Webinar Series Provides Valuable Resources for Dental Students
By Amanda Bender , Membership Coordinator
PDA presented a two-part virtual webinar series for dental students hosted by Dr . Charles Incalcaterra ( past PDA president 2019-2020 ) on April 4 and April 11 .
The first part of the series featured Dr . Kayla Klingensmith , our New Dentist trustee , who role-played on “ Interview Tips ” and helped answer questions at the end of the program . Students became familiar with the interview process , how to prepare for the interview in advance , questions they should ask as well as those that may be asked of them , interview follow-up strategies , and understanding what questions to ask when offered a contract . 25 students from the University of Pittsburgh , University of Pennsylvania , and Temple University attended the program .
Attendees received a post-event survey and those completing it were offered an Amazon gift card for doing so . All of those who answered the survey said they felt more comfortable with the interviewing process . One of the students ’ most valuable things learned was what questions to ask the interviewer ; many said they previously struggled with it . They also loved the idea of sending thank you cards immediately after the interview to stand out as a candidate . They indicated they are very likely to recommend this webinar to other students .
The second part of the series by Dr . Incalcaterra covered associate agreements and contracts . Students became familiar with understanding the importance and reasons for having a written contract , the different components of an associate contract , differences between an employee and an independent contractor , different methods of compensation available as an employee or independent contractor , and the need for a professional review of all contracts and resources available for such . 72 students attended this program . The students most appreciated learning the difference between becoming an employee vs . an independent contractor , issues to watch out for in a contract , and learning that contracts are negotiable . The majority of students stated they would recommend this webinar , participate in our future webinars and feel much more confident in what to review in a contract .
Later this summer , PDA is planning on holding two more virtual events for dental students . The first is an “ Ask a Specialist ” program that will feature members from various specialties discussing how they chose their specialty , pros / cons , and challenges they faced , along with open discussion with the students . The second will be a “ Career Options ” program where members from different career paths ( DSO , private practice , residency , public health , etc .) will discuss the different paths to take after graduation and how they began their transition .
MAY / JUNE 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 31