Dentist interview questions are used to evaluate your clinical, technical, and interpersonal skills. Employers will ask these questions to determine whether you’re suitable for a position within their healthcare organization.
In this article, we’ll explore the most frequently asked dentist interview questions. We’ll show you what employers want to discover with each of these and what the focus of your response should be. Then, we’ll give you concrete examples of answers to give you an idea of what to say. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
How to Answer Dentist Interview Questions Like a Pro
Many dentist interview questions are behavioral, and the best way to answer them is by using the STAR method. This is an established approach to answering this type of interview question that ensures you provide all the relevant details in a structured manner.
The STAR abbreviation stands for:
STAR Method
Situation. Begin by describing the situation that asked for your expertise.
Task. Continue with a list of tasks you had to accomplish to resolve the issue.
Action. Illustrate how you acted to demonstrate your competence to the potential employer.
Result. Outline the exact results you achieved to quantify your efforts.
Still, there are other questions that you can’t answer by using the STAR method. In these cases, your answers should be:
Concise. A shorter answer that provides all the relevant details is often better than longer responses that go off on tangents.
Relevant. Your answers should strictly be relevant to the question.
Tailored. The skills and qualifications you discuss should be important for the role you’re applying for.
10 Dentist Interview Questions & Sample Answers
Let’s explore some of the most common dentist interview questions and answers to help you prepare for the meeting.
#1. Where did you attend dental school? Can you describe your program?
This is one of the essential dental school interview questions potential employers use to examine your educational background. You’ll usually encounter this question as an entry-level professional with little to no professional experience. Employers will want to know how comprehensive your training was and how adept you are in core dental subjects.
Your answer should highlight your school’s reputation, the value of its curriculum, and any expertise you might have obtained.
Let’s see that in an example:
Good Example
“I attended the San Francisco School of Dentistry at the University of California, which is ranked among the top dental schools in the country. The program gave me a strong practical foundation as it combined evidence-based learning with hands-on clinical exercises.
Some of the key courses I completed include restorative dentistry, endodontics, and periodontics. The school encouraged continuous research to prepare us for keeping up with the latest practices and materials throughout our careers. Finally, there was plenty of emphasis on interpersonal skills to teach us exceptional patient care.”
#2. Do you have any dental specializations (pediatric, sedation)?
Employers ask this dentist interview question to discover your area of expertise and see whether it aligns with the needs of their healthcare organization. Specializations allow dental professionals to treat specific conditions and provide advanced levels of service to patients.
When answering, you should emphasize any specialized training or certifications that you have. If you don’t have anything concrete to mention, you can always talk about your areas of interest and the experience you have in specific fields.
Here’s an example:
Good Example
“While I am a general dentistry expert, I have a strong interest in pediatric dentistry. In my last role, I received extensive training in pediatric patient management, which encompassed patient care, behavior management, and specialized training in minimally invasive operating techniques.
Furthermore, I have completed a course in pediatric sedation to maximize the comfort I can provide to young patients. These experiences gave me a solid foundation in pediatric dentistry and made me eager to pursue further education and certifications that can enhance my expertise.”
#3. What types of local anesthesia and administration techniques do you use on a routine basis?
The purpose of this dentist interview question is to gauge your technical skills, specifically your knowledge of anesthesia. By talking about the exact anesthetics and techniques that you use, you’ll demonstrate your ability to select a safe anesthetic, provide efficient care, and ensure patient comfort.
Your response should be detailed and specific, outlining the names of drugs and procedures that you’re proficient in.
Here’s what that looks like in an example:
Good Example
“I regularly use lidocaine and articaine, depending on the procedure, the patient’s condition, and their medical history. For techniques, I regularly use the supra-periosteal injection method while also being proficient in periodontal ligament injections, infiltration, and inferior alveolar nerve block.
I always assess the patient’s condition before administering anesthesia and ensure they feel comfortable and anxiety-free. After the administration, I continue monitoring them for any potential adverse effects. For patients anxious about needles, I take the time to talk to them and employ various distraction methods to alleviate their fears.”
#4. In your work experience, what skills have you learned that you can apply to dentistry?
With this dentist interview question, potential employers want to find out whether the dentist skills you picked up during your past jobs can help you excel in the role you’re applying for.
Your answer should focus on skills directly relevant to the field of dentistry. This includes technical and clinical abilities on the one hand, as well as interpersonal skills and problem-solving on the other.
Let’s see that in a good example:
Good Example
“During my previous job as a dental assistant, I significantly improved my communication skills by learning how to explain complex procedures to patients in simple words, ensuring they understood everything.
I also regularly performed assistive and restorative procedures, improving my manual dexterity and broadening my knowledge of dental instruments. Finally, I’ve learned to manage multiple patients while making sure the clinic’s operations run smoothly, which improved my organizational and time management skills.”
#5. Do you read any dental publications?
This interview question for dentists gauges your ability to stay informed on the latest practices and advancements in the field. Employers ask this question to learn whether you continuously learn and improve, which is vital for healthcare professionals.
When responding, you should mention specific publications you read, explain what insights you gain from them, and demonstrate how that affects your practice. Be sure to highlight how it helps you stay updated on the latest developments in dentistry.
Here’s an example:
Good Example
“I am subscribed to The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and Dental Economics. JADA helps me stay updated on the latest techniques, procedures, and materials, allowing me to improve my knowledge and familiarize myself with the latest research.
On the other hand, Dental Economics is great for the business and interpersonal aspects of dentistry. It helps improve my management skills and patient care strategies. “
#6. What aspect of your work experience did you find the most challenging, and why?
With this dentist interview question, potential employers want to see how you overcome obstacles and handle difficult situations in the workplace. They are interested in your ability to perform during intense periods, learn from solving complex problems, and become a better professional.
One of the best ways to answer this dental interview question is by discussing a specific situation and showing how you addressed it. Make sure to keep the tone positive and emphasize how you saw the situation as an opportunity for growth instead of a setback.
Let’s see that in an example:
Good Example
“One of the most challenging aspects of my work experience so far has been assisting patients with severe anxiety. During my early days as a dental intern, I found it challenging to calm anxious patients and create serene and welcoming environments.
To address this, I took a dental anxiety management course, which taught me numerous techniques, including active listening and gradual desensitization. I started implementing the knowledge and saw significant improvements in my ability to calm the patients down and gain their trust.”
#7. How do you handle a situation where a patient is dissatisfied with your treatment?
This interview question for dentists probes into your ability to handle conflict and maintain a professional attitude during challenging situations with patients. Employers ask this question to learn about your interpersonal skills and see whether you can still prioritize patient satisfaction when they are difficult to interact with.
The focus of your answer should be on your commitment to addressing patients’ concerns with empathy and a problem-solving approach.
Let’s see that in an example of a good answer:
Good Example
“If a patient is dissatisfied with my service, I take the time to listen and understand their concerns without interrupting them. For instance, I had one patient who felt their crown didn’t fit properly. I reassured them I would do everything I could to remedy the issue and then examined the crown.
After identifying the issue, I explained the options to the patient, and we immediately continued with the procedure. The issue was resolved without the need for a follow-up appointment. The patient left satisfied and even recommended our office to a few friends.”
#8. How do you stay efficient in a busy practice?
This dentist interview question examines your ability to work in intense situations. This includes emergencies and situations with multiple patients awaiting treatment.
You want to show that you can balance patient care with administrative duties without a drop in efficiency or work quality. One of the best ways to achieve that is to talk about prioritization, organization, the ability to delegate, and time management skills.
Here’s an example:
Good Example
“In a busy practice and during hectic shifts, I start by reviewing the current workload and trying to identify any additional challenges. Then, I make it a priority to ensure routine procedures run without obstacles by delegating various tasks to assistants and other staff.
During emergencies, I remain flexible and continuously monitor the situation to see whether I need to adjust the schedule. Communication is key, so I keep my patients informed until everyone receives quality care without unnecessary delays.”
#9. How do you educate patients about oral health and preventive care?
Dental professionals who can educate patients about oral health and preventive care promote long-term oral health and significantly improve patient outcomes. Employers ask this question to evaluate your communication skills and genuine motivation to help others.
When responding, you want to demonstrate how you’re able to simplify complex concepts and terminology and use accessible language to tailor your advice to each patient.
Let’s see that in an example:
Good Example
“I educate the patients about the importance of preventive care by being empathetic and not overly presumptuous. I explain to them how simple habits like regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups can have a huge positive impact on their oral health.
I also often use visual aids to demonstrate the progression of untreated decay and show the benefits of treatments. Finally, I am adept at giving personalized advice to patients who request it. This includes giving dietary recommendations or going in-depth about teeth-cleaning habits.”
#10. Tell me about yourself.
The “Tell me about yourself” dentist interview question is one of the opening questions employers might ask you during the meeting. With it, they want to understand a broad picture of your professional background, including your education, skills, motivations, and career goals.
Your answer should be brief but packed with information. It should cover everything from your academic days to your dental licensure, clinical experience, notable achievements, and passion for dentistry.
Here’s a good example:
Good Example
“I am a licensed dentist with more than seven years of experience in the field of general dentistry. I graduated from the San Francisco School of Dentistry, where I got a solid foundation in restorative care and pediatric dentistry.
As an intern, my focus was on preventive care and patient education. I am a strong advocate for patient-centered care, and I continuously follow the latest developments in dental technology that can allow me to improve that care.”
15 More Dentist Interview Questions
There are many other dentist interview questions you can encounter when applying for a job. Here’s a concise list of them to show you what to expect.
Let’s start with dentist interview questions that examine your background and qualifications:
Dentist Background and Qualifications Questions
Do you prefer private or group practices, and why?
How do you remain organized while managing multiple patients per day?
What inspired you to pursue your dental specialization?
What sets you apart from other dental professionals?
Here are five interview questions that probe into your patient care and communication skills:
Patient Care and Communication Skills Questions
How do you build trust with new patients?
What would you do if a patient refused the treatment you believed was necessary?
How do you explain the importance of oral hygiene to children?
How do you follow up with patients after major or invasive dental procedures?
How do you communicate treatment options to patients to ensure they fully understand them?
Lastly, here’s a list of orthodontist interview questions:
Orthodontist Interview Questions
What inspired you to specialize in orthodontics?
What experience do you have in different types of braces?
How much experience do you have with 3D imaging technology?
How do you coordinate with specialists from different fields during complex treatments?
What was your most challenging orthodontic case? Describe it.
4 Best Strategies to Ace Your Dentist Interview
Let’s wrap up this extensive guide on dentist interview questions with several expert tips that will help you excel during the meeting:
Research the practice. Researching the company, organization, or practice you want to join is vital in providing background information you can use during the interview. The details you find about their service, goals, mission, and values can help tailor your answers to present yourself as the most suitable candidate.
Conduct a mock interview. A mock interview with a friend, colleague, or mentor is one of the best ways to prepare for a real meeting. By taking a mock interview seriously, you can determine whether you need to improve certain aspects of your performance, whether it’s being more confident or answering more accurately.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Toward the end of your interview, employers might ask if you have any questions for them. This gives you the opportunity to learn about their practice and display genuine interest in the position. That’s why you want to prepare insightful questions that can’t be answered with a quick online search.
Wear professional attire and arrive early. First impressions are crucial in a job search. By arriving a bit early, you demonstrate punctuality and show appreciation for the employer’s time. On the other hand, your outfit can demonstrate professionalism and help you be more confident during the meeting.
Final Thoughts
Dentists have a job outlook of 5%, which amounts to about 4,900 new openings every year until 2033. This is an average growth rate, which is why it’s all the more important to impress employers by having a well-written dentist resume and strong answers to the most common dentistry interview questions.
Remember that responding to dentist interview questions requires more than your technical expertise and clinical knowledge. You should also showcase strong interpersonal and communication skills, passion for the profession, and dedication to providing exceptional patient care. That’s the best way to get ahead of the competition and land the role you’re after!
