Dentist Interview Questions and Answers

This article provides tips on answering job interview questions for dentists.

General Job Responsibilities 
Dentists are health professionals who ensure the health of your teeth. They treat teeth, gums, and related bone and body structures. Routine procedures involve treating diseased teeth as well as preventing disease by cleaning, treating related conditions, and instructing patients about health, diet, and hygiene.

Dentists can work alone, with dental hygienists, or with a group of dentists. Many have private clinics, with assistants and hygienists.

Interview Questions and Answers for Dentists

► Question: What is your knowledge of the current technology of dental treatment techniques and oral health care?
Answer: You can mention any reading you do to stay up to date, as well as any CPD seminars you might have attended. Be sure to be specific; give titles of books and speak of precise practices or theories which are currently available.

► Question: In your clinic, who diagnoses the patients?
Answer: Only a certified dentist can diagnose patients. Assistants do not diagnose, but they can point out signs of possible diseases. X-rays are often involved in diagnoses and the dentist usually takes them himself, with or without help from assistants.

► Question: Describe routine dental treatments.
Answer: These include cleaning, examining for cavities and inflammation, filling and pulling out teeth, treating malformed teeth or injured teeth and gums, and apply sealants and fluoride as part of preventive procedures.

► Question: Do you provide instructions to patients regarding hygiene and health?
Answer: You probably do, if you work alone. Otherwise, assistants and hygienists do it for you, while you concentrate on treatment. Instructions include guidelines on how to brush teeth (time of day, frequency, etc.) and diet.

► Question: Are you skilled at the administrative tasks of running a dentist’s office?
Answer: Some dentists hire separate managers to do the administrative part while they focus on medical treatment. Many, however, combine the two. They hire and train staff, monitor supplies and equipment maintenance, manage budgets, oversee patient records, etc.

► Question: Do you do your own lab work?
Answer: Some do. Others send it to laboratories.