Dental Assisting Job Interview Tips

April 29, 2015

dental assisting students are training with dental equipment

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Your First Dental Assisting Interview

The Dental Assistant interview process can be demanding. With the economy still in an unsettled state, confidence and preparation are more important than ever for interviewees. After completing your Dental Assistant training from First Institute, use these quick tips for your first interviews with a dentist’s office.

1. Be Pleasant

Dental Assistants are supposed to be caring, cheerful people. Walk-in with a smile on your face and make sure to wear that smile as much as possible during the interview. Even if this initial meeting takes place over the phone, smiling will create a positive tone in your voice. If you sound happy to be there, the interviewer will be more interested in what you have to say.

2. Focus on the Tasks

Since this is probably your first encounter with the dentist’s office, ask questions only relevant to the Dental Assistant position. Save your questions about vacation time and pay for a more appropriate time and place – like when they offer you a job within the dental practice.

3. Be Overly Flexible

You can show up early every day, if needed, and stay as long as the dentist asks. At this early stage in the process, there’s no need to restrict your availability. No question about it – you want this Dental Assisting job more than any other candidate and your first interview is a great time to show that enthusiasm.

Second Interview? More Tips!

1. Continue to be pleasant!

2. Talk more in-depth about your dental training and what you can do to provide value to the dental team. Let’s say that you were both an excellent test taker and excelled in your externship. This will demonstrate your willingness to commit to your craft and put you in a better position to become hired and start working with patients.

3. Ask what specific qualities they’re looking for in a dental assistant, and then show them how you will not only meet those expectations but exceed them. Also, ask specific questions about the dental practice you’re interviewing for. How many patients do you meet within a day? How would you describe your practice philosophy? This will help show that you’re interested in working HERE – not just anywhere.

4. Be gracious. Not everyone who applies will have the opportunity to come in for an interview. Thank them for being kind enough to bring you in, and let them know that you’ll follow up with them in the coming weeks.

Are you ready to begin a career as a Dental Assistant? The Dental Assistant field is growing much faster than others and the competition is only increasing. Learn more great Dental Assisting interview tips by contacting the First Institute Career Services Department. Contact us today at 815-459-3500.

Learn more about Dental Assisting careers:

Dental Assisting Career