What EVERY Potential Employee MUST Sign!
Every dentist should check references and do background checks on job applicants, prior to making a hiring decision. Too many times, a non-confrontational dentist will hastily hire the first applicant that impresses him, without conducting the necessary background and reference checks.I recommend that all dentists use a disclaimer/release form as a part of their job application. The disclaimer accomplishes two purposes. It releases former employers from any liability for providing information about the applicant. It also gives the dentist permission to conduct background and credit checks, as well as drug testing. I recently had a client dentist hire a new dental assistant without conducting background checks. This employee lasted less than one-week. After she left, the dentist discovered that the employee had multiple DUI convictions. There is no question, that this employee would not have been hired had the background check occurred before the job was offered.
There is an added benefit to having job applicants sign the release form at the time they complete the job application. Often, applicants wanting to hide details from their past, will balk at signing the release form. This would immediately alert the dentist to not pursue these applicants for employment.
Dr. Mike Goldstein
Goldstein Management