Tips to Help You Get Your Ideal Dental Job

From childhood through adulthood, people rely on dentists to help them maintain the health of their teeth, gums and mouth, as well as diagnose and address any dental problems which may arise. This means a dentist is one of those careers you can count on to be in high demand for a long time to come. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dentists in the United States is expected to grow at a much higher rate (around 18 percent between 2014 and 2024) than the average for all occupations.

So, whether you are right out of dental school, looking to join a new practice, planning to relocate, or simply wanting to shift the focus of your career into a particular specialty area, it is important you know how to define your objectives so you can properly conduct a job search. If you don't, you could end up selling yourself short or settling for a less-than-ideal job.

These basic tips can dramatically improve your chances of getting the dental job you deserve:

Make Sure Your Resume Highlights Your Strengths

The first action you should take before beginning your job search is to update your resume, taking care to highlight your strengths. Focus on your education, clinical skills and expertise. If you have obtained particular certifications, make it known. Do not be afraid to flaunt your abilities. You need to stand out from other applicants and your resume is one of the key ways to accomplish that.

Many resources exist to simplify creating a powerful resume to help you get your foot in the door. You can also seek assistance from a professional resume writing service. The key is to make sure your resume is professional and showcases you and your abilities.

NOTE: You may want to tweak your resume according to the specific job you are pursuing. For example, if you are planning to apply for a position as a Pediatric Dentist, your resume should focus on your pediatric dentistry experience and accomplishments.

Dental Associates: Salaried Compensation or Percentage of Production?

Another point you will want to consider before applying for a dental job is whether the practice is interested in hiring you as an associate and paying you a flat salary, a salary with potential production bonuses, or a percentage of the collections. While benefits do exist for each of these, you need to figure out which situation is most suited for your needs and future. Don't be afraid to ask:

Will you be earning a salary or percentage of the practice's income?

Is a guaranteed salary being offered, with an additional percentage of collections? How much can you expect to receive overall?

If a salaried compensation is being offered, is it at least commensurate to the average salary for a dentist? Payscale lists the median salary for a dentist in the U.S. at $123,942, however salary will depend greatly on where the practice is located, your certifications and other key factors. Many dentists can make between $120,000 and $200,000 or more per year.

If you are being offered a percentage, what is the percentage? Will your percentage be for production or collections? How much does the practice make on average? Will earning a percentage put you in the range of income you require?

 If a flat minimum daily, weekly or monthly rate is being offered, can you also earn bonuses? What are the bonus tiers?

You should also be sure to find out whether the dental practice is interested in hiring new graduates, or only individuals with a minimum amount of experience. This too can affect income and hiring success.

Professional References Can Make All the Difference

While your resume will do a lot to help you stand out above other potential job applicants, professional references can make all the difference. Take time and care when adding references to your resume. Don't list just anyone as a reference. List individuals who have an in-depth familiarity with your skills, abilities, education, and strengths.

In instances where you are applying for a specialty position, or applying to a practice which focuses on a particular area (such as a pediatric dental office), be sure to list references of previous employers, dentist and co-workers who have knowledge on your expertise in this area. Employers often depend heavily on references and listing individuals who sing your praise is always beneficial.

Don't Sell Yourself Short

Although you may not want to tout your own horn too loudly, it is equally as key to not sell yourself short. Obtaining a degree as a dentist is quite an accomplishment, and if you have furthered your career by becoming a cosmetic dentist, endodontist, pediatric dentist, periodontist or orthodontist, you can be a valuable asset to any dental practice. Even in cases where a practice may only be looking for a general dentist, you being a dental specialist in another area could have career benefits later on.

By following these simple tips, you can hone your job search and increase your chances of finding the position right for you.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the U.S. If you are a seasoned dentist or new dental graduate who is actively looking for work, please feel free to check out our current job listings, visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Certifications Physical Therapists Require

Physical therapists (PTs), like most healthcare professionals, are required to obtain specific certifications before they will be allowed to begin practicing in their given field. By completing the required curriculum, clinical education and hands-on training, it significantly helps to improve the chances that the physical therapist will be able to perform his or her duties knowledgeably, professionally, with confidence and to industry standards.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

The first certification a physical therapist is required to have is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. In the past, PTs could opt to pursue a Master of Physical Therapy degree or a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree, however neither of these are currently being offered in the United States. To practice as a PT in the U.S., you must obtain a degree from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). As it currently stands, 233 accredited PT programs exist throughout the country.  

State Licensing

Once you have completed your education and obtained a DPT degree, your next step will be to take and pass the national physical therapy exam (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This exam allows the FSBPT to assess a new graduate’s basic, entry-level competence following graduation to, "...help ensure that only those individuals who have the requisite knowledge of physical therapy are licensed in the physical therapy field." and "To help regulatory authorities evaluate candidates and provide standards that are comparable from jurisdiction to jurisdiction."

Individual states may have additional requirements for licensure, such as passing the jurisprudence exam designed to test your knowledge on state laws and rules or completing a specified amount of practical experience. The law does require PTs to be licensed in each state in which they intend to practice.

Specialty Certification

If you are interested in becoming a specialist in a particular area of physical therapy, you can continue your education so as to become a board-certified specialist in any of these areas:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Women's Health

Oftentimes obtaining board certification can help a physical therapist gain entry into a particular area of practice or acquire a job he or she may not have otherwise been qualified to hold. Board-certification may also lead to increased opportunities and income.

National Provider Identifier

All physical therapists and other healthcare providers are required to have a unique and standard National Provider Identifier (NPI) as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This 10-digit identification number is to be used by the covered individual for all administrative and financial transactions between other providers, health plans, clearinghouses or other entities which may require the number for valid purposes.

The purpose of assigning a number to each healthcare provider is to improve efficiency and effectiveness as it pertains to the electronic transmission of healthcare records and vital information.

To apply for an NPI, individuals can go to the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System website, create a login and complete the application. It is recommended all new graduates do this step as soon as possible following graduation.

Medicare Number

Another certification most employers will want an applying PT to have is a Medicare number. Any physician or non-physician practitioner who plans at some point to bill Medicare for services will need to have a Medicare number. It doesn't matter whether you are an individual practitioner or under another person's employ, a Medicare number will be a necessity.

Medicare Enrollment Applications can be obtained through the Department of Health & Human Services website. All applicants need to do is download, print and fill out their Medicare enrollment application, then mail it in to get the process started.

Why Choose Physical Therapy?

Looking to get into the healthcare industry? Whether it be as a first-time job or a career change later in life, physical therapy is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the demand for physical therapists is expected to continue climbing until at least 2020. Even Forbes listed PTs as one of the "10 Jobs In High Demand That Require A College Degree." In total, the healthcare industry had four jobs which made this list: physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, medical and health services manager, and registered nurse. Needless to say, those looking for a career with long-term potential would be wise to consider physical therapy or another career in the healthcare industry.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the U.S. If you are a PT graduate or soon-to-be graduate who is actively looking for a job, please feel free to check out our current job listings, visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Attention New PT Graduates: Are you Sabotaging Your Own Interviews?

Once an individual graduates from a physical therapy (PT) program and obtains his or her degree, the next obvious step is to find a job. While some graduates may already have jobs lined up ahead of time, others will have to begin what could be a very long job hunt involving sending in their resumes, doing interview after interview, and working hard to market themselves to potential employers.

Even when new graduates have great qualifications, lots of hands-on experience, a strong work ethic or board-certification in one of the specialty areas of physical therapy, what these graduates may not realize is they could be sabotaging their own job interviews without even knowing it by omitting one simple step. In some instances, neglecting to apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and Medicare number could be all it takes to prevent you from beating out the competition.

Applying for Your NPI and Medicare Number Now Could Make You More Desirable to Employers

Having both an NPI number and a Medicare number is essential for any physician or non-physician practitioner like a physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech language pathologist. These numbers are a form of identification issued by the federal government to health care providers for the purpose of improving efficiency in the healthcare industry and reducing fraud or abuse of the system.

By applying for an NPI and Medicare number prior to going out on job interviews, you could actually make yourself more desirable to employers and prevent losing out on a job for which you may be the ideal candidate.

Employers in the healthcare industry, and in most industries for that matter, like to see it when potential employees take initiative. Showing initiative is a positive quality and one which can easily put one candidate ahead of another in terms of desirability. As it could take up to three months for a new PT graduate to establish his or her NPI and Medicare number, sending in your application now could come across as a sign that you are taking your career seriously and looking to get ahead of the game. It could also make an employer be more willing to hire you as you are closer to obtaining your identification numbers than other candidates.

So if it came down to you and another candidate, neither of whom had an NPI or Medicare number, you would probably receive a job offer as you were the one who thought ahead and got the ball rolling.

How to Apply for Your NPI and Medicare Number

It doesn't take much to apply for either an NPI or Medicare number. For an NPI, individuals can go to the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System website, create a login and complete the application. Medicare Enrollment Applications can be obtained through the Department of Health & Human Services website. All applicants need to do is download, print and fill out their Medicare enrollment application, then mail it in to get the process started.

This one simple action of applying for these numbers before going out on job interviews could prevent you from sabotaging your own interviews and, more importantly, help you secure your ideal job.

For recent PT graduates who are actively looking for work, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the U.S. Job seekers can also take a look at our current job listings any time, day or night.

Why Can't I Get This Position Filled?

Filling a position at your medical office, dental practice or health care facility can be a difficult task, even if you have an influx of qualified applicants. At times it can seem as though none of the resumes you are reviewing match your requirements or needs. You do interview after interview and while each person may have his or her own positive qualities, you aren't 100 percent sure any of them would be an ideal fit. The problem is you need the position filled now. So, do you compromise and hire someone you hope will work out? Do you keep interviewing applicants to see if anyone might stand out above the rest?

In actuality, you don't have to do either. All you need to do is figure out exactly what position you want filled, what specific qualifications you are looking for and then you'll have a much easier time finding your ideal candidate.

The Importance of Figuring Out Exactly What You Want

While reading this you may say, "Well I know exactly what I want, I want a physical therapist for my outpatient clinic." Well, if you are having trouble finding one, it's likely you haven't figured out the specific qualifications you want met. Maybe you are uncertain as to whether you need an additional PT or you simply need a PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant)? Perhaps you need a dentist, but aren't completely sure if you want to hire an employee or an associate? Do you want someone with experience in orthopedic physical therapy or pediatric? Would a PT with geriatric therapy experience be more suitable to meet your current needs than a PT who is knowledgeable in neurological therapy? These uncertainties can prevent you from being able to fill a much-needed position, or worse yet, hiring a person who is not going to work out.

Extra Cheese, Pepperoni, Veggie Supreme?

Look at it this way...filing a position is like ordering a pizza. You can't call a pizza delivery place and say you want a pizza, but not tell them the type of toppings. Do you want extra cheese? Light sauce? Are you a meat-lover and want pepperoni or sausage? It could be a veggie supreme is more to your liking. You might even be looking for rare toppings only certain pizza places offer. You have to be very specific with what you want or you are probably going to be unhappy with your order, or not end up order anything at all.

Break Through the Barriers to Hiring and Get Your Positions Filled

Although it may seem daunting at times, hiring doesn't have to be complicated and you don't need to settle. Being specific about what you need and want in an employee or associate will often allow you to break through any of the apparent barriers you've been encountering in the hiring process and get your position filled.

If you only want to hire applicants who have completed certain training programs or been certified by specific organizations, you'll need to make it known to potential candidates, in ads, on job posting boards and with any headhunters whose services you retain. Should you be looking for an applicant with more than 15 years experience in a specified field, don't be afraid to say so. The person you want is out there. Whether you are looking for a dentist, physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, RN or other health care professional, you can find the person ideally-suited for you and your group. You just need to know what you want.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the nation. To find out about the services we offer, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Want to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired in the Healthcare Industry?

Healthcare professionals are in high demand these days. According to an Economic News Release from the U.S. Department of Labor, job openings in the healthcare and social assistance industries increased by over 172,000 last year. While much of this may be associated with the Affordable Care Act, the fact is the medical community is getting quite crowded and will continue to be for at least the next five years. More and more patients are seeking healthcare benefits, not just traditional medical care provided by doctors and nurses, but treatment from physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and chiropractors as well.

Now this may sound like a positive thing to a jobseeker in the healthcare industry, it often takes a lot of work for an applicant just to get his or her foot in the door. Then, how can you be sure your resume will attract the attention it deserves and stand out above other applicants? Fortunately, if you are looking to launch or re-launch your healthcare career, The People Link can significantly increase your chances of getting hired.

We Go Beyond Getting Your Foot in the Door

Our goal, here at The People Link, is for jobseekers to locate and secure the permanent, career position they seek. We also work with employers in order to secure an employee who is not only ideally suited for the hole they are looking to fill, but who could potentially become an invaluable member of their team. We do not strive to just place people in positions, our objective is long-term viability.

When a jobseeker like you comes to us, we take the time to discuss your career objectives, assist you with your resume as needed, and find out about your ideal position so we can get started on finding you a match. You can peruse our current job listings as often as you want. You'll also receive e-mail alerts of positions which may interest you. If it looks like you'd be a match for a particular position, we'll work one-on-one with both you and the company doing the hiring to arrange an interview, gather follow-up information and help seal the deal. Whether you want to work in an outpatient clinic, private practice, skilled nursing facility, hospital or home health setting, we can help.

The services we provide are offered at no cost to jobseekers, so you've got nothing to lose. It is the employers who pay us a finder's fee once we have found the perfect match. No upfront fees required.

How The People Link Gives You an Advantage

One of the ways The People Link gives you an advantage is we have close to 20 years experience. We have the connections, know what employers are looking for, understand how to successfully promote applicants, and how to find an ideal fit. For nearly two decades our team has been finding and matching employers with job seekers. During this time we have amassed a significant number of connections in the healthcare industry, as well as maintained a very high retention rate (98%). To us, you aren't just another job applicant, you're a real person in search of a long-term career. We are here to help you accomplish your objective.

Positions Currently Available

Although the number and types of positions currently available with The People Link are constantly changing, these are a few of the healthcare jobs we are seeking to fill at this time:

• Physical Therapist for Outpatient Clinic
• General Dentist for Private Practice
• Registered Nurse for Home Health Agency
• Physical Therapist for Outpatient, Home Health and Inpatient
• Pediatric Physical Therapist for Home Health Company
• Physical Therapist Assistant for Outpatient Clinic
• Occupational Therapist for Home Health
• Certified Hand Therapist or Hand Therapist for Outpatient Clinic
• Registered Nurse for a Hospital Position
• Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist for Outpatient Clinic
• Occupational Therapist for Hippotherapy Ranch

Where you live in the United States does not matter, we have positions available all around the country. We can even help you find a job if you are planning to relocate to another city or state. Physical therapists and dentists are a few of our most requested positions, so those in these industries are encouraged to apply.

Let Us Help You Secure Your Ideal Job

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified health care candidates across the U.S. To find out more about what we can do to help you secure your ideal job in the healthcare industry, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 today for a free, no-obligation job consultation.

Physical Therapists Still In High Demand

Of all the careers in the health care industry, physical therapists (PTs) continue to be in high demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapists is expected to grow an estimated 34 percent between 2014 and 2024, a rate far above the average of other professions. We should also see a similar demand for physical therapist assistants during the same period of time.

While some of this growth will be attributed to aging baby boomers, physical therapy is considered by many to be a contributing factor in improved patient outcomes, fewer trips to the ER, shortened hospital stays and more rapid, long-term recovery. Physical therapy not only helps lower health care costs, it promotes patient well-being as well, which is a win-win for the health care industry.

What Employers Are Looking For In a Physical Therapist

What are employers looking for in a physical therapist? Although one of the basic requirements employers are looking for in a PT applicant is a degree in physical therapy, along with a license to practice in the state, employers generally want to see certain qualities in their applicants. Qualities employers often sought after include:

• Professionalism
• Initiative
• Strong work ethic
• Good communication skills
• Competence
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork
• Creativity and problem solving
• Honesty
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivation
• Willingness to learn
• Dependability

Specific certification could also be required, depending on the facility. For example, some employers may be looking for someone who has worked in an outpatient clinic before, or has spent time treating geriatric patients. In certain instances, an employer will need to find a PT who has attained specialist certification in sports or women's health. Highlighting your certifications and past employment could help you stand out from other potential applicants.

PT Positions Available

If you are a physical therapist with either a B.S. in Physical Therapy or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, we may have a PT position suited for you. It doesn't matter whether you are a recent graduate or a PT with years of experience, The People Link will work hard to get you connected up with the right employer.

As of right now, we have more than 60 different physical therapist positions available throughout the United States. We have jobs for PTs in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

Many of these positions are in outpatient clinics, although we do have PT positions in home health, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient clinics and pediatrics. We also have a few PT Director positions needing to be filled and one PT position at a Hippotherapy Ranch.

In Search of the Ideal PT Job? Contact The People Link Today!

Whether you are looking for a PT job, interested in starting a new career, planning to relocate, or need some help getting your resume ready to begin the job search, The People Link is here to help.The People Link is a professional recruitment service with more than two decades experience of finding and placing qualified health care and PT candidates throughout the U.S. Our success can be seen in our client testimonials, as well as our extremely high retention rate of 98%.

To find out more about PT jobs currently available, please visit our current job listings, fill out a job application form or call 888-773-0014 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.

Hiring Tip: How to Find the Right Physical Therapist

While a physical therapist (PT) can be an invaluable member of a health care team, not all PTs are of the same caliber. If you are a skilled nursing facility, health care facility or outpatient clinic who is looking to hire a physical therapist, you may be wondering how to find the right PT? What attributes and qualities should a physical therapist exhibit? Where can you find a qualified applicant? What are the benefits of seeking help from a seasoned health care staffing specialist?

Basic Attributes You Want in a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are some of the most sought-after professionals in the health industry. This may be due in part to patients longing for and actively pursuing the tailor-made, hands-on care offered through physical therapy services. Physical therapy allows patients to choose a natural approach, and in some instances, avoid major surgery or debilitating injuries. A skilled PT can aid a person's recovery, assist in rehabilitation, allow for improved mobility and improve overall quality of life.

Due to the one-on-one care physical therapists are required to provide, some of the basic attributes and qualities you'll want in a physical therapist include:

·         Competence

·         Responsibility

·         Confidence

·         Heightened observational skills

·         Empathy, compassion and support

·         Resilience

·         Good communication

·         Passion for the job

·         Sociable

·         Ability to educate patients on their own self care

·         Physical dexterity

Determining Your Exact Needs

Before you go out in search of a physical therapist on your own, it is important you determine your facility's exact needs. While all PTs are required to complete an accredited Physical Therapy Training Program, pass the national exam, and meet the licensing requirements of the PT board in the state where they plan to practice, specialty certifications are available.

According to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, physical therapists can obtain specialist certification in these eight areas:

·         Cardiovascular and pulmonary

·         Clinical Electrophysiology

·         Geriatrics

·         Neurology

·         Orthopaedics

·         Pediatrics

·         Sports

·         Women's Health

Benefits of Contracting an Experienced Health Care Staffing Specialist

Finding a qualified physical therapist for your health care facility is not always a simple task. In fact, it is not uncommon for an employer  to  spend hours upon hours scouring hiring sites, posting to job boards and sifting through volume of applications to try and fill one position. Often times PT jobs go unfilled as the time and effort required is just too much.

Fortunately, The People Link  is a professional recruitment service  who specialize in finding and placing qualified health care candidates across the country. We have over 20 year experience and a very high retention rate at 98%.  It doesn't matter where in the U.S. your business is located, or the position you are trying to fill, we are committed to helping you get the results you seek.

To find out more about our current services, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you find the right physical therapist!