Dental Assistant Interview Questions & Answers

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Another fact of working as a dental assistant has to do with your administrative and organizational expertise. Aside from working chair side with patients, you may also be required to greet them as they come in the door, answer telephone calls, schedule appointments, restock supplies, and more. You will need to convince the interviewer that your skills are on target with the needs of the job. For example, "I have experience with answering telephones and I have learned and implemented several methods of filing and record keeping" would be a great answer, but only if you are prepared to elaborate on that experience.

You will likely be required to work alongside a dentist, so your interviewer will ask you this question in order to gauge your comfort level. Although it is okay to express a preference for one over the other, you should be able to provide an answer that portrays your ability to work with either age group. "Although I especially love working with children and keeping them excited about good oral hygiene, I am just as comfortable working with adults" is a fantastic example answer. Although you may not be assigned to work primarily with children, your preferences will likely be noted if you are hired.

While I feel that every task that a dental assistant performs is important, making patients feel comfortable is probably the most important. This is because a patient who is at ease is easy to handle. Equally important is sterilizing instruments because infection control is vital to managing dental procedures effectively.

Yes I am very detail oriented. Like, when i was working within a previous job i was always told to keep my are clean. So what I would do was wipe down all cabinets with disinfectant make sure everything was in order,make sure all instruments were autoclaved and put in its original spot. I would also make sure the oplatory was set properly making sure their was nothing missing or out of order. Overall making sure the setting was perfect.

"I will be able to perform to the best of my ability under any circumstance and I am always thankful for constructive criticism" is a good answer, but you should follow up with a reason why constructive criticism is helpful to you. "I am always willing to learn from my mistakes and learn better, more efficient methods of getting the job done" will suffice.

Since you will only be allowed to perform direct patient care under the supervision of a dentist, you must be able to work while being watched and readily accept criticism.

It seem's like a silly question, but your interviewer has a very good reason to ask. If you are not passionate about your own oral health and hygiene, it is unlikely that you will be able to convey the importance of oral care to your patients. You may even choose to describe your oral care practices to your interviewer so that they can better understand your methods. You might answer with "Absolutely. I make sure to brush twice a day and after meals, and I see my own dentist at least twice per year." You may also be asked to explain why oral health is so important for overall physical health, as well.

I wouldn't say that I have had a "tough patient". I would say however I have had several circumstances in which I had to use my skills and training to figure out the needs of each patient and do my best to meet their needs to make the appointment run as smoothly as possible. That sometimes can be tough, but it is one of the challenges I enjoy most in this field, making the dental experience as pleasant as possible for the patient.

I prepare a complaint form, I would do all I could to know what it was that make the patient unsatisfied and I do my best to fix the problem before the next visit.

Keeping a uplifting and positive attitude and use the teamwork technique. Always making sure everything is stocked and sterilized to make the day run smoothly.

I like stability. I dont want to move from one place to another, I want long term

I have much experience in exposing radiography and filling out claim forms. I am knowledgeable in sterilization of dental instruments also operatories.

I see myself as an outgoing individual. I am very good at meshing with different types of people. But I also think its very important not to bring your personal life into work life. At work i am outgoing in a professional manner.

Team work and motivation.I will give my best into making it a better environment.

With a calm voice and tell the pt I know why they are uncomfortable and that everything is under control and the procedure is going just fine and that they are doing great.

I would rate them an 8 but im always eger to learn new things.

Yes to check what it is like been in dental clinic.

They comfort the patient through emotional and anxiety.

I prioritize and organize my work. Emergencies come first. If we are well-organized then we can handle the stress.

They are both got the same importance, but in order to get money you need to work.

I see myself as a confident lead assistant. One that is often requested by patients due to my efficiency and ability to calm and educate patients.

I've had many great experiences thus far. My two best experiences would be any time I see a patient leave happy and promising a return. Also, when I perform a procedure to the best of my ability keeping the dr impressed with my work.

The last time I worked with a dentist is when I was in school. He made me nervous just cause he was kind of pushy and tried to confuse everyone a little bit, but other than that we got along well. He was a very funny man and told me how good I did when helping out.

I gained all the necessary knowledge while attending dental school for 18mo.

I try to use my skills and knowledge to overcome the difficulties that I encounter.