By, John Murphy, VP of Talent Acquisitions, Aspen Dental

My favorite part of my job is helping dental students discover and pursue the right career path for them. For most students, this journey starts in their first year of dental school. Because of the level of trust and responsibility placed on doctors, the recruitment journey is longer - and more in-depth- than most. At Aspen Dental, we focus on building relationships with students, helping them to discern what they are looking for, what their strengths are, and what environment is going to facilitate the greatest growth and development for them. Recruitment is an effort of true partnership and I believe in the power of transparency throughout the entire process.

Here are a few questions dental recruiters ask prospects - and what today's dental students can consider when it comes to finding their perfect fit.

What's your 'why'?

Make sure your 'why' aligns with your prospective employer's 'why.' At Aspen Dental, we're on a mission to break down barriers to oral healthcare. Many patients who come to our offices haven't seen a dentist in years- sometimes decades. As healthcare providers, it's essential for dentists to create a connection with each patient and uncover the best way to provide support. From financial difficulties to fear to a lack of education, a host of factors prevent patients from seeking care. We prioritize dentists who are committed to increasing access to care and establishing meaningful patient-doctor relationships that inspire a healthier future.

Are you ready to learn?

Dental School graduation shouldn't be the end of a doctor's education - we're on the hunt for coachable, curious leaders with an entrepreneurial spirit lookign to grow their careers and clinical skills. This means taking a humble posture and benefitting from the expertise of others, recognizing that in order to care for the uniwue needs of your patient, you will need to continue learning and seeking support. From continued education courses to the business of dentistry, ideal canidates are prepared for a lifetime of learning and growing - a mindset that will take you far in your career and empower you to better serve the needs of your patients. Aspen Dental provides cutting-edge technology and traning programs to ensure doctors have access to best-in-class processes and procedures. Are you prepared to ask "what's next"?

Will you support the next generation of dental leaders?

Mentorship is the name of the game in dentistry. Aspen Dental is unique because each doctor who is brought on board gains access to an experienced, informed network who have followed their own ambitions and achieved success in their own way- and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with the next generation to grow capacity for patient care. Aspen Dental doctors are personally motivated and excited by the thought of training new leaders and innovators in the dental space. Dentists that are excited to mentor- and be mentored - are valuable assets for any team.

"Even in a tight hiring market, we prioritize these three questions to find the right fit. The Aspen Dental talent acquisitions team isn't just made of recruiters hoping to fill the next hire. Instead, we're career guides, helping dentists find the correct fit for who they are. Staying true to your own values and goals will ensure you and your employer are both set up for success."

Find the original article here.