25 Dental Assistant Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

What questions do you have for me?

It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the clinic's website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their company site!

Rachelle's Answer

"A couple of questions do come to mind. First, how quickly would you like to have this position filled? Second, is there anything from my background that I can further clarify for you?"

Rachelle's Answer

"Here are some sample questions:

- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?"

View answer examples for this question >

2.

Are you CPR certified?

Answer this question with a simple yes or no. If your certification is not current, assure the interviewer that you are going to renew your certification. If you have an existing, and valid, certification be sure to bring the documentation with you so that the interviewer can take a copy for your file.

Rachelle's Answer

"I am CPR Certified. I brought a copy of my card for you to scan, for my file. This certification is valid for another two years."

Rachelle's Answer

"I have not yet obtained my CPR certification; however, I am registered to take the CPR course next weekend. I will certainly be certified before my potential start date."

View answer examples for this question >

3.

Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?

The interviewer would like to know your preference when it comes to a predictable vs.unpredictable routine. Are you the individual who prefers to know what the day will bring, or do you thrive on the challenge and excitement of unpredictability?

Rachelle's Answer

"I prefer working in a more predictable environment because I can be more effective in my tasks. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment from time to time."

Rachelle's Answer

"I am comfortable either way, but I would probably grow bored if nothing ever changed. Having a few days of status quo now and then is good for my sanity though."

View answer examples for this question >

4.

Do you speak any other languages?

This is a simple yes or no answer. The interviewer may ask this question, depending on the diversity of their clients. Unless stated in the job posting, this is likely not a deal breaker but more a question of interest.

Rachelle's Answer

"In addition to being fluent in English, I speak conversational Spanish. I've found my ability to speak Spanish helps during patient exams from time to time."

Rachelle's Answer

"I do not speak any other languages, aside from English. Would you like for me to learn another language? I have wanted to commit to expanding my linguistic skills."

View answer examples for this question >

5.

Where do you see your career in five years?

View All 25 Dental Assistant Answers

Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.

Dental Assistant Interview Questions

What questions do you have for me?

Dental Assistant Interview Questions

What questions do you have for me?

Are you CPR certified?

Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?

Do you speak any other languages?

Where do you see your career in five years?

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

What procedure do you use to sterilize dental equipment?

How do you handle stress?

Have you progressed in your dental career, as expected?

How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?

What are your salary expectations?

Tell me some techniques you use to keep an office organized?

Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you contributed to.

What has been your best experience thus far, as a dental assistant?

What are three key traits a dental assistant needs to have?

Tell me about your relationship with the last dentist you supported.

What will you contribute to this dental office?

Tell me about your leadership qualities.

Tell me about yourself.

Do you prefer to work on your own, or as a part of a team?

Would you be willing to work over 40 hours a week?

If a patient complains they had to wait too long to see the doctor, what will you do?

How do you handle a situation where the dentist you are supporting does not correctly communicate information to you?

When have you worked with a diverse group of people?

Which dental related software and programs have you worked with?