17 Pediatric Dental Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Dental assistants work closely with dentists, providing patients with the best possible care. They also play a vital role in keeping the dental office running smoothly. If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, you’ll need to know how to answer common dental assistant interview questions.

When interviewing for a dental assistant job, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the skills and personality traits that are essential for success in this role. Employers will want to know if you have experience working with dental software, taking X-rays, and sterilizing dental equipment. They’ll also want to know if you have good communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well under pressure.

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

Are you certified as a pediatric dental assistant?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the necessary certification for the job. If you are not certified, they may want to know what steps you plan on taking to become certified. You can answer honestly about your certification status and explain how you plan to get certified in the future.

Example: “I am not currently certified as a pediatric dental assistant. I do plan on getting my certification within the next year, however. I will be enrolling in an online course that is accredited by the American Dental Association. This program should take me around six months to complete.”

What are the most important skills for a pediatric dental assistant to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who is organized, compassionate and has excellent communication skills. When answering this question, think about what skills you possess that are important for a pediatric dental assistant. Make a list of these skills and explain why they’re important.

Example: “The most important skill for a pediatric dental assistant is compassion. You need to be able to put yourself in your patient’s shoes and understand how they feel. I also think it’s important to have good organizational skills because there can be so much paperwork involved with this job. Finally, I think strong communication skills are essential because you work closely with dentists and other assistants.”

How would you calm a nervous child before a procedure?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to comfort patients. In your answer, try to highlight how you can use your communication skills to help children feel more comfortable before a procedure.

Example: “I once worked with a child who was very nervous about getting his teeth cleaned. I talked to him throughout the entire process, explaining what we were doing at each step of the cleaning. He seemed to calm down after that, and he even started asking me questions about the tools we used during the cleaning. By talking to him, I showed him that I cared about his well-being and helped him understand why certain procedures are important.”

What is your experience with taking and developing x-rays?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with taking and developing dental x-rays. This is an important skill for a pediatric dental assistant because they often take and develop x-rays of children’s teeth. When answering, describe the process you use when taking and developing x-rays.

Example: “I have taken and developed my own dental x-rays in the past, but I also worked at a dentist office where we had a professional radiologist who took and developed all of our patients’ x-rays. In both situations, I assisted the person taking the x-ray by holding the patient still and helping them sit comfortably.”

Provide an example of how you helped a pediatric dentist during a procedure.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your experience as a dental assistant. They want to know how you can help them with their work and what skills you have that will benefit the team. In your answer, describe a time when you helped a pediatric dentist during a procedure. Explain what steps you took to support them and what actions you took to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.

Example: “In my previous role as a dental assistant, I assisted a pediatric dentist who was treating a young patient for cavities. The child was nervous about getting her teeth worked on, so I tried to make her feel comfortable by talking to her and distracting her with toys. When it came time to administer anesthesia, I made sure the child had everything she needed, including a favorite stuffed animal. She calmed down after that, and we were able to complete the procedure without any issues.”

If a child is uncooperative during a procedure, how would you handle it?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations. In your answer, demonstrate how you would use your communication skills to calm the child down and encourage them to cooperate with the procedure.

Example: “I have worked with many children who were nervous or scared about their dental procedures. I always try to make sure they feel comfortable by talking to them in a soft voice and making jokes when appropriate. If a child is still uncooperative during a procedure, I will take a short break to allow them to relax. Then, I will explain what we are doing and why it’s important for them to remain still.”

What would you do if a supply or piece of equipment was missing right before a procedure?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt. In your answer, demonstrate that you can think on your feet and find a solution quickly.

Example: “If I noticed something was missing right before a procedure, I would first check with the dentist to see if they had any extra supplies or equipment. If not, I would contact the office manager to see if we could borrow some from another practice. If all else fails, I would let the patient know what happened and reschedule the appointment for when everything is available.”

How well do you follow written and verbal instructions?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you listen and follow directions. It’s important to show that you’re a good communicator, especially when working with patients who may not be able to read or understand instructions. In your answer, explain that you take pride in being organized and detail-oriented so you can complete tasks efficiently.

Example: “I am very attentive when my supervisor gives me written or verbal instructions. I make sure to write down any notes or reminders I need to remember while performing my duties. For example, if a patient needs an appointment reminder call two weeks after their visit, I’ll write it down on their chart so I don’t forget.”

Do you have experience working with children with special needs?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with children who are developmentally delayed or have special needs. They want to make sure that you can handle the unique challenges of working with these patients and that you’re comfortable doing so. In your answer, share a story about how you helped a patient with special needs in the past. Explain what steps you took to help them during their appointment.

Example: “I’ve worked with many children with special needs throughout my career as a pediatric dental assistant. I am very familiar with the procedures for treating children with developmental delays and other special needs. For example, when I was working at my previous job, I had a patient who was nonverbal. During his appointment, I made sure to communicate with him using hand gestures and facial expressions. I also used simple words and phrases to explain what we were going to do.”

When working with children, how do you help them feel comfortable, relaxed and safe?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you interact with patients. They want to know that you can help children feel comfortable during their dental appointments, so they answer honestly about what strategies you use to make them feel safe and calm.

Example: “I have worked with many children over the years, so I understand how important it is for them to feel safe and relaxed at their appointments. When a child first arrives, I greet them warmly and introduce myself. Then, I let them know that I am there to support them throughout their appointment. Throughout the procedure, I try to distract them by asking questions or telling jokes. This helps them focus on me instead of the tools in the room.”

We want to improve our communication with parents. How would you approach this as a pediatric dental assistant?

As a pediatric dental assistant, you may be responsible for communicating with parents about their child’s treatment plan. Employers ask this question to see if you have any ideas on how they can improve communication with patients’ families. In your answer, share two or three ways that you would approach this situation.

Example: “I think the best way to improve communication is by being proactive and sending out reminders when appointments are coming up. I also think it’s important to make sure all of our forms are easy to understand so there aren’t any questions from parents. For example, I could create a guide for parents explaining what each form means and why we need them.”

Describe your experience with pediatric dental procedures.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with the specific procedures they perform at their practice. Use your answer to highlight any unique or challenging experiences you’ve had and how you overcame them.

Example: “I have a lot of experience working with pediatric dental patients because I worked as an assistant for a dentist who only treated children. In my role, I assisted him with everything from cleaning teeth to administering anesthesia. One time, we were performing a procedure on a child when he started crying. He was scared, so I talked to him while we continued the procedure. Eventually, he calmed down and finished his treatment.”

What makes you stand out from other pediatric dental assistants?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as a dental assistant. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates, so they can decide if you’re the best fit for their team. When answering this question, think of two or three things that make you stand out. These could be specific skills or experiences that show how you would benefit the pediatric dentist’s office.

Example: “I have been working in a pediatric dentist’s office for five years now, which has given me plenty of experience with children. I am also very comfortable around kids, which helps me work well with patients who are nervous. Another thing that makes me stand out is my communication skills. I always speak clearly when talking to patients and parents, which helps them feel at ease.”

Which pediatric dental procedures have you performed the most?

Interviewers ask this question to determine your level of experience. They want to know which procedures you have performed the most, and they also want to see if you are willing to perform all types of procedures. When answering this question, be honest about what you have done in previous roles and highlight any unique or challenging procedures that you have performed.

Example: “In my last role as a pediatric dental assistant, I was responsible for performing every procedure with the exception of root canals. I assisted with cleanings, fillings, extractions and other common procedures. However, I did assist with more complex procedures like placing crowns on baby teeth and repairing broken baby teeth.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of a pediatric dental assistant’s job?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your understanding of what it means to be a pediatric dental assistant. Your answer should show that you understand the role and responsibilities of this position, as well as how important they are.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a pediatric dental assistant is making sure patients feel comfortable during their appointments. I know from experience that children can sometimes be nervous about visiting the dentist, so my goal is always to make them feel at ease by talking with them and distracting them with toys or games. This helps me get through procedures more quickly while also ensuring the child has a positive experience.”

How often do you perform cleaning and polishing procedures?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with dental procedures. Your answer should include a list of specific procedures you have performed in the past and how often you perform them.

Example: “In my previous role as a pediatric dental assistant, I performed cleaning and polishing procedures on patients twice a day. I also assisted the dentist with more complex procedures like filling cavities or removing teeth when needed.”

There is a miscommunication with a parent about a child’s appointment time. How do you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer assess your communication skills and problem-solving abilities. In your answer, demonstrate how you would handle the situation with a parent while also maintaining positive relationships with patients and other staff members.

Example: “I would first apologize to the parent for any confusion about their child’s appointment time. Then I would explain that we have multiple appointments scheduled at once, which can make it difficult to remember exact times. I would offer to reschedule the appointment or find another time that works better for them. If there are no available times, I would ask if they would like to reschedule for another day or week.”