Interviews for a position in the dental field are somewhat different from others. Dentists want to make sure you are qualified for the position you are applying to fill, and also if you are a good match with their dental team. Be prepared for a sit down interview and perhaps a working interview to check out your professional skills.
First of all, you should have an updated resume. This can help you make the process of relating your basic experience smoother. A second tip is to know all you can about the dental practice where you are interviewing. You will appear already vested in the practice. The third thing you can do is interview yourself. Go over some common questions found on the internet. Answer them verbally so you will be able to communicate well and seem relaxed during the interview. Next, be prepared to ask the dentist or interviewer questions as well. This makes for a great discussion at the end of the interview. Finally, a great way to show your skills is a working interview. This helps the dentist see how well you get along with the other team members and can help you determine if the practice is a good fit for you.
It is a good idea to study some questions you may be asked during the interview, whether you are applying for your first job or joining a larger dental practice. Let’s look over some general questions and more in-depth questions you may have to answer as a part of the interview. Remember to practice answering the questions verbally.
General Interview Questions
Some of the more common questions you may be asked at the beginning of the interview are as follows:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What are your strengths?
- What do you consider your weaknesses?
- What makes you unique?
- Why are you applying for this job?
- What are three words that describe you?
- What motivates you?
- What are your long-term goals?
- What is your desired salary?
- What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
- How would you handle a conflict with a co-worker?
- How do you define a successful career?
- Are you willing to travel?
Experience and Background Questions
Prepare and study your responses to questions to assist you in talking about your previous accomplishments and work history.
Ask yourself and prepare to answer such questions as:
- What qualifies you for this position?
- Can you explain your educational background?
- Where did you attend dental school?
- What type of program did they offer?
- What do you like about your present position?
- Have you considered opening your own practice?
- Have you had leadership roles?
- Did you run any of an administrative side of the dental practice before?
- Have you had professional development related to dental techniques and procedures?
- Do you specialize in any dental area?
In-Depth Questions
Develop and prepare questions that will help the interviewer better understand your expertise in the field of dentistry and dental industry knowledge.
Some good questions are:
- Why did you choose dentistry above the other healthcare professions?
- How do you know if a patient needs an x-ray?
- What type of local anesthesia would you use for a filling?
- How have you used your attention to detail in caring for a patient?
- Have you ever had to help a patient who is anxious about a dental procedure?
- Explain your chairside manner with patients.
- How would you explain to a patient they have a cavity that needs filled?
- What was your most challenging procedure? How did it turn out?
- How long would it take you to perform an extraction?
- What was the production rate in your previous position?
Questions with Sample Answers
Search out and prepare answers to some dental interview questions, such as “Can you describe your typical exam with a new patient?” Prepare an informed answer to let them know you understand how to perform an oral health exam. Explain how you would care for different types of patients.
Another good question might be, “How would you handle a pediatric patient who needed an extraction?” Prepare an answer detailing how you can serve patients of all ages and also those with disabilities. Be sure to answer with clear details to show your expertise in dental health procedures.
To prove you can handle conflict in the dental practice you may ask and answer, “Have you ever had a patient disagree with your medical opinion regarding their oral health?” This is an opportunity to show your customer service skills. Make sure they know you would be supportive of the patient’s concerns. Explain how it is important to maintain professionalism at all times.
Strategic Practice Solutions, LLC can assist you to prepare for dental employment interviews. We specialize in dental consulting, education, and recruitment. We can assist you by instructing you on what questions you should ask, and about questions you should not and, legally, cannot ask. Go to our website today!
