Dr Cherie: Why poor oral hygiene is ruining your job prospects?

Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 21 May 2024

Dr Cherie Yam, founder and respected head dentist at 'Dentists In Yamanto', at Yamanto Central shopping centre in Ipswich, Queensland, is on a mission to help people enhance their career prospects by improving their oral hygiene.

According to Dr Cherie, while having a great resume and excellent referees may help you get on the candidate list for a job interview, a great smile and good oral hygiene might help win you the position and keep it!

"It may not be something people talk about but we do judge people by their teeth. Imagine interviewing someone for a job that involves dealing with your customers and the job applicant rocks up the interview with bad teeth and smelly breath. That is probably not someone you want representing your business or your brand," Dr Cherie said.

"As the applicant, if you want to secure a new role and advance your career prospects, you need to turn up to the interview with big shiny clean pearly whites and good breath. If you don't you are not off to the best start. The good news is going to the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene will help you to achieve a good smile."

Dr Cherie explains why a good smile can positively influence a job interview in several ways.

First impressions

"A smile is often one of the first things a person notices about someone else. A warm and genuine smile can create a positive first impression and convey confidence, approachability and friendliness," Dr Cherie said.

"Unfortunately, a bad smile or bad breath can have the opposite effect and no one will tell you either. Oral hygiene is a difficult topic to talk about and can be very confronting, so people usually avoid it at all costs. A good dentist however will tell you what you don't want to hear."

Nonverbal communication

"Nonverbal cues, including facial expressions, play a significant role in communication. A smile can communicate enthusiasm, positivity and professionalism, which can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer," Dr Cherie said.

"If you walk into an interview and show off your pearly whites with good breath, this tells the interview panel that you are attentive to detail and you care about your health and wellness. This shows a high level of personal responsibility and care, which is what employers want to see in a potential candidate."

Establishing rapport

"Smiling during a job interview can help establish rapport and build a connection with the interviewer. It can create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, making the interaction feel more natural and enjoyable for both parties," Dr Cherie said.

"A good smile is part of this process. The better the smile, the more pleasing the level of engagement for the interviewer."

Positive energy

"A smile can radiate positive energy and optimism, which can be contagious. By projecting a positive attitude, you can demonstrate your readiness and enthusiasm for the job opportunity, which can be appealing to employers," Dr Cherie said.

Confidence

"Confidence is an essential quality employers look for in candidates. Smiling confidently can convey self-assurance and conviction in your abilities, helping to instill confidence in the interviewer's perception of you as a competent and capable candidate," Dr Cherie added.

"We certainly feel better about ourselves when we feel good. People with poor oral hygiene often feel self-conscious and this impacts their ability to engage and connect confidently with others."

Memorability

"A memorable smile can help you stand out from other candidates in the interviewer's mind. Employers are more likely to remember candidates who leave a positive impression, which can increase your chances of being considered for the job," Dr Cherie said.

"A big white smile and good breath leaves a good impression for all the right reasons, whereas a bad smile and bad breath leaves a poor impression."

Dr Cherie emphasised that while a good smile can enhance your overall presentation during a job interview, it's essential to remember that it's just one aspect of the interview process. Other factors, such as qualifications, experience, communication skills and professionalism, also play significant roles in determining your suitability for the job. Therefore, while a smile can certainly help, it should be complemented by thorough preparation, thoughtful responses and a strong alignment between your skills and the requirements of the job.

"My final message is - book in to your dentist ASAP and maintain good oral hygiene. We can help you improve many aspects of your life by living with good oral hygiene," Dr Cherie said.

About Dentists In Yamanto

Founded by Dr Cherie Yam, Dentists In Yamanto is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care on a tailored basis. Dr Yam has been serving the Ipswich area for many years and has experience in private and boutique dental clinics in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. She was also awarded the Abano Healthcare Clinical Excellence Award for Anterior Aesthetics in 2023. Dr Yam worked at Griffith University Dental School for four years as a clinical supervisor and examiner to final year dental students. She has also volunteered in India, Nepal and the Philippines.

Dentists In Yamanto offers a diverse suite of dental services tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. From foundational preventative care to advanced cosmetic transformations, the clinic is equipped to handle every aspect of a patient's dental journey. The surgery has the latest in digital dental technology, ensuring that each procedure is performed with precision and care. Yamanto Central shopping centre offers plenty of free parking and access to public transport.