Dental Assisting Job Interviews

We encourage all of our dental assisting students to start applying for jobs before they graduate! Yes – before. Why? Because at this point most if not all students should be radiology and CPR certified by this point, which is two of the main things an office is looking for. We help with resumes and job searching and give leads whenever possible! At Columbus Academy of Dental Assisting, we want to talk about what to expect during a job interview, and some do’s and don’ts to pay attention to.

Preparing for a Dental Assisting Interview

Should you prepare for a dental assisting job interview? That’s a tough question. It doesn’t hurt to rehearse a little about what your response would be to some frequently asked questions, so you don’t freeze up. Every dental office’s interview style is going to be a little different. There are speed interviews, group interviews or 1:1 with the doctor or another team member. All of these are great ways to get experience when interviewing. Interviews are terrifying, we know. You just have to fake it until you make it. Seriously, the only way you are going to get better is to keep trying. Everyone is new to a job or profession at some point in their lives and what you need to find is someone who is willing to take that chance on you and shape you into the perfect Dental Assistant. Some offices will have you in for a working interview to see how you mesh with the team and work under a new environment. Always keep a smile on your face and be confident. If you don’t know something, ask! There is always someone that can guide you in the right direction and well- if there isn’t, this probably isn’t the place for you! Here are some common questions that are asked during interviews. We also threw in what NOT to do in an interview.

Dental Assisting Interview Questions 

1. Describe a time when you worked on a team, and there was a disagreement between two people. How did you handle the situation?
2. How do you work under continuous direct supervision?
3. Why do you want to work for our practice in particular?
4. How would you rate your computer skills? Knowledge level 1-10. What software, spreadsheets, and processing programs are you familiar with?
5. Name your (strengths) interpersonal skills that allow you to communicate with patients and staff.
6. What made you study dental assisting? Why did you choose the dental field?
7. What are your long-term career goals?
8. Tell me about yourself? Family, etc.…..
9. What irritates you about other people and how do you deal with it?
10. Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks before the end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could finish them?
11. How would you go about establishing your credibility quickly with the team?

Dental Assisting Interview Mistakes

1. Not dressed appropriately
2. Not turning off cell phone
3. Not knowing the interviewer’s names
4. Not bringing extra copies of resume
5. Not bringing a list of references
6. Not making eye contact
7. Discussing past employers in a bad way
8. Showing up late
9. Not knowing the website of the office you are interviewing with
10. Discussing your needs more than what you bring to the table to help the office

So, if you have an interview that goes terribly wrong, learn from it. Don’t give up or run from the profession thinking “maybe this isn’t for me.” There is an office out there for everyone. It may take a few fails before you succeed and that’s ok! Just stay positive and don’t wait for that perfect job to come knocking at your door. You have to put in the effort and put yourself out there – applying for jobs daily, dropping off resumes and introducing yourself to different offices in case they are looking for someone. Job searching and interviews can be fun and challenging. It truly is what you make it.