This question tells you if the dentist has updated training on the latest exam guidelines, and it allows you to gain insight into the candidate’s level of comfort with performing this routine check for patients of varied ages and health backgrounds. You’ll learn how thorough this particular applicant is when examining a new client and whether their exam techniques and mannerisms would help people feel at ease. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to systematically check all necessary oral health areas
• Capacity to keep patients comfortable
• Attention to detail and record keeping

Asking this helps you decide whether the dentist’s philosophy on X-ray frequency and technique matches the philosophy of your dental office. You’ll understand whether this applicant would be likely to recommend X-rays that are overly frequent or clinically unnecessary. This is particularly important with pediatric patients and in individuals with cancer and underlying health conditions. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to use X-rays only where clinically indicated
• Understanding of radiation shielding and safety
• Ability to diagnose conditions without X-rays where possible

This will let you know how committed the dentist is to patient comfort and safety during fillings and other common dental procedures. You’ll understand whether the candidate is familiar with the necessary precautions that should be taken when choosing and administering a local anesthetic. In particular, this question will help you establish whether the applicant would use topical numbing agents or newer technological advances to make anesthetic injections more comfortable. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to verify patient allergies prior to choosing anesthetic
• Understanding of varied anesthesia types and methods
• Attention to patient comfort during injections

Most dentists work in family practice, and this question lets you in on whether the candidate has the appropriate demeanor and skills to work with kids. By extension, you can also gather whether this applicant would be effective in performing difficult procedures for elderly patients and those with autism, dementia and other special needs. You’ll learn how the dentist might try to establish rapport and trust with the individual. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to keep patient calm and cooperative
• Capacity to engage with client and explain steps
• Ability to work under pressure

This question lets you know whether the applicant would remain professional and courteous under potentially tense circumstances. It provides insight into whether the candidate has knowledge of appropriate conflict resolution techniques and how they might choose to apply these with different patient populations. You’ll learn about their personal values, whether they are a team player and how far they would go to achieve client satisfaction. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to respect patients at all times
• Capacity to prioritize a particular patient’s needs and satisfaction
• Appropriate use of conflict resolution strategies

To be successful and build a positive reputation, dentists need to understand that their patients are in a highly vulnerable position when in the dental chair. Dentists should be able to assess their patient's reaction to being in the dentist's office and adapt their behavior to make sure they can successfully complete the examination or procedures. This question shows the interviewer which candidates understand the social and psychological aspects of interacting with patients in addition to the technical work. A good answer should display:

• Empathy
• Communication skills
• Patience