Unleash the Power of Working Interviews: Your Secret Weapon in the Dental Job Search

The Interview That Changed Everything

Sarah had interviewed at three dental practices in two weeks. Each interview followed the same pattern: polite questions in a private office, a quick tour while the team worked, promises to “be in touch,” and then… crickets.

Then she tried something different at her fourth interview. She asked: “Would you be open to a working interview? I’d love to experience the practice firsthand and see if we’re a good fit for each other.”

Three weeks later, Sarah was celebrating her first day at a practice where she felt genuinely excited to work—because she’d already experienced what it would be like.

The difference? A working interview.

What Is a Working Interview (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

A working interview is exactly what it sounds like: instead of just talking about the job, you actually work alongside the team for a few hours or a full day. You shadow team members, interact with patients, use the equipment, and experience the practice culture firsthand.

Think of it as a test drive before buying a car—except the stakes are much higher because you’re deciding where you’ll spend 40+ hours every week.

In today’s dental job market, where 3 out of 4 offices expect a talent shortage and qualified candidates have multiple opportunities, working interviews give you a critical advantage: the ability to truly evaluate whether a practice is right for you before committing.

Why Traditional Interviews Fall Short

Traditional interviews have a fundamental problem: everyone’s on their best behavior.

The practice shows you:

• The cleanest treatment rooms
• Their friendliest team member as your guide
• A carefully curated version of their culture
• Promises about “work-life balance” and “supportive team environment”

You show them:

• Your best interview outfit
• Your most polished answers
• Your enthusiasm (even if you’re not sure about the fit)
• Your willingness to say yes to almost anything

Then reality hits on day one, and you discover:

• The “collaborative team” barely speaks to each other
• The “state-of-the-art equipment” breaks constantly
• The “flexible scheduling” means you’re expected to work whenever they need you
• The doctor’s “supportive leadership style” involves micromanaging everything

By then, you’ve already left your previous job, and starting over feels overwhelming.

The Power of Working Interviews: What You Really Learn

A working interview strips away the polish and reveals the truth about a practice. Here’s what you can actually discover in just a few hours:

The Real Practice Culture

You’ll observe:

• How team members communicate during stressful moments
• Whether people genuinely enjoy working together or just tolerate each other
• How leadership responds when things don’t go as planned
• If the “family atmosphere” they promised actually exists

What to watch for: Do team members help each other without being asked? Do they speak positively about the practice when talking to patients? Is there laughter and positive energy, or tension and complaints?

The Actual Workflow and Systems

You’ll experience:

• How organized (or chaotic) the daily operations really are
• Whether systems exist or everyone just “figures it out”
• If technology enhances efficiency or creates frustration
• How smoothly transitions happen between team members

What to watch for: Does the schedule run on time or are they constantly running behind? Are systems documented or does everything rely on asking “veteran” team members? Do you see efficiency or constant firefighting?

The True Doctor-Team Dynamic

You’ll witness:

• How the doctor communicates with team members
• Whether feedback is constructive or critical
• If the doctor trusts the team or second-guesses everything
• How they handle patient care decisions

What to watch for: Does the doctor acknowledge team contributions? Do they listen when staff share concerns? Is there mutual respect or a hierarchy that creates tension?

The Patient Experience Philosophy

You’ll observe:

• How team members interact with anxious patients
• Whether rushing or genuine care guides appointments
• If financial conversations feel pressured or collaborative
• How complaints or concerns are handled

What to watch for: Do team members take time to explain procedures? Are patients called by name and treated as individuals? Is the focus on production numbers or patient outcomes?

The Physical Work Environment

You’ll discover:

• If the equipment actually works well or constantly malfunctions
• Whether the space is genuinely comfortable or just looks good
• If safety protocols are followed or cut corners
• How the practice maintains infection control standards

What to watch for: Is equipment well-maintained or held together with duct tape? Are supplies readily available or do team members constantly search for things? Does everyone follow proper protocols or take shortcuts?

How to Request a Working Interview (Without Seeming Difficult)

Many candidates worry that requesting a working interview makes them seem demanding or difficult. The opposite is true—it shows you’re serious about finding the right fit and willing to invest time in the decision.

Here’s how to broach the topic:

After the initial interview, if you’re interested: “I’m really excited about this opportunity. Would you be open to a working interview? I’d love to experience the practice culture firsthand and see how I can contribute to the team. I find it helps both of us make the best decision.”

If they seem hesitant: “I completely understand scheduling can be challenging. Even a few hours observing the team during a typical day would be incredibly helpful. I want to make sure I can hit the ground running and be a great fit for your practice.”

Frame it as mutual benefit: “A working interview benefits both of us—you’ll see how I interact with patients and integrate with the team, and I’ll understand your systems and approach. It’s the best way to ensure we’re making the right decision together.”

Most practices that are confident in their culture and operations will welcome this request. If they’re resistant or dismissive, that itself tells you something important.

What to Do During Your Working Interview

Once you’ve secured a working interview, make the most of it:

Arrive Prepared:

• Bring any required documentation (license, certifications)
• Wear appropriate clinical attire
• Come with questions about systems and protocols
• Have a notepad to jot down observations (do this privately during breaks)

Engage Fully:

• Ask questions about procedures and protocols
• Offer to help where appropriate
• Interact professionally with patients
• Observe how team members handle various situations

Pay Attention to Details:

• How does the team communicate during busy periods?
• Are breaks actually taken or skipped?
• How does leadership respond to questions or issues?
• What’s the energy level at the end of the day?

Trust Your Gut:

• Do you feel welcomed or like an outsider?
• Can you see yourself working here long-term?
• Does the reality match what you were told in the interview?
• Are you excited or relieved when the day ends?

Red Flags to Watch For During Working Interviews

Some warning signs should make you think twice:

Team Dynamics:

• Constant complaining or gossip about management
• Team members working in isolation rather than collaborating
• High tension or passive-aggressive communication
• Someone warning you to “run while you can”

Operations:

• Chaotic scheduling with constant emergencies
• Broken equipment that’s “been that way for months”
• Shortcuts taken on sterilization or safety protocols
• No clear systems or processes

Leadership:

• Doctor treating team members disrespectfully
• Micromanaging every decision
• Dismissing team input or concerns
• Pressure to upsell treatments patients don’t need

Work-Life Balance:

• Team members staying hours after close to catch up
• Texts or calls from management during your working interview about covering shifts
• Comments about “we’re always short-staffed”
• Guilt trips about taking time off

Green Flags That Signal a Great Fit

Conversely, these positive signs indicate you’ve found a winner:

Team Dynamics:

• Genuine friendliness and collaboration
• Team members speaking positively about their work
• Constructive problem-solving when issues arise
• Someone saying “I love working here” unprompted

Operations:

• Smooth workflow with clear systems
• Well-maintained equipment and organized supplies
• Schedule running on time most of the day
• Professional communication throughout

Leadership:

• Doctor expressing appreciation for team contributions
• Collaborative decision-making
• Respectful communication even during stress
• Investment in team development and growth

Culture:

• Patients clearly comfortable and well-cared-for
• Laughter and positive energy despite being busy
• Team members taking actual lunch breaks
• Work-life balance that seems genuine, not just promised

The Compensation Question: Getting Paid for Your Working Interview

Here’s an important point many candidates miss: if you’re doing productive work during a working interview (not just observing), you should be compensated.

The ADA clarifies that candidates who do productive work during working interviews must be paid as if they were on staff, with appropriate taxes deducted.

How to address this: “I appreciate the opportunity for a working interview. Could you clarify the compensation structure for the day? I understand productive work requires appropriate payment.”

Practices that handle this professionally and transparently demonstrate they value your time and follow proper employment practices. Those that seem offended or dismissive about payment might have other compliance issues.

After the Working Interview: Making Your Decision

Once you’ve completed your working interview, take time to reflect before making a decision:

Ask Yourself:

• Did the reality match the promises made in the interview?
• Can I see myself thriving in this environment?
• Do the team dynamics energize or drain me?
• Will I grow professionally in this role?
• Does the work-life balance support my personal needs?

Compare Notes: If you’re considering multiple opportunities, compare:

• Which practice culture felt most authentic?
• Where did you see the best systems and organization?
• Which team seemed most collaborative and supportive?
• Where would you learn and grow the most?

Trust Your Instincts: If something felt “off” during the working interview, don’t dismiss it. Those gut feelings are often picking up on real cultural or operational issues that will impact your daily experience.

The Competitive Advantage in 2025’s Market

With only 17% of employers giving feedback to external candidates and 52% of applicants waiting three months or longer just to receive a response, the job search process can feel frustratingly one-sided. Working interviews flip that dynamic—you’re evaluating them as much as they’re evaluating you.

In a market where dental professionals have leverage due to talent shortages, using that leverage wisely means being selective. Working interviews help you avoid the costly mistake of accepting the wrong position, then having to restart your search months later.

How to Find Practices Open to Working Interviews

Not all practices regularly offer working interviews, but you can find ones that do:

On DentalPost.net:

• Look for job postings that mention “working interview opportunity”
• Use the messaging feature to ask about working interview options early in the process
• Check practice profiles for mentions of comprehensive hiring processes
• Look for practices emphasizing cultural fit and team dynamics

During Your Search:

• Ask about working interviews during initial phone screenings
• Mention your interest in experiencing the practice culture firsthand
• Frame it as ensuring mutual success
• Be willing to accommodate their scheduling needs

Practices confident in their operations and culture will typically welcome the opportunity to show you what makes them special.

Final Thoughts: Your Career Deserves More Than a Gut-Check Interview

You’ll spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else. Choosing where you work based on a one-hour interview and a quick office tour is like buying a house after only seeing photos online—you might get lucky, but you’re taking an unnecessary risk.

Working interviews give you the information you need to make an informed decision. They help you:

• Avoid toxic work environments before you’re stuck in them
• Identify truly great practices that invest in their teams
• Start your new role confident and prepared
• Build long-term career satisfaction

In today’s competitive dental job market, you have options. Use them wisely. Request working interviews. Trust what you observe. Choose practices that demonstrate—not just promise—the culture and support you deserve.

Your career is too important to leave to chance. Unleash the power of working interviews and find the practice where you’ll truly thrive.

Ready to find your perfect practice fit? Visit DentalPost.net to explore opportunities with practices that value cultural fit and offer working interviews to ensure mutual success.