How to Get Jobs in a Dental Clinic

A dental clinic requires a team of employees to ensure the office runs smoothly and patients receive quality care. Jobs in a dental clinic range from the receptionist and office support staff to dental assistants and hygienists. A career as a dental assistant or hygienist requires specialized training and certifications, while office staff train on-the-job or through vocational programs. Landing a job in a dental clinic can be a rewarding experience.

1. Complete the education requirements or gain skills in the field you prefer. Vocational schools offer training courses in medical coding and billing, medical office administration and dental assisting. Hygienists must complete extensive training through a degree program.


2. Obtain certification or a degree in the field you studied. This verifies your knowledge and expertise in the field and adds credibility to your resume. During school, seek out clinical experience through an internship or part-time job in the field. Clinical experience prepares you for your career.


3. Update your resume to reflect current education, certifications and job experience. Include skills from past jobs that relate to your new career. Include internships and unpaid hands-on experience as part of your experience and knowledge.


4. Contact local dental clinics and inquire about current job openings. Visit the office in person and fill out an application if they are hiring. Leave your resume at offices that plan to hire in the future. Remember to dress appropriately to make a good first impression.


5. Use online job boards to search for dental clinic jobs in your area, or a location that interests you. Most major cities offer a job board to target openings within the area. Submit your resume to the website’s database and distribute it to the companies that interest you.


6. Ask family and friends if they know of a clinic that is currently hiring. A lot of office jobs are filled through word of mouth referrals. Tell everyone you know about your job search in the dental field.


7. Talk to your personal dental office about your desire to work in the dental field. If they are not hiring, they may know an office that is hiring. Ask for leads for prospective employers in the dental field.


8. Use the job placement assistance tools offered by the school you attended. Schools often collaborate with local dental offices and clinics to help graduates land a job in their field of study.