20 Pacific Dental Services Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the country’s leading dental support organizations, Pacific Dental Services (PDS) is always looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join their team. If you’re interested in working for PDS, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific questions about the company and your qualifications during your interview.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common PDS interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Pacific Dental Services Interview Process

The interview process at Pacific Dental Services is generally positive, with most reviewers finding the interviews to be easygoing and relaxed. However, some reviewers note that the process can be drawn out, taking up to three weeks in some cases. Additionally, some reviewers note that the interviewers may not always be in the office, which can make candidates feel less valued. Overall, the interview process is generally positive and efficient, with most candidates being able to get through the process within a month.

1. What do you know about Pacific Dental Services?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its culture. It also allows you to show that you’ve done some research on the organization before coming in for an interview. When answering this question, make sure to include information about the company’s history, values and mission statement.

Example: “I know that Pacific Dental Services was founded in 1999 by Dr. Richard Chang. The company has grown significantly since then, with over 100 locations across the country. I understand that PDS places a lot of emphasis on customer service, which is why it offers 24/7 support through its call center. I am excited to be here today because I think working at PDS would be a great opportunity for me.”

2. Why are you the ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. Before your interview, make a list of all your skills and experiences that relate to the position. Make sure to highlight any unique or hard-to-find skills you have.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills. I can work well in a team setting but also enjoy working independently on projects. My previous experience as a dental assistant has given me valuable insight into what patients want from their care providers. I know how to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining high standards of quality.”

3. Do you think that dentists should be required to keep their continuing education credits up to date? Explain your answer.

This question is designed to assess your knowledge of the dental industry and how it operates. It also helps employers determine if you are likely to stay with their company for a long time, as continuing education credits are required every two years.

Example: “I think that dentists should be required to keep up with their continuing education credits because it ensures they are keeping up with new developments in the field. I have always been passionate about learning more about dentistry, so I would make sure to complete my credits on time.”

4. How would you handle a patient who is upset because they aren’t happy with their dental treatment?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflict. It’s important to be empathetic, but also direct in your response.

Example: “I would first ask the patient what they are unhappy about and listen to their concerns. I would then explain that we have a no-refund policy because of the nature of our work. However, I would offer them a discount on future treatment if they were still unhappy with their results. If they still weren’t happy after this, I would refer them to another dentist who could provide better service.”

5. Describe your experience as a team leader or manager.

Pacific Dental Services is a team-oriented company, so it’s important that you have experience working with others. When answering this question, describe your leadership style and how it helped the team achieve its goals.

Example: “I believe in leading by example, which means I try to be as helpful and friendly as possible. In my last position, I was promoted to lead dental assistant, and I found that being encouraging and positive made them more likely to succeed. I also make sure to give praise when it’s due, which helps motivate employees to do their best work.”

6. How have you used technology in your previous jobs to help manage operations?

Pacific Dental Services is a technology-driven company, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using computers and other devices in your work. Use examples from your previous job that show you can use technology effectively to help manage operations.

Example: “In my last position as an office manager for a small dental practice, I used several computer programs to keep track of patient records, billing information and inventory levels. I also used a scheduling program to organize our appointments and create new ones when needed. These tools helped me stay organized and ensure we were meeting all of our patients’ needs.”

7. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult coworker and what you did to make it work.

Pacific Dental Services is a team-oriented company, so it’s important that you can work well with others. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a team environment and how you handle conflict.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very critical of my work. I tried to ignore her comments at first, but she continued to be negative about everything I did. Eventually, I decided to talk to her about it. She apologized for being so harsh and promised to try to be more positive. We eventually became good friends, and she helped me learn new techniques when I struggled with certain tasks.”

8. Have you ever handled customer complaints before? If so, how did you deal with them?

Pacific Dental Services is a customer-oriented company, so it’s important that you have experience handling customers. Your answer should show the interviewer that you can handle complaints professionally and with empathy.

Example: “I once had a patient who was unhappy about the color of her teeth after treatment. I explained to her that the color would change over time as she used her new toothbrush. She seemed satisfied with my explanation and returned for a checkup two weeks later. She told me that she was happy with the results and thanked me for my patience.”

9. Do you feel comfortable working independently?

Pacific Dental Services is a fast-paced environment where employees are expected to work independently. Your interviewer will want to know that you can handle the responsibility of working without direct supervision and still meet deadlines and quality standards.

Example: “I have worked in an independent capacity for most of my career, so I am comfortable with it. However, I also enjoy collaborating with others on projects. In fact, I find that having a team approach makes projects more interesting and fun.”

10. What kind of hours are you looking for? Are you interested in part-time employment?

Pacific Dental Services offers flexible hours and schedules to accommodate the needs of their employees. They want to know if you are looking for a part-time or full-time position, as well as your availability. This is an opportunity to show that you can work independently and manage your time effectively.

Example: “I am looking for a full-time position with Pacific Dental Services. I have experience working in a fast-paced environment where I had to balance multiple tasks at once. I am comfortable working both during the day and evening hours. My schedule is flexible, so I would be able to work any shifts needed.”

11. Give us an example of a time where you went above and beyond the call of duty at work.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for your employer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an example from your previous job or one that you would do if hired at Pacific Dental Services.

Example: “At my last job, I was working with a patient who had some anxiety about their dental procedure. They were worried about how much pain they might experience during the procedure and asked me what we could do to make them more comfortable. I told them that there were several ways we could help reduce their discomfort, including using nitrous oxide gas and providing headphones so they could listen to music while in the chair. The patient appreciated my willingness to find solutions to their concerns.”

12. Describe a time when you helped someone else achieve a goal.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can help others succeed. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on the positive outcome of helping someone else achieve their goals.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, one of my coworkers had been trying to get her team to be more organized for quite some time. She would often try different methods to keep everyone on task, but nothing seemed to work. One day she came into work very frustrated because no matter what she did, her team couldn’t seem to stay organized. I listened to her frustrations and then asked if she could give me a few days to implement a new system. After talking with her about her needs, I created a color-coded filing system that helped organize all of our documents. Within two weeks, my coworker reported back that her team was staying much more organized.”

13. Tell me about a time when you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?

This question is a great way to see how you handle pressure. It’s important for employers to know that you can perform well under stress, and this is your chance to show them.

Example: “I was working as an assistant in a busy dental office when I had to take over the front desk while my boss was out sick. The doctor was scheduled to have surgery, so there were several patients who needed to reschedule their appointments. There was also a patient on the phone who was very upset because she couldn’t get into her regular dentist. She wanted me to tell her what time he would be back in the office. I handled it by being honest with her about his schedule and offering to help her find another appointment if she needed one. She ended up finding a new appointment at another practice.”

14. Can you tell me about a time when you made a mistake? How did you handle it?

Employers ask this question to see how you respond to mistakes and learn from them. They want to know that you are willing to admit your mistake, take responsibility for it and try to fix the situation. When answering this question, be honest about a time when you made a mistake at work or in life. Explain what you learned from the experience and how you would handle it differently if you had the chance.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant dental hygienist, I accidentally gave my patient too much anesthesia during her procedure. She fell asleep before we could finish the treatment, so I called the dentist over to help me wake her up. He told me not to worry about it and that he would complete the rest of the procedure himself. Afterward, he talked with me about the importance of double-checking all medications and procedures before starting a patient’s treatment. Now, I always triple-check everything before administering any medication or performing any procedure.”

15. Have you worked with patients from different cultural backgrounds?

Pacific Dental Services works with patients from all over the country, and sometimes even internationally. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working with different cultures and how you handled any challenges that may have arisen.

Example: “I worked at a dental office in my hometown for five years before moving here. We had patients from many different backgrounds, including some who spoke little English. I was always willing to help them communicate with our staff or find an interpreter if needed. It’s important to me that everyone feels comfortable and safe when they come into our care.”

16. What is your availability?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the hours they need. They also want to know if you have any scheduling conflicts that might prevent you from working with them. When answering this question, be honest about your availability and let the employer know of any potential issues. If you do not have any conflicts, explain how flexible you are when it comes to scheduling.

Example: “I am currently a full-time student at Pacific University. I work part-time as a dental assistant in my school’s clinic. My schedule is pretty flexible, so I can work most days of the week. However, I cannot work on Tuesdays or Wednesdays due to classes. I am also unavailable on Thursdays after 3 p.m., as I have an internship until then.”

17. What makes you a great fit for our office?

Pacific Dental Services is looking for a candidate who can fit into their office culture. They want to know that you’re going to be able to work well with the team and contribute to the overall success of the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.

Example: “I think I would make a great fit for Pacific Dental Services because I am highly motivated and eager to learn new things. I have excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a collaborative environment. I also understand the importance of teamwork and how my individual contributions can help the entire team succeed.”

18. How do you stay up to date on industry trends?

Pacific Dental Services is looking for a candidate who stays up to date on the latest trends in dentistry. This question helps them determine if you are willing to learn new things and adapt to change. Use your answer to show that you have an interest in learning more about the industry. You can also mention some of the ways you stay informed, such as reading dental journals or attending conferences.

Example: “I am always interested in learning more about the latest developments in dentistry. I subscribe to several dental journals so I can read articles written by leading experts in the field. I also attend at least one conference per year to hear from other professionals and network with my peers.”

19. How well do you work under pressure?

Pacific Dental Services is a fast-paced environment, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can handle pressure. Give examples of how you have handled similar situations in the past and what your strategy was for overcoming them.

Example: “I am used to working under pressure because I worked as an assistant at my previous job where I had to help with patient care while also assisting the dentist. The dentist would often ask me to perform certain procedures or check on patients during surgery, so I learned how to work quickly but still be thorough.”

20. What do you like most about being in the healthcare field?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the healthcare industry. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific experience you’ve had in the field that made you want to pursue a career in healthcare.

Example: “I love being able to help people feel better about themselves and their health. I remember when I was working as a dental assistant at my previous job, there was one patient who came in with low self-esteem because of her teeth. She felt like she couldn’t smile or laugh without feeling embarrassed. After we worked on her teeth, she left the office with a huge smile on her face. It was so rewarding to see how much happier she was after getting her teeth fixed.”