Top 25 Dental Assistant Interview Questions
1. What made you decide to be a dental assistant?
Professional Answer
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List of Dental Assistant Interview Questions
- What made you decide to be a dental assistant?
- What procedure do you use to sterilize dental equipment?
- What is your most valuable attribute you will bring to our office?
- What are your salary expectations?
- How would you rate your listening skills?
- What was your best experience thus far as a dental assistant?
- Tell me about your last experience working with a dentist? How did you two get along?
- What are three key traits a dental assistant needs to have?
- Where did you learn basic skills dealing with patients?
- Have you ever not worked well with others?
- Are you CPR certified?
- What experience do you have?
- What is more important to you, money or work?
- What is your least favorite type of patient?
- If a patient complains I didn't properly care for them during the last appointment, how will you react?
- Where do you see your career in five years?
- Tell me some techniques you use to keep an office organized?
- Do you pay attention to detail?
- Tell me about a time when you handled multiple tasks at once?
- What will you contribute to this office?
- How many years or months experience do you have dealing with patients?
- Do you speak any other languages?
- What roles of leadership have you performed in your career so far?
- Tell me about yourself.
- How do you handle stress?
- What does teamwork mean to you?
- Have you shadowed a dentist's office before?
- What is your favorite type of patient?
- If a patient complains they had to wait too long to see the doctor, what will you do?
- If a patient complains parking is too tough, how will you react?
Dental Assistant Information
May 14th, 2017
Dental Assistants assist the dentist to provide more efficient dental treatment. Dental Assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Your duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where you work. A few duties you may have as a Dental Assistants is to prep the patient for treament, sterilize instruments, pass instruments during the procedure, hold a suction device during a procedure, exposing dental radiographs, take impressions and fabricate provisional crowns. You serve as the Dentists extra set of hands so the Dentist can focus more time on the procedure.
As a Dental Assistant you are detail oriented. You follow specific rules and protocols, such as infection control procedures when helping dentists treat patients. Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands. You generally work in tight quarters on a small part of the body, using very precise tools and instruments. As a Dental Assistant you must work closely with dentists and patients. Sometimes, patients are in extreme pain and mental stress, so the assistant should be sensitive to their emotions. Dental assistants should be able to listen to patients and other healthcare workers. You follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist, so they can help treat patients and do tasks, such as taking an x ray. As a Dental Assistant have excellent organizational skills. Keeping the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient is very important during the procedure.
To prepare for your interview we recommend you bring a letter of recommendation from the dentist you work for. Having a colleague speak highly of you and recommend you will help during the interview. If you are licensed, registered, or certified bring a copy of the documentation. If you are certified to perform expanded duties such as coronal polishing be sure to mention this during your interview- this could make you stand apart from the rest of the candidates.
Dental Assistants assist the dentist to provide more efficient dental treatment. Dental Assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Your duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where you work. A few duties you may have as a Dental Assistants is to prep the patient for treament, sterilize instruments, pass instruments during the procedure, hold a suction device during a procedure, exposing dental radiographs, take impressions and fabricate provisional crowns. You serve as the Dentists extra set of hands so the Dentist can focus more time on the procedure.
As a Dental Assistant you are detail oriented. You follow specific rules and protocols, such as infection control procedures when helping dentists treat patients. Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands. You generally work in tight quarters on a small part of the body, using very precise tools and instruments. As a Dental Assistant you must work closely with dentists and patients. Sometimes, patients are in extreme pain and mental stress, so the assistant should be sensitive to their emotions. Dental assistants should be able to listen to patients and other healthcare workers. You follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist, so they can help treat patients and do tasks, such as taking an x ray. As a Dental Assistant have excellent organizational skills. Keeping the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient is very important during the procedure.
To prepare for your interview we recommend you bring a letter of recommendation from the dentist you work for. Having a colleague speak highly of you and recommend you will help during the interview. If you are licensed, registered, or certified bring a copy of the documentation. If you are certified to perform expanded duties such as coronal polishing be sure to mention this during your interview- this could make you stand apart from the rest of the candidates.
Dental Assistant User Submitted Interview Answers
Question
1 of 30
1 of 30
What made you decide to be a dental assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I really enjoy helping tech patients about good oral hygiene.
2.
I decided to become a dental assistant because I've always had a fascination with teeth, I I figure this would be a good stepping stone to working with them.
Question
2 of 30
2 of 30
What procedure do you use to sterilize dental equipment?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I first wash the instruments with soap and a brush, then place them in the ultrasonic, dry them in the heater, then bag and place them in the sterilizer.
2.
At first scrubbing equipment, wipe instrument and pack them, then ultra sonic bath last send them autoclave. After that scan the bar code and keep them the right place.
Question
3 of 30
3 of 30
What is your most valuable attribute you will bring to our office?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Efficiently and willingness to learn.
2.
My most valuable attribute would be dedication and loyalty to an employer who treats me with respect in a professional manner.
Question
4 of 30
4 of 30
What are your salary expectations?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I attended a nine month dental course.
2.
I am a dentist in my country.
Question
5 of 30
5 of 30
How would you rate your listening skills?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
On a scale from 1- 10, I would rate my listening skills an 8. I would ask whomever is speaking to me is it okay if they can repeat their statement.
2.
With 10 being the highest a 10
Question
6 of 30
6 of 30
What was your best experience thus far as a dental assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Seeing patients that come into the practice who are not happy about there dental health, and our team being able to make suggestions so they can improve their oral health.
2.
I just graduated from college and this will be my first experience working at a dental office.
Question
7 of 30
7 of 30
Tell me about your last experience working with a dentist? How did you two get along?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have not worked with a dentist yet.
2.
There was more than one doctor and for the most part it was easy to communicate.
Question
8 of 30
8 of 30
What are three key traits a dental assistant needs to have?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Honest communication, sense of humor, a desire to serve others.
2.
Friendly
Detailed oriented
Listening skills.
Question
9 of 30
9 of 30
Where did you learn basic skills dealing with patients?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
From the dental assistanting class.
2.
In my practice, also studied online information. I was trained by a co worker who was also a dental assistant.
Question
10 of 30
10 of 30
Have you ever not worked well with others?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
No. I always get along with everyone.
2.
No, I try my best to get along with others to make work less stressful.
Question
11 of 30
11 of 30
Are you CPR certified?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
No because none of my jobs in the past I've required me to be.
2.
Yes but I need to update it.
Question
12 of 30
12 of 30
What experience do you have?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
300 chair side assisting.
2.
I have 120 hrs and the willingness to learn.
Question
13 of 30
13 of 30
What is more important to you, money or work?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I would say they are equivalent important because without work there is no money. So with that being said I give my 100% to earn my money by working hard at work.
2.
Work is more important to me, because I feel that if you are working you have a better chance of being successful rather than relying on money all your life.
Question
14 of 30
14 of 30
What is your least favorite type of patient?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
None, I see all my patients equally.
2.
I don't consider having a least favorite type of patient, everyone is different and you have to work with anyone even if they give you a hard time.
Question
15 of 30
15 of 30
If a patient complains I didn't properly care for them during the last appointment, how will you react?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Depending on how angry they were, I may have to take them into a private consulting room and listen to their problem. I would apologise and reassure that the next time if they preferred, they could have someone else to assist or if my apology was enough, I would ensure that I ould care for them a whole lot more next time.
2.
I would ask the patient why they felt that way. Then assure them that you had done everything need to help them. Then ask the patient what I can do to make their experience at our office better.
Question
16 of 30
16 of 30
Where do you see your career in five years?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I see myself as a successful registered dental assistant working with a team of dental professionals who share my strong passion for the dental field.
2.
I see myself as an assistant and dental instructor.
Question
17 of 30
17 of 30
Tell me some techniques you use to keep an office organized?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I was in charge of inventory and ordering and keeping a budget for all supplies.. I was able to create a pattern of when items were needed so it was something that was prepared for when the cost came up... I frequently inventoried as I was working to notice things needing updating or ordering and I started a order system that worked very well.. Doc always stated that he never ran out of anything cause I was able to anticipate what would be needed in the future and make sure it was on hand.
2.
I like to stay ahead of the game and prepare for procedures ahead of time if time allows, and I like to make sure my charting is done in the beginning so all that is needed after the procedure is finishing my note.
Question
18 of 30
18 of 30
Do you pay attention to detail?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes, I often have noticed that I like to try and have everything needed at the chair side to be ready and feel I tend to beat myself up if not completely prepared.
2.
I was polishing a clients teeth and was having a hard time getting the distals of the molars. There were a couple tiny pieces I couldnt seem to get, even with the floss. So I went in with a sulca brush and that seemed to do the trick. I couldnt stop until it was perfect.
Question
19 of 30
19 of 30
Tell me about a time when you handled multiple tasks at once?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I wanted to go for a run but I had to study, so I made cue cards and studied them while on the treadmill.
2.
When I was studying for my master. I was a mother of a 2 years old, full time worker, full time student, and a wife.
Question
20 of 30
20 of 30
What will you contribute to this office?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I am a good team member and very reliable.
2.
I will contribute efficiency and team player mindset.
Question
21 of 30
21 of 30
How many years or months experience do you have dealing with patients?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
14-15 years in he dental field.
2.
In the dental field 2months, as manager for housekeeping in a nursing home 4yrs.
Question
22 of 30
22 of 30
Do you speak any other languages?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes I speak Spanish.
2.
I speak a little bit of french. I went to school for it.
Question
23 of 30
23 of 30
What roles of leadership have you performed in your career so far?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
To be able to work independently of the senior dental assistant during work placement chair side and during reception showing I have the ability to set up at the start of day and close.
2.
I always step up and help other assistants out when needed and go the extra mile.
Question
24 of 30
24 of 30
Tell me about yourself.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I am a student at fanshawe, I work at no frills, I love going for walks around the pond by my house, my dog is my lofe and I love aimals, Ihave 2 brothers.
2.
What does team work mean to you?
Question
25 of 30
25 of 30
How do you handle stress?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I handle it well. There are times when it gets to me. We are all human. I can work pretty well under stressful situations and stay calm.
2.
I take a couple minutes to breathe deeply and clear my head. If I feel im getting flustered or stressed I just need to tell myself everythins fine and I start to feel better.
Question
26 of 30
26 of 30
What does teamwork mean to you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Not trying to overshadow the next person, working together to get things done, getting along, and communicating well with each other.
2.
Working together to strive as a great company, coming up with suggestions and talking them over.
Question
27 of 30
27 of 30
Have you shadowed a dentist's office before?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes I have. I observed the assistants throughout the entire day.
2.
Yes. In October of 2015 I shadowed a few assistants during my clinical placement.
Question
28 of 30
28 of 30
What is your favorite type of patient?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I like each type of patient! I think they bring their own uniqueness to the clinic. And I like getting to know each of them.
2.
The patient that needs a lot of work, because of the reaction they have when they have completed all the work and see their new smile.
Question
29 of 30
29 of 30
If a patient complains they had to wait too long to see the doctor, what will you do?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Maybe that day had an emergency. I would let them know the reason for having to wait that long, and for next time I would say hopefully it wouldnt happen again.
2.
I will make sure the patient is at the appointment at the correct time and get them seated the room as soon as a room is available. I will make sure I stay positive and make there visit fun so they would not be thinking about there last visit.
Question
30 of 30
30 of 30
If a patient complains parking is too tough, how will you react?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I would ask them if they would like to reschedule appt. Have someone to drop them off.
2.
I will just smile and let them know I will tell the office manager about it or the dentist so next visit there will be no problems.
Video
Practice these Dental Assistant interview questions, to help you prepare for your upcoming interview! Created on February 18th, 2016
Dental Assistant Pros
1. Dental assistants are the right hand, left hand and brain to a dentists who appreciates her presence. May 30th, 2012
2. Get good benefits, working as a team, socializing with others and meeting a lot of new people. Working as a Dental Assistant is fun and exciting, knowing that you are helping others makes me feel good and like my job even more. May 30th, 2012
3. Good environments good working hours and compensation.satisfying job. May 30th, 2012
4. Flexible working hours. You are interacting with people everyday and working as a team. May 30th, 2012
5. To communicate with a variety of people, establishing a long term client/working relationship with many. Enjoying the ability to help bring relief, restoration and improvement to the overall wellbeing of another. Always the ability to learn more about the physiology of the body and it's direct impact on the procedures or visa versa. July 19th, 2012
6. Being able to interact with different people. July 19th, 2012
7. Meeting new people. Making their smiles brighter. July 19th, 2012
8. I love working with people and making them leave with a smile! when that happens it is a great day to be an dental assistant September 7th, 2012
9. I think its very important because you have to have the right tools for the dentist September 7th, 2012
10. Interacting one on one with pt and also having a relationship with returning pt throughout the yrs. April 2nd, 2014
11. I feel there are no bad sides to an new position because I do my best to learn something from every experience I have. April 2nd, 2014
Questions to ask at Interview
What would be the best way for me learn how the job is done in this dental office?
Will I be a good candidate for this position?
If the staff is to choose the dental assistants what would you do if you don't like the person?
How to calm down a patient?