Dentist Interview Questions & Answers

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Patience
• Dexterity
• Attention to detail

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Dentist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Dentists must communicate effectively with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Dentists must pay attention to the shape and color of teeth and the space between them. For example, they may need to closely match a false tooth with a patient’s other teeth.

Dexterity

Why interviewers are interested in your dexterity:

Dentists must be good with their hands. They must work carefully with tools in small spaces to ensure the safety of their patients.

Leadership skills

Why interviewers are interested in your leadership skills:

Dentists, especially those with their own practices, may need to manage staff or mentor other dentists.

Learn more about leadership interview questions and how to answer them!

Organizational skills

Why interviewers are interested in your organizational skills:

Keeping accurate records of patient care is critical in both medical and business settings.

Learn more about organizational interview questions and how to answer them!

Patience

Why interviewers are interested in how patient you are:

Dentists may work for long periods with patients who need special attention, including children and those with a fear of dental work.

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Dentists must evaluate patients’ symptoms and choose the appropriate treatment.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Dentist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Dentist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Dentist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. How do you ensure effective communication with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists?
2. How do you stay patient with patients who need special attention, such as children and those with a fear of dental work?
3. What is your strategy to persuade (new) patients to trust you and your advice?
4. Tell me about the most challenging procedure that you have performed as a dentist. How did you handle the situation?
5. What is your experience with managing employees, such as dental assistants? Have you ever had a conflict with a colleague or subordinate? Can you give me an example?
6. Give me an example of how you explain a treatment plan to a new patient. How would you examine a new patient?
7. Describe a time you had to calm down and comfort an anxious or fearful patient.
8. How comfortable are you discussing and educating patients about dental care at home and proper oral care habits?
9. How would you handle a situation where a patient was not satisfied or disagreed with his or her treatment? Can you give me an example?
10. How do you determine if an X-ray is needed? Tell me how you conduct an X-ray procedure.

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.