1. Reflection
It takes time, reflection and self-awareness to prepare yourself for dental interviews. This is where you should put pen to paper. and work out what you’re looking for in a practice. Ask yourself:
- What type of clinic do you want to work for?
- Is there a particular area of dentistry that interests you? Are there skills that you are seeking to consolidate in your clinical practice?
- What type of technology do you want to work with? This could be chairside milling of restorations, digital scanners, cloud based dental programs just to name a few!
The best way to learn more about dental practice is to find a practice that offers a broad range of clinical practice. You can also complement your learning with Continuing Professional Development courses. Write a list and use this as a framework for the clinics you’ll apply for. This will help you find a great clinic for your career goals.
2. Research the Clinic
It is imperative you can demonstrate to the clinic you’re applying for that you have a clear understanding of their ethos, values and the services they provide. One way to flunk an interview is not being able to answer this question! This is a one-way ticket to the “no” pile.
Demonstrating you understand the clinic goes beyond essential professionalism. It matters even more in dentistry because the principal dentist or owner wants someone who fits their clinical philosophy. Are they prevention-focused or cosmetic heavy? If the clinic focuses on clear aligners, you could highlight your shadowing experience through dental school that match those offerings. This is a much more powerful than giving a generic answer. Whilst for the purposes of being successful in an interview it will be important for you be able to tailor your responses to the employer, it is also fundamental to come back to what you want to achieve in your career as a dental practitioner. The first few years of practice are not the time to limit your clinical practice into one thing, for example, clear aligners, but to gain broad experience across the practice of dentistry and consolidate all those great skills you learnt in dental school.
Clinical roles require you to be patient-focused and detail oriented. Building rapport, long-term relationships and practice building are paramount as a clinician so when you attend the interview already understanding the services they offer, the state-of-the-art equipment they use and the community they serve it shows you want to be part of their clinic.
Most importantly, it builds their trust in you. As a clinician, you are a walking billboard for the practice, your boss wants someone who understands their brand, respects their reputation and can speak confidently about what the clinic has to offer.
3. Prepare Answers to FAQ’s
First and foremost, interviews can be intimidating and preparing for frequently asked questions can help ease any anxiety you have about the process. Practicing your answers will help you avoid rambling and long-winded answers, as well as ensure that you don’t forget important details! In the heat of the moment, the easiest questions can sometimes become the hardest to answer.
Here’s a list of common frequently asked questions you can use to prepare for your interviews:
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
- “What is your experience with (insert procedure)?
- “Why do you want this position at our clinic?’
- “Have you worked with digital dentistry or modern dental technology?”
- “How do you handle a patient who refuses needed treatment?”
- “What is one area you’re currently improving?”
This is also a fantastic opening to show some of your personality. Remember, you’re there on the merit of your qualifications, but you can always consider adding an organic mention of your favourite hobby as it offers the interviewer a glimpse of who are you are beyond your professional background.
4. Make Sure You’re Dressed Appropiately
Dental practices focus on cleanliness (infection control, hygienic settings, strict sterilisation processes). Like any role in a healthcare setting, the goal is to look professional. In my opinion, whether you’re applying as a Dentist, Specialist, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist , Dental Therapist or Dental Prosthetist, your attire should reflect that. Dressing business professional sends a message of respect and seriousness.
5. Arrive Early
Arriving early for your dental interview is not just a sign of common courtesy. It’s important because it signals professionalism, reliability and respect for the clinic’s time. In a service-based industry where schedules and patient flow matter, being early reflects qualities any dental team values.
Arriving early also allows you to observe your surroundings. I always head in 5-10 minutes before any interview as it’s a great time to make mental notes about the practice surroundings. What do front desk interactions look like with patients? How do staff interact with each other? All of this can give you a glimpse into clinic culture. It’s a really great time to see the dynamic between team members and what it’s like for a patient waiting for their appointment.
Most importantly, it allows you to breathe! Account for unexpected delays such as traffic and finding parking. You’d rather sit in your car for an extra 20 minutes than turn up flustered and nervous!
6. Nail Your First Point of Contact
I love this quote by Will Rogers: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Being mindful of your first point of contact in a dental interview is essential because it sets the tone for the hiring process. In dentistry, where communication and trust matter, your first impression – which will often be with a receptionist- can influence how the team view you before you even sit down for the interview.
Don’t underestimate the power of a solid introduction as many make the mistake of thinking their interview only begins when they sit down with the dentist. However, it actually starts as soon as you arrive at the clinic. Front of house staff pay attention to how you greet them, carry yourself and treat staff as this reflects how you will be present to patients. If you cannot make a good first impression with team members, it shows you may struggle with patients too.
Nailing your first point of contact looks like:
- Arriving 5-10 minutes early
- Greeting the staff with a genuine and warm tone
- Making eye contact and introducing yourself confidently
- Being polite and sitting calmly while waiting
