Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from an expanded functions dental assistant, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.
An expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA) is a specialist who has completed additional training and certification to perform certain tasks that are beyond the scope of a traditional dental assistant. These tasks include placing temporary crowns, removing sutures, and taking dental impressions.
If you’re interested in becoming an EFDA, you’ll need to complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a state-specific examination. Once you’re certified, you can begin applying for EFDA jobs.
During the job interview process, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and education. You may also be asked questions about your ability to perform expanded functions dental assistant tasks. To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of expanded functions dental assistant interview questions and answers.
Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and compassion for patients. As an expanded functions dental assistant, you will likely work with nervous or anxious patients on a regular basis. Show the interviewer that you are empathetic and compassionate by sharing a story about how you helped a patient feel more comfortable during their appointment.
Example: “I have worked in dentistry for five years now, so I am used to working with nervous or anxious patients. However, I still find it rewarding when I can help them feel more at ease. For example, last week, I had a patient who was very nervous about getting her teeth cleaned. She told me she was worried because she hadn’t been to the dentist in a while. I talked to her for a few minutes before we started her cleaning, which seemed to calm her down. By the end of her appointment, she said she felt much better.”
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to working as an assistant.
Example: “I think communication skills are one of the most important skills for a dental assistant to have. I’ve found that being able to clearly communicate with dentists and other assistants is essential when performing my job duties. Another skill that’s important is organization. As a dental assistant, I need to keep track of many different tasks at once, so organization helps me stay on top of things. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are also very important because there are often unexpected issues that arise during procedures.”
This question can help interviewers understand your perspective on the role of a dental assistant and how you view yourself in relation to dentists. Your answer should show that you respect dentists as professionals and recognize their expertise, while also demonstrating that you are confident in your own abilities as an assistant.
Example: “I believe that a dentist and a dental assistant have a symbiotic relationship. A good dental assistant is someone who understands the needs of a dentist and works with them to provide excellent patient care. At the same time, I think it’s important for assistants to be able to communicate any concerns they may have about patients or procedures so that we can work together to find solutions.”
This question is a good way to assess your experience with anesthesia and how you administer it. If the employer asks this, they are likely looking for someone who has experience administering anesthesia in an office setting.
Example: “I have administered anesthesia in my previous role as dental assistant. I was responsible for preparing patients for their procedures by administering anesthesia. I also monitored vital signs during the procedure and assisted the dentist when needed.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle challenging situations and whether you have experience working with patients who are upset. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, empathy and problem-solving abilities.
Example: “I once had a patient who was very nervous about getting dental work done. I tried my best to make him feel comfortable by explaining what we were going to do before each procedure. He still seemed anxious, so I asked if he would like me to hold his hand during the procedures. He agreed, and it helped calm him down. By taking the time to get to know him as a person, I was able to find out what made him most comfortable.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan and organize your work. Your answer should show that you are organized, detail-oriented and able to prioritize tasks.
Example: “I would create a calendar for each patient with all of their appointments listed on it. I would also include any notes about what procedures they need or when they last visited so I could keep track of important information. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I don’t forget an appointment or procedure.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to speak up when necessary. Your answer should show that you value your colleagues’ opinions and want to help them improve their work.
Example: “If I noticed a colleague making a mistake while performing a procedure, I would first ask if they needed any assistance. If they said no, I would let them finish the procedure before speaking with them about it after the appointment was over. I would explain what I saw and offer suggestions for improvement so they could avoid making the same mistake in the future.”
Attention to detail is an important skill for dental assistants. It’s your job to make sure the dentist has all of their tools and equipment before a procedure, so it’s essential that you pay close attention to what you’re doing. When answering this question, be honest about how well you can focus on small details. Explain that you are willing to take additional training if needed.
Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail. I have been working as a dental assistant for five years now, and I’ve never made any mistakes when preparing for procedures. However, I understand that there is always room for improvement. If you hire me, I would be happy to take extra training in order to improve my skills.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with dental X-rays. If you have previous experience, share a specific example of how you performed this task and what steps you took to ensure it was done correctly. If you don’t have any experience with X-rays, you can explain that you are willing to learn about this process if hired for the position.
Example: “I’ve never prepared X-rays before, but I am eager to learn more about this process. In my last role as an assistant, I assisted the radiographer by preparing patients for their X-rays and ensuring they were positioned properly. I also helped them remove lead aprons after each procedure.”
When working with a team of dental professionals, it’s important to be able to handle constructive criticism from your colleagues. This question helps employers understand how you respond to feedback and whether you’re open to improving your skills as an assistant. In your answer, try to show that you can take criticism in stride and use it to improve your work performance.
Example: “I’ve worked with the same dentist for five years now, so I’m used to receiving feedback from them on my work performance. However, when I started working here, I was nervous about getting feedback from other members of the team. Now, I welcome feedback from anyone because I know it will help me grow as a professional.”
Customer service is an important part of working in a dental office. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with customer service and how you can improve their own customer service. In your answer, explain what you would do to improve the customer service in the office.
Example: “I’ve worked in several different offices throughout my career as a dental assistant. I find that every office has its own unique way of providing customer service. However, I think there are some universal things we can all do to provide better customer service. For example, I always try to greet patients when they arrive at the front desk. This shows them that we care about them and want to help them feel comfortable. Another thing I do is listen carefully to what they say. If they’re having trouble explaining something, I don’t rush them or assume I know what they mean. Instead, I take time to understand what they’re saying.”
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using dental software and how you use it in your daily work. Use your answer to describe the types of software you’ve used, including any specific programs or brands. You can also discuss your experience with learning new software systems and adapting to them.
Example: “I have worked with several different types of dental software during my career as a dental assistant. I am comfortable working with both proprietary and open-source software, which has helped me adapt to new systems quickly. In my last role, I was responsible for managing patient records and scheduling appointments through an online system. I learned how to navigate that software quickly and efficiently.”
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want someone who is passionate about dentistry and has a background that makes them qualified for the job. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description so you can refer to specific requirements when answering this question.
Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have five years of experience as a dental assistant. During my time in this role, I’ve learned how to work with patients of all ages and abilities. I also understand the importance of sterilization and infection control procedures. These skills make me well-suited for this role.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience. It’s important to be honest about what you’ve done, but it’s also helpful to include any procedures that you’re eager to learn how to do.
Example: “I have assisted with every procedure in my previous role as a dental assistant, including cleaning and polishing teeth, administering anesthesia, taking x-rays, placing fillings and performing root canals. I’m especially interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry.”
This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you understand the role of a dental assistant and how it impacts the overall success of a dental practice. When answering this question, consider what skills or qualities you feel are most important for a dental assistant to have in order to be successful at their job.
Example: “I think communication is the most important aspect of being a dental assistant. As a dental assistant, I am responsible for communicating with patients about procedures, insurance information and other details related to their appointments. In my previous position, I was praised by both patients and dentists for my ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all parties involved.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with dental procedures. If you have previous experience performing dental procedures, describe what types of procedures you’ve performed and how often you did them. If you haven’t done any dental procedures before, explain that you’re willing to learn new skills and perform these tasks when necessary.
Example: “In my current role as an expanded functions dental assistant, I don’t perform many dental procedures. However, in my last position, I assisted a dentist who performed root canals on patients. I helped him prepare for each procedure by gathering supplies and sterilizing equipment.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle mistakes and whether you are willing to admit when you make a mistake. It also helps them understand your communication skills, as they may want to know if you would be able to speak up about the mistake or if you would keep it to yourself.
Example: “If there is a mistake in a procedure that I am assisting with, I would first ask my supervisor what their preference is for handling the situation. If they prefer that I do not tell the dentist, then I will follow their instructions. However, if they allow me to inform the dentist of the mistake, I will do so immediately. I will explain the mistake clearly and apologize for any inconvenience.”