Working

Tonya Lanthier, RDH

Tonya Lanthier, RDH, first became interested in the dental field after a bicycle mishap when she was 8 years old. Her number 8 tooth was knocked out, and was reinserted by her doctors.

"All the medical and dental professionals that attended my injuries that day were so caring, solicitous and concerned for my physical and mental well-being that the accident was actually a very positive event."

Lanthier's dental hygiene career had been flourishing for over a decade when she decided to take a break to start a family. She had been prepared for the changes that a baby would bring; however, she didn't expect two babies! This change in her life made it difficult for her to find work in the conventional fashion. Her twin girls consumed much of her daily attention, and she found that she no longer had the time or flexibility to search for jobs in the classified advertisements. In addition to this, dental professionals and fellow hygienists were seeking her help in making professional connections.

"Doctors or practice managers would call asking if I knew anything about a certain hygienist or assistant or front office person," Lanthier explained. "Hygienist friends would call asking if I had an opinion about this dentist or that practice. This kind of networking had always been a low-level activity, but with my 'at-home' availability, the number of calls just exploded."

She realized that there was obviously a need for an employment network to connect these people without a medium. To answer this need, Lanthier and her husband, a software engineer, developed DentalPost.net.

DentalPost.net is a mutually beneficial site for oral health care professionals, connecting those seeking office help with those seeking office work. Dentists post job availability on the site, including a description of the position and contact information. Professionals can post their resume to be reviewed by qualified dentists searching for specific qualifications. There is an opt in/out daily email notification of new opportunities and a map link to obtain directions for driving to offices.

Lanthier's personal involvement also helps DentalPost.net cater to each individual. "If these methods of either posting a job or searching for a job are not adequate for your individual situation, we would be glad to work with you on a more hands-on custom basis to tailor a search to your need," she said. The DentalPost.net staff also includes Kari Harvey, RDH, a working mom with two young kids herself,and two other staff members who do not have a dental background. Both Lanthier and Harvey also work clinically 4-5 days a week. There are currently thousands of registered DentalPost.net users in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. The company hopes to expand to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Kentucky by spring 2007. To participate in this new service, visit www.DentalPost.net.

This edition of Working was prepared by Meghan Washington