What is an Externship? How Do I Get One in Washington?

What is an Externship?

You’ve definitely heard the term “internship” thrown around, so what is an externship? A dental assisting externship is focused more on the experience and is typically shorter. As a future dental assistant, you’ll shadow different dental assistants throughout your externship, try some hands-on techniques, and learn more about the flow of dental offices in Washington. 

How Do I Get an Externship?

Finding a great dental assistant externship in Washington is a lot like finding a job. If you know any dentists personally, reach out to them and ask if you could be around the office for a week or so as an externship. Showing up to the office in person to ask for an externship is always better than just calling. Hand in your resume, talk with reception, a dental assistant, and the dentist if they’re available. Remember to smile!

Externships Lead to Jobs

Getting your foot in the door with a company is the most important part in landing a great job! Get to know the staff well throughout your externship. Dental assistants can always build and hone skills, but finding dental assistants that gel well with the office can be difficult. Make friends and get to know everyone in the office.

Prepare for Your Externship

Get ready for your experiences and hands-on learning by working through your coursework with 90 Day Dental Assisting’s online dental assisting course. Learn terms for procedures, instruments, materials, and get ready to set up a room, assist a dentist, and more! While your externship is just the beginning of your career, you’ll build a great foundation of skills and life-long friendships.