How to Volunteer in a Dental Office

As of November 2010, America's unemployment rate is 9.6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With so many people out of work, many job seekers are searching for volunteer opportunities to fill time. If you are interested in volunteering in a dental office, you may need certain licenses and certifications to be allowed to practice on patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide how you'd like to help out. Opportunities to volunteer in a dentist's office include working as a receptionist, medical biller, dental hygienist or even dentist.

• 2

  Make sure you have the proper qualifications. Dental hygienists must take classes and pass a state-certified exam to become licensed. If you want to work or volunteer as a dental hygienist, you must be licensed in the state where the dentist office is located. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass a state or regional exam to become licensed.

• 3

  Contact a local dentist's office about volunteer opportunities. Because of insurance purposes, not all dental offices will accept volunteers. You can visit the website DentalJobs.net to find dental offices, clinics and organizations that are looking for volunteers.

• 4

  Apply and interview for a volunteer position. Keep in contact with the person or office for updates on your application status.

• 5

  Work within your limitations. Even if you are a licensed dentist that was hired only to work in the front office doing paperwork, do not attempt to practice on patients. Ask your volunteer coordinator how you can gain more responsibilities. There are most likely legal or insurance reasons why you are not being given more duties.