.
3. My employees with this job make $xx.xx when benefits are included. Would $xx.xx be acceptable to you?
Translation: “Are you willing to be flexible if our total package adds up to what you’re asking?”
Be prepared to:
- Decide what your non-negotiables are
- Communicate if you’re open to slightly lower pay in exchange for strong benefits (or vice versa)
🔹 Tip: Flexibility can help you land a better long-term fit — but don’t sell yourself short if the numbers truly don’t add up.
4. Your requested salary is higher than my current team. What specifically will you do to justify this amount?
Employers worry about keeping salaries fair across their team.
If you’re asking for more, they’ll want to hear exactly why it’s worth it. Be ready to highlight:
- How you will improve practice production and efficiency
- Special skills, certifications, or leadership experience you bring
- Ways you can increase patient satisfaction, case acceptance, or collections
🔹 Tip: Frame your answer around how you’ll make the practice stronger and more profitable with you on board.
5. How will you increase our production, collections, and efficiency so that the practice can afford you?
This is the ultimate question.
You’re asking for an investment — and the employer needs to believe they’ll see a return.
Examples:
- Dental Assistants: “By speeding up room turnover and supporting same-day treatment acceptance.”
- Hygienists: “By educating patients on necessary treatment, increasing perio diagnosis and preventive care.”
- Front Office: “By improving scheduling efficiency, boosting case acceptance, and reducing outstanding A/R.”
🔹 Tip: Show how you directly impact revenue and growth, not just patient care.
Final Thoughts:
You deserve to be well-compensated for your skills, professionalism, and hard work.
But with higher expectations comes higher accountability.
If you can clearly communicate the value you bring to the table — and how you’ll help the practice thrive — you’ll not only justify your salary, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
Confidence. Preparation. Proof.
That’s how top-dollar candidates get hired.
Ready to put these strategies to the test and get top dollar? Apply to jobs at DirectDental today!
Smiles,
Holli Perez
DirectDental
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