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You have sent in your resume and constructed a great personal website. Now you have been called back for an interview in the dental assistant field. You want to make the best impression you can to your potential employers. Here are seven questions and answers you should know for your dental assistant interview and some other tips. 

1. Describe your oral hygiene routine. 

You are going into a profession where your smile will send a message. Be sure you keep up with your oral hygiene routine and have a perfectly white smile for your interview. Be confident when you describe your routine and show them your pearly whites. 

2. How do you prepare for your patient’s arrival? 

This question is looking to see if you have organizational skills and how much you value your patients. It will also show them how you can multitask.  Let them know that you would look up their history and make sure to greet them by their name. You would find out any relevant information you need to know and make sure their history is up to date. This will tell your employer that you care about their patients and you want to make sure the dentist is aware of any issues the patient might be having. 

3. How do you deal with an angry customer? 

This question will tell them about how you can diffuse a situation. Tell them about a time you dealt with an angry customer and how you resolved the situation to the benefit of both the customer and the practice. Do not speak ill of your former customers or practice. You want them to know that you can handle any situation that is thrown your way. 

4. What steps do you take to maintain patient confidentiality? 

This question is asked to find out how much you know about HIPAA. You need to show them that you practice discretion and have knowledge about current HIPAA practices. You can tell them about a previous situation where you were asked to break a patient’s trust and you did not. You can also describe current HIPAA practices to let them know you are educated in confidentiality. HIPAA is one of the things you need to know about when you are applying for a career as a dental assistant. You can also find more dental career resources online. 

5. Would you rather work with patients or perform clerical duties? 

This question requires some research before you answer it. Go online and research the dentist’s office. If it is a larger office this may be a way to determine where you will fit in. If it is a smaller office they may be testing you to see if you really want to work as a dental assistant. In a smaller office, you will work with patients and computers. In a larger office, you may get to pick which you prefer.

6. Why did you choose to be a dental assistant? 

This question is looking to see if you are ready for this position. Tell them what led you to become a dental assistant if it pertains to dentistry. Do not just say that you thought it seemed interesting. Tell them about your schooling and your favorite classes. “They are looking to see if you have the knowledge and drive to work as a dental assistant. Did you have a great experience with a dental assistant that led you to look into this career? Tell them about that. Let them know you are passionate about helping people,” suggests an expert from VelvetJobs.

7. What are your strengths? 

Use your research about the dentist’s office to help you answer this question. Tell them about your strengths and show them how your strengths will work in their office. Find commonality between yourself and the dentist and use that to your advantage when answering this question. 


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