Career guide · Application and interview
Negotiating and accepting a dental clinic job offer
The offer is the moment you have the most leverage. Here is how to use it without pushing, get a complete written offer and start on the right foot.
Can I ask for time to think?
Yes, two to five days is reasonable and expected; ask politely while confirming your interest. An employer demanding an immediate answer is applying unnecessary pressure. Use the time to compare, reread the written offer and ask your last questions.
What must the written offer contain?
Position, rate, guaranteed hours, typical schedule, start date, probation, vacation, detailed benefits (insurance, RRSP, dental care, uniforms, training), premiums, salary review date, and any special clauses (non-competition, training). An incomplete offer gets completed before signing, not after.
What should you negotiate first?
What matters most to you: often guaranteed hours, the schedule (weekends, fixed days) and the salary review date, then the rate, then benefits. One or two precise, justified requests go over better than a list of ten. See Negotiating your salary.
How do you word a counter-proposal?
By email or in person, first confirming your enthusiasm: « I am very interested in the position. To accept it, I would like a rate of $X and confirmation of a maximum of two weekends a month. » Then let the employer answer. Do not bluff with an offer you do not have.
How do you handle two offers at once?
Compare total compensation and conditions (see our guide Comparing two offers), ask each for a reasonable delay, and honestly inform the one you prefer that you have another offer if that can speed up its decision. Do not play them against each other for too long: reputation matters.
How do you decline an offer politely?
Quickly, by email or phone, with sincere thanks and a brief reason (« I accepted a position closer to home »). Stay on good terms: that clinic might interest you in three years, or recommend you.
When should I give notice to my current employer?
Only after receiving and signing the new employer’s written offer. Two weeks’ notice is customary; check your contract. Offer a transition and leave cleanly: see Changing clinics.
What if the written offer differs from the verbal offer?
Point out each discrepancy in writing before signing and ask for the corrected version. It is common and usually a good-faith error; the employer’s attitude toward your request is revealing, though.
How do you prepare for your first day?
Confirm the time and place, bring your documents (licence, certificates, social insurance number, banking information for payroll), your uniform if requested, and arrive rested and early. Ask who will welcome you and what the first week’s program is.
How does acceptance work at Go Dentiste?
After the visit and the meeting with the team, Maryse Milton confirms the discussed conditions in writing; you take time to reread, ask your questions, then sign. Onboarding is planned before you arrive. See open positions.
Go further
- Negotiating your salary
- Understanding your employment contract
- Dental career guide: the 1,000 questions
- All positions at Go Dentiste
Sources and references
- CNESST — Labour standards in Quebec (brochure)
- Civil Code of Québec, article 2089 (non-competition clause)
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.