Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Use these questions to determine how a candidate handled situations in the past
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personal traits and cognitive skills
Why this matters
Knowing how to properly prepare for patient arrivals shows the candidate’s ability to plan ahead, anticipate the dentist’s needs, and take pride in their work. A full and complete answer should include reviewing the patient’s medical and dental history, cleaning the exam area, and setting out all the required tools.
What to listen for
- Look for a demonstrated ability to follow protocols and standards.
- Candidates who ask you to specify what kind of procedure the patient is coming in for show attention to detail.
Why this matters
In addition to telling you if the candidate understands the proper way to take an impression, this question will tell you how thoughtfully they consider the patient experience. The best dental assistants know that calming the patient is one of the best way to improve the accuracy of the impression, since this reduces the likelihood that the patient will move or gag, which could ruin the impression.
What to listen for
- Answers should cover some of strategies and tools the candidate uses to both take an accurate impression and help anxious patients relax.
- Great candidates will display a clear understanding of how to soothe fears.
Why this matters
There is no wrong answer here, but knowing up front how well-versed each candidate is with your system will give you an idea of how much training they will need. When you start talking about computers and software, you’ll also get an instant read on the candidate’s ability to engage seamlessly between your clients and all the administrative tasks required.
What to listen for
- Mentions of specific programs and features demonstrate familiarity and technical prowess.
- Look for a willingness to learn new software if required.
Why this matters
In a busy dental practice, things don’t always go according to plan. With this question, you’ll get an idea of how bad of a day this candidate calls their “worst.” You'll also gain an understanding of how they worked through the chaos. If they describe an unusually hectic, horrendous-sounding day, you’ll know they can handle a lot.
What to listen for
- Answers should reveal a proven ability to be resourceful, solve problems, and remain productive under pressure.
- If the candidate’s answer sounds like a typical day at your practice, they may not enjoy the work.
Why this matters
Waiting for the dentist or for a scheduled procedure can be stressful. You want to hear the interviewee talk about the techniques they use to put patients at ease. Do they take the patient’s mind off things by discussing their interests? Do they take time to explain the procedure—and allay fears? Patients vary widely in their communication needs and styles, so a nuanced approach is critical.
What to listen for
- Look for evidence of an empathetic, reassuring approach to patient care.
- Ideal candidates will explain several different strategies for communicating with scared or difficult patients.
Why this matters
This question will help you understand what motivates a candidate to do their best work. It will also give you a good idea of whether they’ll be a match for your own management style. For example, if they like a more “hands-off” management style and you like to run a very tight ship, this could create friction between you.
What to listen for
- Identify whether the candidate’s description aligns with your organization’s management style.
- Look for signs of open-mindedness and a collaborative nature.
Why this matters
You want to hire someone with a growth mindset, which means they will be able to hear criticism as constructive feedback—then use it to become better at their job. If they accept criticism gracefully and amend their behavior accordingly, you’ve got a strong candidate. If they tell you that the criticism was not warranted, it may mean they do not have the maturity to take direction from supervisors.
What to listen for
- Listen for signs of honesty and self-reflection.
- Ideal candidates will demonstrate that they accept criticism gracefully, rather than indicating that they feel the criticism was unwarranted.
Why this matters
Dental offices are open spaces where patients are often within earshot, so disagreements must be resolved quickly and quietly. This is a great question to help identify the candidate’s ability to work with others and resolve differences of opinion. You want someone who is able to voice their opinions and advocate for their ideas while still being open to learning from others.
What to listen for
- Candidates should demonstrate professionalism and tact.
- Probe for specifics about the candidate’s approach to shed light on ability to compromise.
Why this matters
You’re looking for passion here. What does the candidate consider a great day? This answer will give you an understanding of what they will be striving for each day in your office. Do they recall a patient that came in a nervous wreck and left calm or even smiling? Do they talk about busy days in which they felt a sense of achievement from seeing an unusually high number of patients?
What to listen for
- Signs that their experience matches some of your biggest challenges.
- A true passion for the job and an indication that their values match your organization’s.
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