Top 25 Dental Assistant Interview Questions
1. What made you decide to be a dental assistant?
Professional Answer
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?
- Are you CPR Certified? If not, why? And do you plan on getting your certification?
- Do you enjoy working with other people?
- How long do you see yourself at this office if hired?
- What dental knowledge do you possess? How did you come about this knowledge?
- How would you rate your listening skills?
- What was your best experience thus far as a dental assistant?
- What are three key traits a dental assistant needs to have?
- Tell me about your last experience working with a dentist? How did you two get along?
- Where did you learn basic skills dealing with patients?
- What experiences do you have in a medical office?
- 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 employ to keep an office organized?
- Do you pay attention to detail? Give me an example of a time when you caught yourself nitpicking something?
- Tell me about a time when you handled multiple tasks at once?
- What will you contribute to this office?
- What do you think you will dislike most about being a dental assistant?
- How many years or months experience do you have dealing with patients?
- In the past, how have you calmed down upset patients?
- What roles of leadership have you performed in your career so far?
- Do you speak any other languages?
- Give me an example of a tough patient you had to deal with?
- Tell me about yourself.
- How do you handle stress?
- What does teamwork mean to you?
- How would you rate your professional skills?
- Are you an outgoing individual?
- Tell me a little bit about yourself?
- How does this position, affect your career plans?
- 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 the next time they visit?
- 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 41
1 of 41
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 41
2 of 41
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 41
3 of 41
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 41
4 of 41
Are you CPR Certified? If not, why? And do you plan on getting your certification?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have always been in the past not currently but I can easily get a certification.
2.
I have always been in the past but right now it is out of date.
Question
5 of 41
5 of 41
Do you enjoy working with other people?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Love it
Always been team orientated
SLSC etc.
2.
Yes. I like to work with others that share the same passion as I do.
Question
6 of 41
6 of 41
How long do you see yourself at this office if hired?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Depends how well I fit in.
2.
As long as yall want to keep me.
Question
7 of 41
7 of 41
What dental knowledge do you possess? How did you come about this knowledge?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I attended a nine month dental course.
2.
I am a dentist in my country.
Question
8 of 41
8 of 41
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
9 of 41
9 of 41
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
10 of 41
10 of 41
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
11 of 41
11 of 41
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
12 of 41
12 of 41
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
13 of 41
13 of 41
What experiences do you have in a medical office?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have no experience in a medical office, but that is something I hope to change.
2.
I have worked in the dental field for 13 years.
Question
14 of 41
14 of 41
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
15 of 41
15 of 41
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
16 of 41
16 of 41
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
17 of 41
17 of 41
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
18 of 41
18 of 41
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
19 of 41
19 of 41
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
20 of 41
20 of 41
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
21 of 41
21 of 41
Tell me some techniques you employ 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
22 of 41
22 of 41
Do you pay attention to detail? Give me an example of a time when you caught yourself nitpicking something?
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
23 of 41
23 of 41
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
24 of 41
24 of 41
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
25 of 41
25 of 41
What do you think you will dislike most about being a dental assistant?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Charting until I feel comfortable and knowing I am documenting correctly.
2.
I am not sure to be honest.
Question
26 of 41
26 of 41
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
27 of 41
27 of 41
In the past, how have you calmed down upset patients?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Talking calmly to them. Try to reassure them in what they are here for.
2.
Asking them to look directly in my eyes, and asking them questions that either redirect them or help me to understand why they are upset. Sometimes all a person needs is to feel that someone else is listening to them.
Question
28 of 41
28 of 41
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
29 of 41
29 of 41
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
30 of 41
30 of 41
Give me an example of a tough patient you had to deal with?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have been called foul names by a patient because she was unaware that the procedure would take more than one appointment and just calmly tried to explain to the patient reasoning for the numbered appointments.
2.
My most difficult patient was one who had many health concerns and was quite loney... She would come in and really not have any teeth concerns except for the ones she had created in her head. She just needed someone to convey to.. Someone for her to compolaine and dump all her problems and issues on.. She was a very sweet lady and as emotionally draining it was to work on her... And I did grumble a little when I would see her on the schedule it was very rewarding to know that she only wanted to be in my chair and that she would tell me frequently how mych she appreciated my listening and being a confidant for her... Not only was she afraid of dental situations but after many a visits with the doc and myself she was muych more comfortable coming in and havng minor things done. Very rewarding to know I helped her along her path even if it was to only be there and be understanding as she worked through her own stuff.
Question
31 of 41
31 of 41
Tell me about yourself.
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I am a quick learner who is ready to make this my career. I am caring and understanding to other people needs. Any task given to me will be done.
2.
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.
Question
32 of 41
32 of 41
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
33 of 41
33 of 41
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
34 of 41
34 of 41
How would you rate your professional skills?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I would rate my professional skills very high. You have to be able to deal with all types of personalities in a professional matter. When inevitable mistakes happen, owning up to your mistake and your willingness to fix it shows professional qualities.
2.
I am very professional but not to the point of making people uncomfortable or intimateded.
Question
35 of 41
35 of 41
Are you an outgoing individual?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I try to be. I am more of a home body. I enjoy my time with my children and relaxing at home reading a good book.
2.
Yes. I am a very outgoing individual. I enjoy meeting new people and interacting with others.
Question
36 of 41
36 of 41
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I am well-rounded, great communication skills, thoughtful, hard worker, and great at multitasking.
2.
I am a veteran married 5 children 6 grand kids im 50
Question
37 of 41
37 of 41
How does this position, affect your career plans?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
This is the start of my career. This will allow me to grow and be the assistant I know I am able to become.
2.
It would help me achieve my plan to get back into the dental field.
Question
38 of 41
38 of 41
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
39 of 41
39 of 41
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
40 of 41
40 of 41
If a patient complains they had to wait too long to see the doctor, what will you do the next time they visit?
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
41 of 41
41 of 41
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?