17 Lead Dental Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

A lead dental assistant is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a dental office. He or she supervises the work of other dental assistants and ensures that patients receive the best possible care.

If you’re a lead dental assistant who’s looking for a new job, you may be asked to participate in a job interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your experience, your skills, and your qualifications. You may also be asked questions about your ability to lead and manage a team of dental assistants.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of the most common lead dental assistant interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the most common dental procedures?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have the experience necessary to perform a variety of dental procedures. To answer, list some common procedures and explain how you’ve performed them in the past.

Example: “I am familiar with most common dental procedures because I’ve worked as a lead dental assistant for five years now. In my previous role, I oversaw all aspects of patient care, including performing cleanings, taking x-rays, administering anesthesia and assisting dentists during procedures like fillings, root canals and extractions.”

What are your greatest strengths as a dental assistant?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. When answering, think of a few strengths that are relevant to the position and describe them in detail.

Example: “My greatest strength as a dental assistant is my attention to detail. I am very organized and always make sure all patient records are up-to-date and accurate. Another strength is my communication skills. I have excellent listening skills and can communicate effectively with patients and other members of the dental team. My ability to work well under pressure also helps me succeed at my job.”

How would you describe your work ethic?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you approach your job. They want to know that you are a hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. When answering, think of an example from your past where you worked especially hard or stayed late at work.

Example: “I have always been someone who approaches my work with a positive attitude. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to get the job done. In my last position, there was a time when we were short-staffed and I had to stay late to help finish all of our tasks for the day. I didn’t mind staying late because I knew it would help everyone else out in the long run.”

What is your experience with administering anesthesia?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience with administering anesthesia and how you feel about it. If you have never administered anesthesia, consider discussing a time when you assisted someone else in doing so or another relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to work under pressure.

Example: “I’ve only ever administered anesthesia once, but I was very nervous because the patient was a child who had never been sedated before. The dentist asked me to administer the anesthesia while he prepared for the procedure, which helped calm my nerves. After we finished the procedure, the child told me she felt like a princess because of all the attention she received from us.”

Provide an example of how you have improved the efficiency of a dental practice.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you can help them improve the efficiency of their dental practice. When answering this question, think of a time when you helped solve a problem or challenge that led to an improvement in the workplace.

Example: “In my last position as lead dental assistant, I noticed that our office was running low on supplies. This caused some patients to have to reschedule their appointments because we didn’t have enough materials for procedures. To fix this issue, I met with the dentist to discuss ordering more supplies so we could avoid these situations in the future. We decided to order more supplies every three months instead of every six months to save money but still ensure we had enough materials to serve all patients.”

If a patient was nervous about a procedure, how would you help them feel more at ease?

This question can help interviewers understand how you interact with patients and their unique needs. It’s important to show that you have empathy for your patients, as this is a vital part of the dental assistant role.

Example: “I would first try to make them feel comfortable by asking what they’re nervous about and then explaining the procedure in more detail. I’ve found that many people are afraid because they don’t know exactly what will happen during their appointment. If they know what to expect, it helps them feel more at ease. I also like to use humor when possible to put patients at ease.”

What would you do if you noticed a fellow dental assistant was not following proper hygiene procedures?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your ability to work as part of a team and communicate with your colleagues. In your answer, try to show that you can be assertive without being aggressive or disrespectful.

Example: “I would first talk to the dental assistant about my concerns in private. If they did not change their behavior after our conversation, I would speak to the dentist about it. The dentist is ultimately responsible for ensuring all employees follow proper hygiene procedures, so I would want them to know if one of their assistants was not following protocol.”

How well do you pay attention to detail?

Attention to detail is an important skill for dental assistants. It’s your job to make sure the dentist has all of the necessary tools and information before they begin a procedure. Interviewers ask this question to see if you have strong attention to detail skills. In your answer, explain that you pay close attention to detail in your work. Explain how this helps you perform well as a dental assistant.

Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail. I notice small changes in my patients’ medical histories from one appointment to another. This allows me to provide better care by anticipating what the doctor may need during a procedure.”

Do you have experience working with children?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with patients who are younger than 18 years old. If you do, they might want to know how you handled the situation and what your responsibilities were. If you don’t have experience working with children, you can talk about any experience you’ve had working with patients of all ages.

Example: “I worked as a dental assistant for five years before I got my certification in pediatric dentistry. During that time, I worked with many different types of patients, including children. I found it helpful to use kid-friendly language when talking to them and their parents. I also made sure to explain procedures clearly so everyone understood what was happening.”

When performing X-rays, what is the proper way to position the patient?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of dental procedures and ensure that you are following proper safety protocols. In your answer, provide the steps for positioning patients during X-rays and explain why these steps are important.

Example: “When performing X-rays, I always make sure to position my patient so they’re standing straight with their arms at their sides. This is because it’s important to keep the body as still as possible while taking an X-ray to prevent blurring or distortion in the image. To do this, I use a lead apron to protect them from radiation and place a bite block between their teeth to hold their mouth open.”

We want to improve our customer service. Describe a strategy you would use to improve our patient satisfaction rate.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would help their dental office improve its patient satisfaction rate. In your answer, explain a strategy that you have used in the past or one that you plan on using in the future.

Example: “I believe that improving our patient satisfaction rate starts with having an excellent team of dental assistants. I would use my communication and leadership skills to create a positive work environment for everyone. I would also make sure that all patients felt comfortable before they left the office. To do this, I would introduce myself to every patient when they arrived at the office. Then, I would greet them again when they came back from their appointment.”

Describe your experience with digital x-rays.

Digital x-rays are a common tool in dental offices. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with the technology and can use it effectively. In your answer, explain that you understand how digital x-rays work and what they’re used for. If you’ve never worked with them before, mention that you’re willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve been working as a lead dental assistant for five years now. During that time, I’ve had plenty of experience using digital x-rays. I know how to set up the equipment and take quality images. I also know when to refer patients to their dentist if there’s an issue with the machine or the image quality isn’t good enough.”

What makes you a good fit for this dental practice?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want someone who is confident in their abilities, but also humble enough to recognize that they still have room for improvement. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a few specific skills or experiences that make you qualified for the position.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for this dental practice because of my attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure. In my previous role as a dental assistant, I was responsible for organizing patient files and ensuring all insurance information was up-to-date. While working on this task, I noticed that one of our patients had an outstanding balance. I notified my supervisor so we could resolve the issue before the patient’s next appointment.”

Which dental procedures have you performed as a dental assistant?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and skill. It’s important to be honest about what you’ve done, but it’s also helpful to include a few things that you’re excited to learn or try in this role.

Example: “In my current position as a dental assistant, I have assisted with every procedure except for oral surgery. I’m looking forward to learning more about surgical procedures and helping patients feel comfortable during their appointments. I’ve performed cleanings, fillings, extractions and root canals, so I’m confident in my ability to perform these procedures.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful dental assistant?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you view the role of a dental assistant. They want someone who is dedicated, organized and compassionate. When answering this question, think about what skills you have that make you successful in your current position.

Example: “I believe the most important qualities for a successful dental assistant are organization and communication. As a dental assistant, I am responsible for making sure patients understand their treatment plan and helping my dentist communicate with them as well. In my last job, I was often complimented on my ability to help patients feel comfortable and explain procedures clearly.”

How often should a patient see a dentist?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you recommend dental visits for your patients. It’s important to remember that not all patients are able to visit a dentist as frequently as others, so it’s important to be respectful of their financial situation and provide recommendations based on what they can afford.

Example: “I believe every six months is an appropriate amount of time between appointments. However, I also understand that some patients may only be able to come in once or twice per year due to financial constraints. In these situations, I try to make sure they’re comfortable with their oral health before their next appointment.”

There is a problem with a patient’s filling. What would you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle an unexpected situation in the workplace. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to solve this issue and ensure that it does not happen again.

Example: “If there was a problem with a patient’s filling, I would first ask them if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort. If they say no, then I would examine the filling myself to see if there were any issues. If there were none, I would call my dentist so they could examine the filling as well. If there was a problem with the filling, we would discuss whether or not it should be removed and redone.”