Questions to ask dental assistant interview

As a dental assistant, you will be expected to perform a wide variety of duties from day to day. The following dental assistant interview questions and answers will help your interviewer learn more about you and the tasks with which you are most comfortable.

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When I am hiring new staff weather they have experience or not I like to see a level of enthusiasm show me that you want to work in my office. When you are inexperienced and up against people with experience who are after the same job you need to show that employer that you are willing and eager to learn.

It doesn't hurt to mention the good grades you made and be sure to talk about what you believe to be your strengths that would make you a good candidate for the practise ie: you are a fast learner, a hard worker, team player, etc. In my practise I have my office manager preform the interviews which is the case in most practises and if my office manager feels someone is a good candidate for the job then I will join in.

One question that I always ask is "What makes you good candidate for this job?" The answer I personally like to hear is " I am team player, I enjoy working closely with people and though I currently do not have any experience in the field I am eager to start, as I enjoy learning, and I believe this practise will be a good place to begin my career." Remember to breathe, smile, maintain good eye contact but don't stare, try not to fidget and you will do fine.

When it comes to interviews as silly as this my sound you actually selling yourself you are trying to convince a potential employer that you are the best. Also be prepared for the salary question it's standard question so have a number in mind. GOOD LUCK! I know you will do great:D 

Tips  Dental assistant interview questions and answers

Dress appropriately. Plan your outfit at least the night before and make sure it is clean/pressed.

Turn OFF your cell phone (a lot of people forget this one).

Bring copies of your resume and references for the interviewer as well as a pad of paper and a pen. Be polite and friendly to EVERYONE that you meet because the hiring manager may ask for their opinion.

Look the interviewer in the eyes. Speak clearly. Smile. Try to use "confident" body language.

Stay calm and try to remember that an interview is a 2 way discussion. You're trying to find out of an employer is going to be good for you, just like they are trying to find out if you will be good for them.

Prepare some answers for the typical questions like "tell me about yourself" "what are your greatest strengths/weaknesses" "where do you see yourself in x years" (you can search for interview questions and answers and see what more of the typical questions are as well as the best ways to answer them)

Try to include specific examples of your relevant skills, experience, and abilities in your answers. Remember you're selling yourself so you want to point out things that are relevant to the company.

Stay positive. Try to frame everything in a positive way, even if it is/was horrible. Never speak badly of other people or past positions/companies. There is always something polite to say.

If you find yourself flustered, its ok to ask for a moment to think about the question... it is, afterall, a discussion and discussions have pauses and silence in them.

DO YOUR RESEARCH! Look into the company, their vision, the duties of the job, and the typical pay for a similar position in your area.

Ask questions at the end. You should prepare 5-10 questions (I prepare 8 in case some get answered) based on the research you have done.

Here are some examples of interview questions and Get ready for the interview questions.

• Why do you want this job? - you'll have to figure that one out
• How are you with blood - I have no problems with it, it doesn't bother me
• Do you work well with others? - Yes, I enjoy being part of a team
• Are you a fast learner? - Yes, I am
• Are you detail oriented? - Yes, I pay close attention to detail
• How is your health? - Excellent
• Are you reliable? We need someone we can count on who won't take a lot of days off - I am very reliable & conscientious
• Have you ever worked in dental office before? - No, but I'm interested in the field and wanted to
• Can you pass a drug test & background check? - Yes, I don't do drugs and I have a clean record
• How is your manual dexterity? Are you good with your hands? - Yes, I'm good with my hands, I (play piano, knit, - whatever shows that you are)
• We're looking for someone permanent, will you consider this just a temporary job until you can get something better? - No, I I'd like this to be permanent
• What are your hobbies? - you'll have to figure this one out
• Why should I hire YOU? - because I want this job and think I can be a real asset to your office
• Are you good with people? Some of our patients can be difficult - Yes, I enjoy interacting with people and am very tactful

• Why dentistry? Why not veterinary medicine?
• What do you want to do with your dental education?
• What made you decide to become a dental assistant?
• How did your friends/family react to your interest in Dentistry?
• Do you have any friends or family who are Dentists?
• Do you have any plans after graduation?
• Do you have any laboratory experience (casts of teeth, temporary crowns...etc..)
• What have you learned from your past jobs that related to Dental assistant?
• Provide an experience in which you assisted a dentist in a dental emergency.
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Tell me about your last position and what you did?
• Are you planning to continue your studies and training for Dental Assistant?
• Why are you the best person for this Dental Assistant?
• What is the state of your records? Name one thing you would like to improve.
• Where would you like to be in 3 years? 5 years?
• What made you choose to apply to Dental assistant?
• What are key tasks for Dental assistant?
• How to do each Dental assistant position task/function?
• How to control each task/function of Dental assistant? Etc
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are top top 3 skills for Dental assistant?
• Do you have experience maintaining dental records?
• How to measure job performance of your position: Dental assistant?
• What do you know about this company?
• What do you know about the position of your Dental assistant position?
• Describe two or three major trends in your field?
• Show me how you would organize the applicable instruments for each procedure (with examples).
• Did you choose this profession/field?
• What procedure do you use for sterilizing and disinfecting dental equipment when preparing for surgery? 
• What tertiary qualifications have you attained that related to Dental assistant?
• What is the most recent skill you have learned that related to Dental assistant?
• What procedure do you use for sterilizing and disinfecting dental equipment in order to prepare for surgery?
• What tertiary qualifications have you attained that related to your Dental assistant position?
• How much chairside experience do you have? Are you more comfortable working with children or adults? 
• What is the most recent skill you have learned that related to your Dental assistant position?

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