619.ACADEMYApplying for a job as a dental assistant? There’s a good chance you’ll have to go through at least one round of interviews before landing your dream job. Below, our dental education team here at Howard Healthcare Academy has compiled a list of common interview questions, as well as tips for acing your next interview. Start prepping for your next interview and begin your dental assistant journey by enrolling in our Dental Assistant Program today!
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Common Dental Assistant Interview Questions
Not sure what you’re going to hear at your next interview? Here’s a list of some of the most common questions asked during the dental assistant interview process.
Why did you choose dental assisting as a profession?
How to Answer: Convey knowledge of the role, your own personal strengths, and a strong desire to help others.
What is your past educational experience? Professional experience?
How to Answer: Outline all educational experience and spend time talking about the particular advantages of the dental assistant program you completed. Cover all applicable professional experience, especially time spent within a dental office.
What steps do you take to prepare for a patient’s arrival?
How to Answer: Clearly outline steps and emphasize organization skills, dedication to patient comfort and safety, and the ability to multitask.
Oftentimes patients are reluctant to acquiescence to dental treatments they may need. How do you explain the need for a dental procedure to a patient who doesn’t understand the importance of the treatment?
How to Answer: The above situation always varies from patient to patient — in your answer, emphasize a strategy that uses professional communication skills, adaptability, empathy, and a genuine desire to help the patient.
What are the steps you take to deal with upset or unruly patients?
How to Answer: Similar to the last question, interviewers use this question to look for applicants with strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and professional composure. When answering this question, it often helps to give a specific example.
How do you maintain patient confidentiality?
How to Answer: Convey a strong sense of personal discretion, as well as an understanding of HIPAA and how they implement regulations.
What experience do you have with dental equipment and dental software?
How to Answer: With this question, interviewers are trying to get a feel for your general literacy with technology, as well as whether additional training will be necessary. Spend time covering your experience with all types of dental software and machines you have used.
Extra Tips for Your Dental Interview
Now that you know some of the questions that will likely be asked in your dental assistant interview, here are a few extra tips and tricks you can use to help distinguish yourself from other applicants.
Confidence is Key: Maintain eye contact, smile, and answer interviewers with a healthy measure of assuredness. This will go a long way in conveying that you are fit for the job.
Ask the Right Questions: Interviewers like when you ask questions. Just be sure that your questions are well-articulated and pertain to essential aspects of the position. It helps to prepare your questions beforehand.
Always Remember Your Selling Points: You are a unique applicant with a skillset and personality that others don’t have. Be sure to cover your unique “selling points” during your interview to separate yourself from other applicants.
Learn More and Enroll at Howard Academy
Want to learn more about how to ace your next dental assistant interview? Ready to get your dental assistant career started? here at Howard Academy to take the next step today!
