Is it too early to ask for a raise? Question for Dr's and assistants.?

Question

I am a dental assistant in NJ. I am school trained and have 6 yrs. office experience. I also have an x-ray license. The girls I work w/ are trained in the office and have no previous experience.

I just moved and had to take a major pay cut due to the area I live and work in. I was making $17 /hr. and now make $14/hr. I preform the same tasks as I did in my old office. Such as assisting, but also order supplies for 2 offices.

I have been at this office for only one month, but I really think I deserve a $2 increase. I do alot more than anyone else in the office.

Is it too early to ask for a raise? How should I go about asking w/out jeopardizing my job?

Answer 1

Hi Nicole,

First, do a a zip code search at http://www.careerbuilders.com or http://www.monster.com or http://www.payscale.com to see how it should be. DO NOT FORGET to adjust for a 40 hour week if the figures are based on a weekly pay. I'm in SNJ myself and I can tell you that there is a great deal of difference in NNJ and SNJ cost of living and, therefore, fees and salaries.

When I hire, I hire on a probabtionary basis - as do most - and when I decide to keep you, I would give you a raise. If you came in with an x-ray license and CDA and/or experience, I would probably start you a lot higher than a "trainee," so the first raise might only be a dollar an hour. My most recent hire has CDA, x-ray and 15 years experience, so I started her at $15 and went from there.

The probabtionary period in my office is 90 days, as I think it is in most. I see one answerer above me said it is 120 days in her office, though. I think 2 months is too early to ask for a raise, but it is time to start planning so you can get your nerve up. It sounds like you have assumed a lot of responsibility in this office and probably do deserve close to your previous wage. If you have nerve, I'd suggest that you ask for a specific amount and let your doctor react. If you said that you have been trying to make it on $14 an hour, but you were used to getting $17 and are now finding things difficult. You have done the math and feel that you need $16 to continue in your job. You will NOT get fired, but you have to be prepared for a "no" answer, so you might want to tone your request down a bit. YOU know your boss better than I do.

Anyhow, if you do not have a raise after 90 days, I'd consider asking for one. Chances are your boss is looking towards January 1 as time for a raise anyhow.

Good luck.

Sam Feinstein

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I think it's too early. You have to think from your employer's point of view. You know you're a dedicated, honest, reliable employee, but is one month enough time for them to know that?
In my office, raises were given out every 6 months. Does your office have any schedules for raises/evaluations like that? Maybe you should ask another employee.
I would not, however, mention to your boss that you "Do a lot more than anyone else in the office." I'm sure he wants a no drama team player. And I'm sure he'll realize this on his own in due time. Just keep up the good work, and it will be rewarded!
The change in pay may be because assistants simply do not earn as much money in your new area. Pay scales change greatly in very short distances.
Whatever you do, I hope it works out well for you and someday soon you get paid at least close to what you deserve! Good luck!

Answer 4

I also agree to wait 90 days. BUT here's one thing that's real important. Do NOT tell anyone in your office what you make. This could cause hurt feelings. Also have a list of what you can do that the others cannot do who are not trained. I was a dental assistant and I can not believe a Dr can hire someone off the street! They have no idea about sterilization! ICK!!! So your Dr just may be a cheap skate and not care.
Good luck.

Answer 5

I think if you honestly believe you deserve a raise then ask for one. It should not be that hard to find another job if he doesn't comply. But...On the other hand he might just comply long enough to find/hire someone else at a cheaper rate. Then again he might just give it to you. If you are doing all of these things then you should be paid accordingly. This is why I went to Dental Hygiene school I got sooooo tired of dealing with cheap dentist!! They want you to do all the work while they "relax!!!" Good Luck

Answer 6

it is pretty standard to have 120 days try out period in the dental offices. If you do not get a raise in two months, ask for one, unless it was discussed at the time of hire

Answer 7

I think your Dr will say it's too early, they usually consider at 90 days. That way they have seen your work, ability, responsibility, and what you can do better that the other co-workers. You do deserve a raise but he might think this way.

Answer 8

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