3 answers
Ngo
Student
Olympia, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How can I ask dental offices in my area for a part-time office job as highschool/running start student??
I am aspiring to become a dental hygienist in the future and I would love more experience in a dental setting and maybe work as a front desk or a receptionist position as a high school student/running start. My schedule can be flexible as I am a running start student.
I am wondering how I can reach out best and maximize my chances at getting hired or positive feedback from different offices.
The dental hygiene program is extremely competitive so I would love to get a head start on doing as much as I can.
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3 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
132
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Dental offices appreciate students who are interested in dental hygiene because it shows commitment. Even working at the front desk can be helpful when you apply to competitive programs. As a running start student, you have an advantage because you can work during weekdays, which most high school students can't.
Reaching out is easy and should be personal. Create a short resume, even if you don't have job experience yet. Include your school, GPA if it's good, customer service skills, organization, communication, and your goal of becoming a dental hygienist. You can email dental offices or visit them during quieter times, like mid-morning or early afternoon. Introduce yourself, explain you're a running start student interested in dental hygiene, and ask if they hire part-time front desk help or let students assist with administrative tasks. Keep your approach short, polite, and sincere. Many offices don’t advertise job openings, so showing initiative is more important than having experience.
To increase your chances, apply to many offices, not just one or two. Smaller private practices are often more willing to train students than large corporate clinics. Even if they're not hiring, ask if you can shadow for a few hours or volunteer occasionally. This can often lead to a paid position once they know you. The goal right now is not to get the perfect job, but to get into a dental environment, learn the terms, see how patients are handled, and build relationships that can lead to recommendation letters for hygiene school.
Reaching out is easy and should be personal. Create a short resume, even if you don't have job experience yet. Include your school, GPA if it's good, customer service skills, organization, communication, and your goal of becoming a dental hygienist. You can email dental offices or visit them during quieter times, like mid-morning or early afternoon. Introduce yourself, explain you're a running start student interested in dental hygiene, and ask if they hire part-time front desk help or let students assist with administrative tasks. Keep your approach short, polite, and sincere. Many offices don’t advertise job openings, so showing initiative is more important than having experience.
To increase your chances, apply to many offices, not just one or two. Smaller private practices are often more willing to train students than large corporate clinics. Even if they're not hiring, ask if you can shadow for a few hours or volunteer occasionally. This can often lead to a paid position once they know you. The goal right now is not to get the perfect job, but to get into a dental environment, learn the terms, see how patients are handled, and build relationships that can lead to recommendation letters for hygiene school.
Hazel Burton-Tillson
Medical Assistant
4
Answers
California, California
Updated
Hazel’s Answer
Hi Ngo,
So far I agree with what other people have said!! Making a resume is a great first start, and I'd include information like name, email, high school & gpa, maybe some of the classes you've taken in school and how doing homework/assignments has allowed you to start to develop time management skills and attention to detail (like by doing work correctly lol).
It would also be good to add any volunteer work you've done with any organizations, or just helping out friends/family etc. It can definitely be discouraging to get turned down a few times, but it just takes that one person/clinic to be able to help you get your foot in the door. I'd recommend emailing or calling and leaving messages, sometimes clinics don't like when people show up in person but that depends as well, so up to you! In any of the communication, make sure to mention you're interested in becoming a hygienist because that can further demonstrate that you're really interested in a position like this.
Good luck!!
So far I agree with what other people have said!! Making a resume is a great first start, and I'd include information like name, email, high school & gpa, maybe some of the classes you've taken in school and how doing homework/assignments has allowed you to start to develop time management skills and attention to detail (like by doing work correctly lol).
It would also be good to add any volunteer work you've done with any organizations, or just helping out friends/family etc. It can definitely be discouraging to get turned down a few times, but it just takes that one person/clinic to be able to help you get your foot in the door. I'd recommend emailing or calling and leaving messages, sometimes clinics don't like when people show up in person but that depends as well, so up to you! In any of the communication, make sure to mention you're interested in becoming a hygienist because that can further demonstrate that you're really interested in a position like this.
Good luck!!
John Johnson IV
Manager Information Technology
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Ngo,
Vianne gave some great advice! Start by creating a strong resume and reach out to as many offices as possible to find those open to helping someone eager to learn. Remember, everyone who has a career started where you are now. It might be tough to find an easy option right away, but keep searching for opportunities. Talk about your goals with everyone you meet because you never know who might have a helpful connection. Building your network can open doors, and someday, you might be the one helping someone else. Keep pushing forward!
Vianne gave some great advice! Start by creating a strong resume and reach out to as many offices as possible to find those open to helping someone eager to learn. Remember, everyone who has a career started where you are now. It might be tough to find an easy option right away, but keep searching for opportunities. Talk about your goals with everyone you meet because you never know who might have a helpful connection. Building your network can open doors, and someday, you might be the one helping someone else. Keep pushing forward!