How to prepare for your dental assistant interview

Job interviewer reviewing a candidate's resume

Whether you are a seasoned dental assistant or are just entering the profession, interviewing for a new position can be a nerve-racking experience. It’s important to take the time to prepare for an interview so you can confidently showcase your professional abilities. The more you prepare and practice your interview skills, the less intimidating interviews will be.

Try these tips next time you’re preparing for a dental assistant interview!

Research the practice

Start your interview prep by researching the dental practice that’s advertising the position. This will give you a better understanding of the kind of work they do and offer insight into their core values. Aside from looking at the practice’s website, Google and Glassdoor reviews can provide a sense of how patients and employees feel about the office. The practice’s social media accounts can also give you a feel for the culture inside the office. Assessing the kinds of content they produce can show you what they value within the office, such as employee appreciation or notable achievements.

Researching the size of the practice is another important aspect to look into, as some dental assistants prefer to work on larger teams than others. Doing so can give a better idea of what the environment may be like and if it would be a good place to work.

Thoroughly examine the job description

Reviewing the job description of the role you are applying for will provide more context for the responsibilities you would have and the type of candidate the practice is looking for. This is the perfect chance to compare your skillset to the job description to see if the role aligns with your personal and professional goals.

The job description can also help you prepare examples of how your skills and experience align with what the practice is looking for. The interviewer will ask you about your previous experience, and preparing answers that relate to duties outlined in the job description will show that you are the right person for the job. For example, dental assistants need to support the dentist they work with, so highlighting your approach to chairside assistance with previous dentists shows how you can provide support for the dentist in the new role. It would also be important to note how you get to know a new dentist and how best to assist them.

Prepare salary expectations

A crucial aspect of a dental assistant’s position is being fairly compensated for their work. Researching salary expectations for dental assistants in your state will help prepare you for the conversation about salary and benefits. The Dental Assisting National Board published its Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey to help dental assistants understand salary and benefits based on factors such as location, experience, and type of practice. The further along you get in your career and the more credentials you earn, the more you can leverage your skills to earn a higher salary.

It’s also helpful to look at sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and DentalPost, which provide pay reports of dental assistants’ salaries. This data can give you a better sense of a baseline number, which you can then use when negotiating your salary.

Anticipate potential questions and prepare your own

While you won’t know exactly what questions you’ll be asked during your interview, it’s good practice to prepare answers to some of the more common questions, such as:

  • Why are you the best candidate for this position?
  • As a dental assistant, how will you ensure that you are following HIPAA guidelines?
  • How do you manage the sanitization and cleaning of equipment between patients?
  • What is your experience with taking x-rays?
  • How do you work in a team environment?

It’s also essential to prepare a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. This will also show the interviewer that you are amply prepared and have a high level of interest in the position. It’s also a chance to ensure the practice is the right fit for you and your career goals. Examples of good questions to ask include:

  • How does your practice support dental assistants?
  • What would a typical day in this role be like?
  • How does this practice evaluate the performance of dental assistants?
  • Can you tell me about the office culture and work environment of the practice?
  • What skills or attributes are the most important to have to be successful in this role?

Take a minute to yourself

Before the interview starts, take a few minutes to mentally prepare. Taking a few deep breaths can help calm your nerves and settle your mind before your interview. Be sure to go over any key information you want to mention to the interviewer. Remember, it’s equally important for you to like what the practice has to offer, and that the job seems like a good fit for your personal goals. It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious, but by prepping and practicing, you can feel confident going into your interview.