Finding a dental hygienist job that matches both your skills, interests, and career goals can be a rewarding and exciting step in your career. With competition for top positions, preparing for a dental hygienist interview is essential.
At GoTu, we want to provide you with the resources and tools you need to succeed. Here’s a guide to help you stand out and secure your dream job as a dental hygienist.
Research the Dental Practice
To make a good impression, you have to be aware of the culture, values, and needs of the dental practice you are interviewing with. Here are a few things you can look out for prior to interviewing:
- Specialization: Check if the dental practice specializes in a specific area such as cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, pediatrics, orthodontics, or another specialty. This lets you tailor your answers and skills to show that your expertise aligns with their needs.
- Type of Dental Practice: Find out if the practice is privately owned or part of a Dental Service Organization (DSO). Private practices often value close-knit relationships, while DSOs may emphasize adaptability to standardized, multi-location structures. Tailor your strengths to fit each setting.
- Work Culture: Look at online review websites such as Glassdoor, social media, and the practice’s website to get a glimpse into their work culture.
- Team Structure: Identify if the practice operates as a close-knit team or if they focus on individual patient interaction. You can highlight your ability to work in various team dynamics to set you apart.
Highlight Technical Skills
Being a dental hygienist is a hands-on job, and employers are looking for hygienists who can demonstrate technical skills with confidence. During the interview use real life examples to showcase your skills. You can mention specific cases or citations that made a difference in patient care.
You can also show your knowledge of tools and technologies. If the practice uses specific tools or software, be ready to share your experience. You can also mention any specialized training or certifications you have obtained that enhance your technical abilities.
Common Dental Hygiene Interview Questions
Interview questions for dental hygienists tend to be pretty standardized throughout the industry. Preparing to answer these common questions prior can be a great way to make sure you have polished, well thought out answers.
Common questions can include:
- Why did you choose a career in dental hygiene?
- Describe your process for conducting a routine cleaning.
- How do you stay current with dental industry trends and advancements?
- Can you discuss a time when you had a difficult interaction with a patient and how you handled it?
- What would you do if a patient objected to a recommended treatment?
- What software or tools are you comfortable using for patient management and documentation?
- What steps do you take to ensure patient records are accurate and complete?
- What do you enjoy most about being a dental hygienist?
- How do you prioritize and manage your daily tasks when the office is busy?
- How do you handle a nervous or anxious patient?
Dress Professionally and Arrive Early
First impressions are important and dressing professionally shows respect for the opportunity to interview for the job. You should also plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to demonstrate your punctuality and allow time to get prepared for the interview.
In conclusion, securing a top dental hygienist job takes more than just clinical skills. It requires preparation, professionalism, and the ability to connect with both the team and patients. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a memorable impression and landing the position that’s right for you.
