20 Questions

Questions to Ask Dental Assistant Interview

Strategic questions to ask during dental assistant interviews to demonstrate your interest, understand the role, and evaluate if the practice is a good fit for your career.

1

What does a typical day look like for a dental assistant in this practice?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your interest in understanding the daily responsibilities and helps you visualize what the job actually entails.

2

What types of dental procedures does this practice specialize in?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the practice's focus and helps you understand what procedures you'll be supporting and learning about.

3

What is the practice's approach to patient care and comfort?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your patient-focused mindset and helps you understand how the practice prioritizes patient experience.

4

What training and certification requirements are there for this role?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Clarifies the educational requirements and helps you understand what qualifications you need to succeed.

5

What is the practice's approach to infection control and safety protocols?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your safety awareness and helps you understand how the practice maintains high standards of hygiene and safety.

6

What are the key responsibilities and duties for this position?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the specific tasks and helps you understand what you'll be expected to do on a daily basis.

7

What is the practice's approach to continuing education and professional development?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your commitment to growth and helps you understand how they'll support your ongoing learning and development.

8

What is the practice's approach to teamwork and collaboration?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals the team dynamics and helps you understand how you'll work with dentists, hygienists, and other staff.

9

What are the practice's expectations for patient communication and interaction?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your communication skills and helps you understand how you'll interact with patients and their families.

10

What is the practice's approach to handling dental emergencies?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their emergency preparedness and helps you understand how they handle urgent dental situations.

11

What are the practice's policies on scheduling and patient management?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your organizational skills and helps you understand how appointments and patient flow are managed.

12

What is the practice's approach to dental technology and equipment?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their technology focus and helps you understand what tools and equipment you'll be working with.

13

What are the practice's expectations for maintaining patient records and documentation?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your attention to detail and helps you understand how patient information is managed and recorded.

14

What is the practice's approach to handling difficult or anxious patients?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their patient care philosophy and helps you understand how they support patients who are nervous or challenging.

15

What are the practice's policies on sterilization and equipment maintenance?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your understanding of safety protocols and helps you understand how equipment is maintained and sterilized.

16

What is the practice's approach to working with children and pediatric patients?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their patient demographics and helps you understand how they handle younger patients and their families.

17

What are the practice's expectations for maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your professionalism and helps you understand the practice's standards for appearance and behavior.

18

What is the practice's approach to handling insurance and billing questions?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their business operations and helps you understand how they handle financial aspects of patient care.

19

What are the practice's policies on continuing education and staying current with dental practices?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your commitment to learning and helps you understand how they stay updated with industry best practices.

20

What questions do you have about my background and experience?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge their engagement and interest in your candidacy.

Best Practices for Dental Assistant Interviews

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Interview Strategies

Show Genuine Interest

Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and help you understand if the practice is a good fit for your career goals.

Focus on Patient Care

Ask about patient care, safety protocols, and how the practice prioritizes patient comfort and experience.

Understand the Practice Culture

Ask about teamwork, collaboration, and the practice's values to ensure alignment with your own work style.

Conversation Examples

The Dental Assistant Interview

1
Start with: 'What does a typical day look like for a dental assistant in this practice?'
2
Follow with: 'What types of dental procedures does this practice specialize in?'
3
Assess: 'What is the practice's approach to patient care and comfort?'

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Ask About Salary Too Early

Focus on understanding the role and practice first, then discuss compensation in later stages of the interview process.

Don't Ask Generic Questions

Avoid questions that could apply to any dental practice. Ask specific questions that show you've researched the practice and role.

Don't Ignore Their Answers

Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions that show you're engaged and interested in their answers.

Interview Framework

The Dental Assistant Interview Process

1
Step 1: Research the practice and role beforehand
2
Step 2: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and practice
3
Step 3: Ask about daily responsibilities and expectations
4
Step 4: Understand the practice's approach to patient care
5
Step 5: Learn about the team and culture
6
Step 6: Discuss growth opportunities and development

Further Reading

Dental assistant interview preparation
Understanding dental practice operations
Building rapport and asking effective questions
Evaluating practice culture and fit

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation