Interview Project: Part 2

Communications 1010
Interview Analysis Memo

Date: February 18, 2015

To: Professor David Gagon
From: Brooke Grundy
Subject: Interview Analysis Memo, COMM 1010
I had the opportunity to Interview Amber Dunigan. Shes a Dental
hygienist (DH) at General Dentistry, in Murray, Utah. As a new patient,
I admired her communication skills and professional demeanor. I
quickly recognized the respect her co-workers had towards her. Seeing,
when asked a question, she responded with a smile and confident
answer. With this is mind; it was no surprise when she agreed to an
interview.
Once I finish my general classes, I plan on applying to a Dental
Hygienist Program. My interview with Ambers provided me with the
information I need to decide if going wrist deep in a strangers mouth
everyday is the right career choice.
This memo provides the knowledge Ive collected and useful tips thatll
help me pursue my career as a Hygienist.
A Summary Of Lessons Learned:
A Career In Dental Hygiene:
I asked Amber why she chose Dental hygiene as a career. She
explained the roll her mom played, and the influence she had as a
dental assistant. Amber recalls going to work with her mom, thinking it
was the coolest job ever! When Amber showed an interest in dentistry,
her mom encouraged her to get a degree and not a certificate. Its
important to realize, a degree provides opportunities, and your limited
without one. In the meantime, Research dental offices thatll pay
tuition fees and apply to be an assistant. Utah doesnt require a dental
assisting certificate to work; taking advantage of the opportunity to
save money is advised.
Technology doesnt have to be an enemy. Science will continue to
expand, and dental equipment will get more sophisticated. For
example, air abrasion, electric hand pieces (reduces the noise),
comfort control syringe, and microabrasion. However, the advances
dont necessarily subtract time, but provide patient comfort and

complex information. Ultimately, Stay up to date with new technology

by attending work meetings; reading informative books, and continuing
to take classes thatll help expand your knowledge.
First, Schools that dont specialize in their dental program are not
recommended. Second, conventions display the latest equipment and
will advertise how theyre used. Savvy individuals who are inclined to
learning technology are the success of our future; without a doubt,
youll impress future employers by attending. Third, working as a
dental assistant will familiarize you with terms and equipment. Once
you start the B.H Dental program it wont be a matter of learning new
procedures; but connecting the dots.
Amber emphasized the importance of personality and compassion. For
instance, we go to the hospital when were sick or injured, and
commonly our lives depend on the visit. However, Our lives dont
depend on a dental visit. Its important to remember dental visits are
nerve racking for most people, and its the hygienists job to provide
comforting words and clear communication.
Hygienist Daily Work:
A majority of hygienist work part time. However, Amber explained its
not hard to land a full time shift. Some dentists have set locations,
whereas some travel between multiple offices. Its good to ask if the
dentist(s) has more then one office prior to applying, especially when
youre looking for a full time position. A traveling dentist(s) will only
have part time positions available.
Hygienist dont normally perform patient X-Rays. However, if the
assistant is struggling to get a clear X-Ray, then the hygienist will step
in to ensure a clear image that meets expectations. Taking the
initiative shows professionalism; dont make the boss ask for another
X-ray.
A good practice to get in the habit of doing/asking is simple. Building
rapport with a patient will make your day smoother; ask, are you
okay, can I get you anything, or do you have any questions before
we get started. This ensures that youre empathetic to their
discomfort; also, welcome the patient to a break if needed. When you
remove the feeling of confinement to the chair, youll suppress the
patients anxiety. In addition, have all equipment ready. Even though
assistants prepare and sterilize the basic tools. Youll show a high level
of organizational skill when preparing the dentist for the entire
procedure. As a result, youll become a respected hygienist.

As a rookie, you want to understand what the dentist expects from

you. Every dentist has there own method. Study these methods in the
beginning. Itll improve your communication and give you brownie
points.
Unless your in the military and have signed up to travel as a hygienist.
Its unlikely youll travel anywhere besides to the office and back home.
The schedule is cut dry, normal business hours are 8AM-4PM, On
Monday- Friday, Tuesday-Friday- or Monday-Thursday.
Education:
UVU offers a Bachelor of Science program for dental hygiene. First, you
have to complete an AS, AA, or AAS. Once your associate degree is
completed, the bachelor degree credits will start to accumulate. Amber
never attended SLCC, but emphasized how smart it is to go to
community college before attending a university. In addition, picking a
college with a longer program is advised. Theres no such thing as too
much schooling.
Nutrition classes are helpful to take in college. Youll learn more about
the effects of food on our teeths enamel. Unfortunately, Patients ask a
lot of questions that we dont always have the answer too; in order to,
maintain a professional standpoint, educate yourself as much as you
possibly can. Youll impress your peers and employer.
A dental office will analyze you performing standard procedures. This is
to ensure good practice and confidence that you stay up to date with
techniques or information thats critical to provide to patients.
However, besides taking the national test, W.R.E.B. Theres no annual
test to expect once I start my career.
Clearing House:
Ambers only suggestion is to work as an assistant before entering the
program. Itll allow you to see the kind of work your career with entail.
The job isnt for everyone, and determining weather or not its suitable
for you prior to entering a costly program would be wise.
Analysis of my Interview:
I consider myself a sociable person and feel confident recognizing that
I can maintain eye contact, smile, and vocalize myself clearly.
However, I have a tendency of getting dry mouth and stuttering my
words when Im nervous. Having this in mind, I was slightly nervous at

the beginning of my interview, and slowly got more confortable as it

progressed.
For my interview I wrote an outline; this kept me on topic and
organized. Also, having the secondary questions was helpful because
there was a few times when I felt ambers responses were more
standardized then I wouldve wanted. I felt I knew a majority of what
she had to provide, so well just assume Im really smart! Although this
may be true, I did gain information from my interview that was new
and beneficial to my future.
I did place my cell phone on record at the beginning of the interview,
but that was short lived when my Storage full alarm went off and
ended the recording. So, I reverted to the old school way of collecting
information. The good old Inc. pen and lined paper! Boy, was that fun.
If I had to do another interview in the future, the effort to drive to the
store and purchase a recorder might just be worth it.
I had set my alarm to go off at the twenty-five minute marker when we
started. So, once it alarmed I began to wrap up my questions, because
I noticed she started to talk faster. This indicated to me that she
needed to go upstairs to start her workday, which was completely
understandable. I thanked her for her time, and contribution to my
future. I also added in the fact most people wouldnt be so willing to
help a pestering student. She laughed; brownie points for me! As we
walked out of the conference room, I handed her the evaluation form
and asked if I could pick it up at a convenient time. She agreed by
telling me to pick it up at the front desk after 1PM. As we said
goodbye, I repeated myself by saying I appreciate your time, and
thank you for the help.
To conclude, its clear to me the information you get face to face vs.
what you may find on the Internet is informative and personalized. The
Internet may have all correct information, but itll never explain in
depth what to expect. Overall, this project has provided me with the
confidence I may need in the future to expand my research.

Letter of Thanks
6616 S 900 E
Murray, Utah 84121
February 19, 2015
Ms. Amber Dunigan

714 East Fort Union Blvd

Midvale, Utah 84047
Hello again Amber, I wanted to express my gratitude again for the
opportunity of better understanding your profession. You have given
me guidance and advice to which I can only grow from. With the insight
that you provided me it only re enforces my eagerness to work toward
accomplishing my goal. In the near future I hope to be educated to a
comparable level in dental hygiene.
Again I cannot express how appreciative I am. Knowing the availability,
possible hours and scope of work of what I am working towards is a
great help! I only hope I have the opportunity in the future to
reciprocate the same information to another student!
Thanks again,
Brooke Grundy