It was only a 10 minute drive to the practice and when we got there Mum suggested we were a bit early and drove around the block one extra time, also telling me to turn my phone off. She eventually stopped out the front of the practice and said "Good luck and give me a ring when you are finished. Walk down towards the shopping center I'll be there somewhere"
As gracefully as I could I walked towards a converted house 3 doors down from the shops. There was a sign out the front that said 'Happy Smiles Dental Care'. As I slid open the glass door I noted that there were 3 dentists listed as working at the practice.
I approached the reception area where I noted the woman behind the desk had a name tag saying 'Amy' She looked to be in her early 30's and was wearing a dental smock.
"Hello Amy, I'm Jenna McKenzie. I have an appointment with Millicent at 11.30"
She looked me over from head to toe. Then gave me a reassuring smile and said "Hello Jenna, we have been expecting you. Take a seat and I will let Millicent know you are here"
I sat down in the waiting area. There was a woman sitting there with a toddler. I said hello to her. She smiled back at me. There were books on a table and I found myself flicking through a 'Better Homes and Gardens' magazine. A different woman, maybe in her late 30's was now behind the reception desk. I smiled at her. She smiled back but did not say anything. She was tapping on a computer. I nervously returned to the magazine.
After several minutes a tall red headed woman approached, she gave me a big smile and said "Hello Jenna, it's good to see you again"
No name tag but she must be Millicent "Hi Millicent, I am very happy to be here"
"Come through to the back room and meet my colleagues"
I followed Millicent down a corridor. There were at least 3 dentist rooms. We entered what appeared to be a lunch room which had a table and chairs. Amy and a middle aged man were in the room. "Jenna, you have already met Amy Smith and this is George Costos.
George offered his hand. I shook it firmly. "Hello Doctor Costos nice to meet you"
I offered my hand to Amy. She gave me a shake back. She gave me a grin and said "I think Jenna thought I was the receptionist"
"I apologize Dr Smith"
"No. I apologize for tricking you. Take a seat" she indicated one of the chairs. The others sat down around the table.
Millicent did the talking "Jenna has been a long term patient at this practice and I believe you are currently looking for a position?"
Yes I am, I believe you are looking for a receptionist?"
"A maternity leave position has just become available. It would be for a 6 month period"
"Do you have reception experience Jenna?" asked Amy.
"Some" I replied "Let me show you my resume" I reached into the Tote bag, removed the portfolio and passed the copies of the resume to George and Amy. They read through was written in there.
Amy looked at me thoughtfully then said "It looks as though you have not had a job for several years. Is there a reason for that?" Bugger I thought what do i say. I can hardly let them know that I am a lazy bludger
"I have spent a bit of time travelling. But now I am keen to get back into the workforce. I realize that I don't have a lot of reception experience but want to work here and will do my best. You will find I am a quick learner and I promise to be diligent. I am willing to work evenings and weekends if required and can start as soon as you want"
Dr Costos raised his eyebrows then replied "The duties would be to answer the phone and to greet patients when they arrive and to accept payments before they leave. You would need to be able to store and retrieve patient records efficiently and succinctly"
"Sometimes it would involve child minding" said Millicent
"And make bookings" said Amy
"And sometimes just run errands such as going to the post office and banking" said George "I must go Jenna I have a patient waiting for me. Lovely to meet you" He exited the room closing the door behind him.
"Would you be happy to have say a 2 week trial period?" asked Dr Smith
"At award wages" added Millicent
"Yes" I replied.
They showed me through the practice and introduced me to the woman I had seen earlier. She was called Maria. Maria showed me through the records room explaining how the records were arranged. I also met 2 dental assistants Kay and Evelyn. There were 2 patients in the front waiting room when we returned. Amy was behind the reception desk again and once Maria was back. Amy asked one of the patients "Mrs Daniels, please come through". Evelyn went into room number 3 with them.
Millicent took me off Maria's hands and ushered me into the 1st dentist room. Closing the door. "Jenna as you may have guessed we are short staffed at the moment. We would like to offer you a 2 week trial period at award wages which is currently $18.22 per hour. After 2 weeks if we are happy with your performance we would sign you on for the duration of the maternity contract. Your wages would jump to $23 per hour. If you prove your worth I am sure a longer term contract could be arranged.
"Thank-you Millicent. When do you want me to start?"
"Would tomorrow be out of the question, 8.30?"
"I will be here" I felt like jumping for joy