How to Interview, Be Interviewed, and Choose the Right Opportunity
Program Overview
Completing residency is an exciting milestone—but choosing the right first position can be one of the most important and challenging decisions of a young specialist’s career.
This candid panel discussion will help residents and recent graduates better understand the associateship interview and hiring process from both sides of the table. Experienced practice owners, recent graduates, and leaders familiar with DSO and private-practice environments will share what employers really look for, what makes a candidate stand out, common mistakes and red flags, and the questions every young specialist should ask before accepting a position.
The goal is not to promote private practice or DSOs—or to suggest that one model is better than another. The purpose is to help young specialists evaluate opportunities thoughtfully, recognize whether promises and expectations are realistic, and determine whether a position is truly the right fit for their clinical and professional goals.
Who Should Attend?
This program is designed for:
· All Dental Specialist residents
· Recent graduates considering a new position or career transition
· Residency program directors and faculty members who advise residents about career opportunities
What Attendees Will Learn
By the conclusion of this program, attendees should be better prepared to:
· Present themselves effectively and authentically during an interview
· Understand how employers evaluate young specialists
· Ask thoughtful questions that reveal the true nature of an opportunity
· Compare private-practice and DSO positions more intelligently
· Identify potential red flags before accepting an offer
· Evaluate compensation, mentorship, autonomy, culture, and advancement opportunities
· Determine whether an employer and candidate are truly a good match
Central Message
The goal of an interview is not simply to convince an employer to hire you. It is to determine whether you and that employer should choose each other.