As a dental practice, you want only the best of the best when it comes to your staff. A dental assistant is an important part of any successful practice, and it’s important that you hire someone with the right skills and experience. So what questions should you ask when hiring a dental assistant? Let’s take a look.
41 Questions you can ask a dental assistant during an interview:
- What inspired you to become a dental assistant?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful dental assistant?
- What do you think sets your practice apart from other dental practices?
- What do you think are the most challenging aspects of your job?
- How do you handle difficult patients or situations?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond for a patient or co-worker?
- Do you have any experience with dental software or electronic health records?
- Are you comfortable taking x-rays and digital photographs?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to take on additional responsibility at work?
- Do you have any experience in customer service or working with the public?
- Are you comfortable handling dental instruments and materials?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or patient?
- Do you have any experience scheduling appointments or managing patient records?
- Do you have any experience in billing or insurance claims processing?
- Are you familiar with OSHA and HIPAA regulations?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a challenging situation at work?
- What made you want to become a dental assistant?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges that a dental assistant faces?
- What do you like best about being a dental assistant?
- What’s the most difficult part of the job?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient?
- How do you handle it when a patient is unhappy with their treatment?
- What do you think are the most important skills for a dental assistant to have?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in dentistry?
- How do you work to create a positive environment in the dental office?
- What experience do you have working as a dental assistant?
- What education and training have you received in dental assisting?
- How well do you work with other members of the dental team, such as the dentist, hygienists, and office staff?
- How do you handle stress while working?
- What are your thoughts on infection control in the dental office?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to take x-rays of a patient?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to provide patient education on oral hygiene or another dental topic?
- Do you have any experience with fabricating temporary crowns or bridges?
- Have you ever assisted with a root canal procedure? If so, what was your experience like?
- Do you have any experience with placing or removing braces?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to take impressions of a patient’s teeth?
- Do you have any experience with making dentures or partial dentures?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to extract one or more teeth from a patient?
- What are your thoughts on sedation dentistry?
- Have you ever assisted with an implant placement procedure? If so, what was your experience like?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants are an important part of any dental office. They help the dentist provide patient care, such as preparing patients for treatment, cleaning teeth, and taking x-rays. They may also assist with other procedures, such as filling cavities. Dental assistants must be able to work well with patients and be comfortable working in a clinical setting.
Does a dental assistant need a degree?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some dental assistants may only need a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may need an associate’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree. This depends mostly on the specific job requirements and the state in which you reside. In some states, dental assistants must be licensed or registered, which may also require additional education and/or experience.
Conclusion
Hiring the right dental assistant can make or break your practice. That’s why it’s important that you take the time to find someone who is experienced and dedicated to their work.
By asking these questions, you can be sure that you will find someone who is qualified and capable of providing top-notch care to your patients. With the right person on board, your practice will be well-equipped to provide excellent service.
