Tell me about yourself

Start with your current role and most relevant clinical experience, focusing on the last 5 to 10 years and how that experience matches the job. Mention one or two technical strengths, such as restorative work or endodontics, and a patient-care quality you emphasize, like clear communication. Use a short narrative: "I am currently a general dentist at X clinic where I perform restorative and preventive care, and I led a project to reduce chair time by improving scheduling." Keep this to about two minutes and avoid reciting your entire CV. Practice a smooth transition to why you want this role and what you will bring to their team. Avoid personal details that are not relevant to patient care or the role, and do not speak in vague generalities. Be specific about procedures and outcomes, and end by connecting your background to the clinic’s needs.

Why did you choose dentistry?

Frame your answer around patient care and the aspects of dentistry that motivate you, such as hands-on problem solving and long-term patient relationships. Briefly mention a moment or experience that led you to choose dentistry, for instance a mentorship, an impactful case, or seeing the difference treatment made for a patient. Give a concise example: "During my residency I restored a severely decayed molar, which relieved chronic pain and improved the patient’s eating; that outcome reinforced my desire to focus on restorative care." Emphasize what drives you now, such as continuing education or working with a particular patient population. Avoid answers that sound purely prestige-driven or financially motivated. Interviewers want to see patient-centered reasons and commitment to ongoing learning.

How do you handle anxious or phobic patients

Describe a stepwise approach: build rapport, assess the source of anxiety, explain procedures in plain language, and offer comfort measures like short breaks or topical anesthetic. Mention using behavioral techniques such as guided breathing, and clinical options like sedation protocols when appropriate and within your competency. Provide a specific example: "I once treated a patient with dental phobia who avoided care for years, so I scheduled short acclimation visits to introduce instruments and provide positive reinforcement, then performed a simple restoration with nitrous oxide to build trust." That approach gradually reduced anxiety and allowed completion of the treatment plan. Tip the balance toward patient autonomy and informed consent, and avoid minimizing fear or rushing through explanations. Keep records of the agreed approach and any sedation used, and follow clinic policies for consent and monitoring.

Walk me through your process for preparing and placing a crown

Start with diagnosis and treatment planning, including radiographic assessment, occlusal evaluation, and discussion of material options with the patient. Describe isolation, tooth preparation principles, margin design, impression or digital scanning, provisionalization, and final cementation with occlusal adjustment. Give a concise procedural example: "For a molar crown I use a ferrule of 1.5 to 2 millimeters where possible, check occlusion with articulating paper, and use rubber dam for isolation if endodontic access is present; I prefer CAD/CAM scanning to reduce remakes." Explain how you document each step and communicate follow-up care to the patient. Mention common pitfalls like inadequate reduction, poor margin finish, or rushed temporization and explain how you avoid them. Emphasize patient communication about expectations and maintenance.

How do you ensure infection control and sterilization compliance

Describe following written protocols for instrument processing, sterilizer validation, surface disinfection, and PPE use, and point to regular training and audits. Explain how you track sterilizer parameters, biological monitoring results, and corrective actions when indicators fail. Provide an example: "At my last clinic I helped implement weekly biological spore testing and a checklist for instrument trays, which reduced processing errors and improved staff compliance." Mention you document training sessions and that you review infection control policies at staff meetings. Avoid casual statements about cleanliness; focus on measurable practices and documentation. Be prepared to discuss specific standards you follow, such as CDC or local regulatory guidance.

How do you manage time and prioritize when you have multiple patients waiting

Outline a triage approach based on clinical urgency, complexity of the procedure, and patient needs, while communicating expected wait times clearly. Discuss blocking time for complex or emergency cases and using staff delegation for tasks such as chart updates, impressions, or patient education. Share a practical example: "On a busy morning I reserve an emergency slot and ask my assistant to triage calls, while I move forward with short restorative appointments and delegate hygiene follow-ups to the hygienist." This reduces backlog and maintains care quality. Do not promise unrealistic turnaround or rush clinical steps that affect outcomes. Emphasize clear communication with patients about timing and the rationale for prioritization.

How do you approach discussing treatment costs and payment options with patients

Explain that you present a clear treatment plan with alternatives, estimated costs, and the benefits and risks of each option, and you confirm patient understanding before proceeding. Mention offering phased treatment plans when appropriate and reviewing insurance coverage or financing choices. Give an example: "For a patient needing full-mouth restorative work I presented three phases: urgent pain control, stabilization with cost estimates, and elective cosmetic improvements, and I provided a written estimate and payment options." This helped the patient make informed choices without feeling pressured. Avoid jargon and never downplay likely costs; patients need accurate expectations. Document the discussion, include consent for chosen options, and provide written estimates for insurance purposes.

How do you document patient records and ensure chart accuracy

Describe following a structured charting system that includes medical history updates, treatment notes, informed consent, radiographs, and follow-up plans, all entered promptly after each visit. Mention cross-checking medication lists and allergies with the patient and noting communication about risks and alternatives. Provide an example: "I use templated notes for common procedures to ensure consistent information and add procedure-specific details such as materials used, lot numbers, and any complications." Emphasize closing the chart the same day to reduce errors and ensure billing accuracy. Avoid vague statements about paperwork; focus on specific practices like templates, photo documentation, and daily chart reconciliation. Discuss how you protect patient privacy and comply with record retention rules.

How do you collaborate with dental hygienists, assistants, and office staff

Explain that you value clear role definitions, regular team huddles, and open communication to coordinate care and improve patient flow. Describe delegating appropriate tasks, providing constructive feedback, and involving staff in treatment planning when their input improves outcomes. Share a team example: "I hold brief morning huddles to review the day’s complex cases and ask assistants to prepare trays and anticipate needed materials, which reduced turnover time and improved efficiency." This approach builds trust and clarifies expectations. Avoid hierarchical language that excludes input from staff; collaboration produces safer, more efficient care. Mention ongoing staff training and opportunities for team input into protocol improvements.

How do you develop a treatment plan for a complex restorative case

Start with a comprehensive exam, radiographs, study models or digital scans, occlusal analysis, and a discussion of the patient’s priorities and budget. Outline sequencing: address urgent pathology, restore function, then address esthetics, and include maintenance phases. Give an example: "For a patient with attrition and missing posterior support I started with posterior restorations to re-establish vertical dimension, then proceeded to full-mouth CAD/CAM restorations, monitoring TMD symptoms between phases." Explain how you document rationale and get staged consent. Mention common mistakes such as skipping diagnostic steps or rushing esthetic goals before stabilizing function. Emphasize patient education and realistic timelines for multi-stage care.

Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague about a treatment approach and how you resolved it

Situation: In my clinic a colleague favored an extraction for a fractured tooth while I believed a restorative approach could preserve the tooth. The disagreement occurred during a case review before presenting options to the patient. Task: My task was to ensure the patient received a balanced recommendation and that the team agreed on a plan before discussing it with the patient. I needed to present clear evidence and respect my colleague’s perspective. Action: I gathered radiographs and referred to current guidelines and a recent study on outcomes for similar fractures, then scheduled a brief meeting with the colleague to review the evidence and the patient’s preferences. We discussed pros and cons and agreed to present both options to the patient with supporting data. Result: The patient chose to attempt restoration with informed consent, the procedure succeeded, and the team adopted a small checklist for similar cases to standardize decision making, which reduced future conflicts.

Tell me about a time you managed a patient emergency in clinic

Situation: A patient developed syncope and bradycardia shortly after local anesthesia during a routine extraction. The event occurred in a busy morning clinic with one other dentist available. Task: I needed to stabilize the patient quickly, ensure airway and circulation, and coordinate emergency response while keeping other patients safe. I had to document events and communicate with staff and emergency services. Action: I positioned the patient supine with legs elevated, monitored vital signs, administered oxygen, and had the assistant call emergency services and retrieve the emergency kit. I delegated tasks to staff, recorded timings, and kept the patient calm while we awaited paramedics. Result: Paramedics arrived and completed evaluation, the patient recovered without complications, and we updated clinic emergency protocols and ran a staff training drill, improving response confidence and timing.

Give an example of when you improved a workflow or process in your clinic

Situation: Our sterilization turnaround caused delays and instrument shortages, which increased patient wait times and staff stress. The process relied on manual tracking and inconsistent tray assembly. Task: I was asked to identify bottlenecks and implement a solution that reduced delays without adding significant cost. The goal was to improve instrument availability and staff efficiency. Action: I mapped the sterilization process, introduced standardized tray checklists, scheduled staggered instrument runs to match appointment flow, and implemented weekly biological monitoring with a log for accountability. I trained staff on the new checklists and adjusted schedules to match clinical demand. Result: Turnaround time improved, instrument shortages dropped by reported incidents, and patient flow became smoother, which staff reported as reduced stress during a follow-up survey.

dentist Interview Questions: Complete Guide

This guide to dentist interview questions outlines what to expect in clinical and panel interviews and how to answer clearly and confidently. Interviews often include clinical case discussion, behavioral STAR questions, and practical scenario questions, so prepare examples and be ready to explain your clinical reasoning.

Common Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions (STAR Method)

STAR Method: Structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to tell compelling stories about your experience.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Show your interest by asking thoughtful questions

•What does success look like in this role after six months, in terms of patient outcomes and clinic metrics?
•Can you describe the team structure and how dentists, hygienists, and administrators coordinate on complex cases?
•What are the clinic’s expectations around on-call coverage, emergency cases, and weekend shifts?
•How does the practice support continuing education and attendance at conferences or advanced courses?
•What are the biggest clinical or operational challenges the clinic is facing right now that this role would help address?

Interview Preparation Tips

Prepare two or three concise clinical case stories that show your diagnostic process and outcomes, and practice delivering each in under three minutes.

Bring a portfolio with annotated radiographs and photos of cases you discussed, but ensure patient consent and de-identification.

Practice common clinical explanations in plain language so you can explain procedures and risks clearly during the interview.

Ask scenario questions during the interview to understand clinic protocols, and follow up with a thank-you note that references a specific clinical topic discussed.

Overview: What Interviewers Want from Dentists

Hiring managers assess more than clinical skill. They evaluate communication, time management, case acceptance, and cultural fit.

In a typical 45–60 minute interview, expect 3–5 clinical scenario questions, 4–6 behavioral questions, and time for you to ask 3–5 informed questions about the practice. Use specific examples: describe a crown prep you completed weekly, the number of restorations you place per month (e.

g. , 20–40), or how you reduced patient no-shows by 15% with reminder texts.

Prepare evidence for key competencies:

•Clinical competence: note procedures you perform independently (endodontics, simple extractions, implant restoration), and quantify experience (e.g., performed 150 root canals in three years).
•Patient communication: give examples of explaining treatment costs and outcomes in plain language; mention a time you increased case acceptance rates by a measurable amount.
•Efficiency and scheduling: state average chair time (30–60 minutes for a crown, 20–30 minutes for a filling) and how you handle back-to-back appointments.
•Team leadership: describe supervising dental assistants/hygienists and examples of training you provided.

During the interview, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions. When asked about weaknesses, cite one targeted skill and a concrete plan to improve it, such as taking a one-week implant course or shadowing a specialist for 10 hours.

Actionable takeaway: prepare two to three quantified examples for each competency and bring copies of case photos or a brief procedure log to support your claims.

Subtopics to Master Before the Interview

Break preparation into focused subtopics so you can answer specific questions with confidence. Each subtopic below includes practical tasks and sample talking points.

•Prepare 6–8 concise case summaries: diagnosis, treatment plan, materials used, timeline, and outcome. For example, “Single implant crown: surgical and restorative phases over 5 months; final crown placed with 30 Ncm torque; patient reported full function at 2-week follow-up.”
•Bring before-and-after photos and radiographs on a tablet or printed portfolio.

•Know daily patient volume you can handle (e.g., 12–18 patients/day) and average procedure times.
•Discuss experience with practice management software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, etc.) and billing codes you commonly use.

•Have a 30–60 second script for discussing treatment cost and alternatives.
•Cite an example where clearer communication improved acceptance by a measurable percent.

•Describe two specific emergencies you managed (e.g., acute pericoronitis, post-op hemorrhage) and exact steps taken.

•List 3 courses completed in the last 2 years and one you plan to take in the next 12 months (implant prosthetics, laser dentistry, or sedation training).

Actionable takeaway: create a one-page cheat sheet covering these subtopics and practice delivering each point aloud in under 90 seconds.

Practical Resources to Prepare and Follow Up

Use targeted resources before and after interviews to strengthen answers and show professionalism. Below are high-value tools, courses, and templates with clear application steps.

•Tool: Google Drive or Dropbox to host high-resolution before/after photos and radiographs.
•Action: Upload 10–12 anonymized cases labeled by procedure and year; share a view-only link in follow-up emails.

•Tool: STAR response templates (one-page sheet).
•Action: Draft answers for 12 common behavioral questions; practice aloud 10 times each.

•Resource: Vendor webinars and YouTube tutorials for Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental.
•Action: Complete 2–3 short tutorials (30–60 minutes each) and note 3 features you can use day one.

•Resource: Local dental study clubs, ADA-endorsed online courses, and weekend hands-on workshops.
•Action: Enroll in one 8–16 hour hands-on course if your role requires new restorative or implant skills.

•Tool: Two email templates (thank-you and counteroffer) saved in a notes app.
•Action: Send a tailored thank-you email within 24 hours and use a salary range based on local data (example: $120,000–$220,000 for associates depending on region and caseload).

Actionable takeaway: assemble these resources into a 2-folder system—Interview Prep (practice) and Interview Follow-up (templates and links)—and review both 24 hours before and after the interview.

dentist Interview Questions: Complete Guide

Emily Thompson

Common Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions (STAR Method)

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Interview Preparation Tips

Overview: What Interviewers Want from Dentists

Subtopics to Master Before the Interview

Practical Resources to Prepare and Follow Up

Interview Prep Checklist

Build your job search toolkit

dentist Interview Questions: Complete Guide

Emily Thompson

Common Interview Questions

Q1Tell me about yourself

Q2Why did you choose dentistry?

Q3How do you handle anxious or phobic patients

Q4Walk me through your process for preparing and placing a crown

Q5How do you ensure infection control and sterilization compliance

Q6How do you manage time and prioritize when you have multiple patients waiting

Q7How do you approach discussing treatment costs and payment options with patients

Q8How do you document patient records and ensure chart accuracy

Q9How do you collaborate with dental hygienists, assistants, and office staff

Q10How do you develop a treatment plan for a complex restorative case

Behavioral Questions (STAR Method)

B1Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague about a treatment approach and how you resolved it

B2Tell me about a time you managed a patient emergency in clinic

B3Give an example of when you improved a workflow or process in your clinic

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Interview Preparation Tips

Overview: What Interviewers Want from Dentists

Subtopics to Master Before the Interview

Practical Resources to Prepare and Follow Up

Interview Prep Checklist

Build your job search toolkit