Sorna Taghizadeh

Interview Assessment #4

Name of person interviewed: Dr. Gita Rafiei

Profession: Dentist

Location and business name:

Park Dental

5930 W. Park Plvd. Ste. 1000

Plano, TX 75093

Date of interview: December 1st, 2016

Time: 4:30

Dr. Gita Rafiei is the dentist at Park Dental in Plano. This interview was very beneficial to

my future in this field and was very helpful. Also by this point, I had learned how to calm my

nerves before an interview, so I was not nervous to get started.

Dr. Rafiei had mentioned at the start that what sparked her interest in the career was her

uncle, who she was very close to. She also said she couldnt imagine herself doing anything

other than medical or health related professions and dentistry was the one what stood out to

her. I can relate to this as I also have an uncle that has influenced my decision in some ways.

She also talked about her least favorite aspects of her career and the most intriguing

parts. To her, the best part about being a dentist is fixed jacked up teeth into a white, straight,

and shiny smile. She enjoys giving someone that boost in confidence, which is also my main

reasoning for choosing this career. The hardest part of her job is dealing with the patients who

greatly mistreat their teeth. Some drug abusers or those who rarely brush create big obstacles

for Dr. Rafiei. She has to find new ways to treat them while trying not to lose teeth.

Dr. Rafiei emphasized on the skills needed for a good part of the interview. She

mentioned how there were three parts to the job: artist, sculptor and painter. You have to be
Sorna Taghizadeh

able to do all three and do them well. Hand-eye coordination is very important because the teeth

are small and so the nerves attached. There will also be many patients with new things you

have never had to treat before or seen before, so being able to improvise during the visit is

crucial.

The biggest stumbling she saw with younger job-seekers was the competition. Like

many other interviews stated, the competition is high nowadays. Many kids have a lot of

pressure by their parents to do well and get into dental school, so they study 99% of their life.

Those students are always in their books and lack social skills that are also needed for this job.

Those who are involved in social activities and are a more well rounded person, have more

difficulty getting accepted as the others have risen the normal standard.

I am very grateful and felt this interview with Dr. Gita Rafiei was very valuable for me. I

will make sure to use what I learned for my future in this field and as I move on in ISM.