Dental Hygienist Interview Questions with Answers

This article provides tips on answering job interview questions for dental hygienist positions.

Dental Hygienists clean and polish teeth and instruct patients on dental hygiene. They assist the dentist during treatments, may take and develop X-ray material, apply sealants, etc.

Most often, dentists hire dental hygienists for part time work. This allows for a flexible schedule. A hygienist may work less than 5 days a week or work with several doctors at once, sometimes finding part-time work with renowned dentists.

Dental Hygienist Interview Questions with Answers

► Question: Can you describe your average day as a hygienist?
Answer: Describe the routine job of a hygienist’s functions, such as removing and cleaning dental deposits, examination of teeth and gums for signs of disease, sealant and fluoride application, partial periodontal therapy, x-rays, diagnostic tests, and assisting the dentist during treatments or examinations of patients.

► Question: Have you had any experience in performing tasks outside of your role?
Answer: Occasionally, dental hygienists are allowed to remove sutures, administer anesthetics, apply fillings and dressings, work with metal restorations, take radiographs and impressions, and even administer minor treatment under the dentist’s supervision. If you have ever performed any of these, mentioning them will be a plus.

► Question: What is the level of your communication with clients?
Answer: Talk about your experience of working with clients, including interactions such as instructing patients on dental care and creating awareness of hygiene; proper brushing methods, diet, and timely checkups.

► Question: Can you tell me how to prevent tooth decay?
Answer: Decay can be prevented in any of the following ways familiar to dental hygienists: gum margin maintenance, teeth whitening and bleaching, timely detection and/or prevention of gum disease or oral cancer, dental care facilities, etc.

Question: Have you ever worked with children?
Answer: If you have, you may tell about your experience in dental services and instructing on health education, working with schoolchildren, etc.