Interview with a Dentist

Interview with a Dentist

Shervin Shariati DDS

1. How long have you been interested in dentistry? How long have you known that it is something you want to pursue as a career?

Weird as it may seem, I wanted to be a dentist since I was about 8 years old. All my dentists were very nice to me and I thought, hey, this doesn't seem too bad!

2. Why did you choose to focus on dentistry?

Other than the above, it is a great career with more personal time than being a physician or lawyer.

3. To what extent is a formal education necessary for a dental assistant?

Dental assistants range from "spit suckers" to a Dr.'s right hand. The more education an assistant has, the more useful he/she will be at the office.

4. What is the importance of a dental assistant in a dental practice?

Good assistants can double the number of patients a Dr. can take care of during the day. By taking over the non-critical parts of a dental procedure, they allow the doctor to move on to the next patient faster.

5. What should potential dental assistant students look for in a school or program?

Other than a solid foundation in the theory and biology, a good assisting school must offer an extensive hands-on training. It is the practice that solidifies the theories.

6. What advice would you give to people considering in enrolling in a dental assistant school?

Volunteer at a local dental office, or work there part-time. It is a great way to become familiar with the different aspects of the work, and it is the best way to see if it is something that you would be happy doing for a long time.

7. Do you have any recommendations for sources (i.e. websites, books, textbooks) that would be beneficial to students?

There is a great dental chat room at DentalTown.com Visit and just read or interact with other dentists, hygienists, assisstants or even front desk managers.

8. What kinds of jobs and career opportunities are available in the field of dentistry?

There are three levels of assistants called DA ( Dental Assistant), RDA ( Registered Dental Assistant), and RDA EF (Extended Functions), hygienists, dentists, schedulers, office managers, lab technicians, equipment and material sales representatives, etc.

9. To the best of your knowledge, what is the typical salary of a dental assistant?

In Northern california, DAs make around $12/hour, RDAs $17/hour, and RDA EF $21/hour.

10. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Projects 2.8 million more healthcare jobs in the next 4 years. How do you think this will affect dentistry?

There is a large demand for qualified dental assistants and hygienists now and for the
long term in Northern California.

11. What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?

Dentistry, in my opinion, is the perfect blend of medicine, art, psychiatry and business.


Check out Dr. Shervin Shariati's website at www.FutureDentalCare.com.

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