What are the job responsibilities of a dental assistant?
Dental Assistant Responsibilities:
- Preparing patients for dental work.
- Helping with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting with dental procedures.
- Assisting dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary.
What every dental assistant should know?
The dental assistant must have good conflict resolution and mediation skills which comes in handy when patients are in extreme pain or mental stress. Interpersonal skills start with good communication skills including verbal communication, non-verbal communication and listening skills (Skill #2).
What’s the starting pay for a dental assistant?
Dental assistants
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $24.00 | $29.35 |
| Top | $27.00 | $33.00 |
What are your strengths as a dental assistant?
The top dental assistant qualities:
- Good listener. Dental assistants are on the front lines with patients every day.
- Compassion. Patients are often nervous or scared.
- Being a people person. If you love meeting new people, dental assisting is for you!
- Perseverance.
- Strong Work Ethic.
- Dedication.
- Reliability.
- Organization.
How do you introduce yourself as a dental assistant?
Introduce Yourself Let the reader get an idea for your personality and see you as a person, rather than just a name on a piece of paper. If you are currently working in another career, mention why you are switching to a dental assistant.
How do you nail a dental assistant interview?
Review common questions you’re likely to receive during the interview, and practice how you will respond.
- Interview Tips for Dental Assistant Jobs.
- Prepare for Questions About Previous Roles.
- Don’t Speak Poorly About Other Dental Practices.
- Keep Your Tone Positive.
- Research the Dental Practice.
- Dress the Part.
Why are you interested in this position dental assistant?
Example: “I feel that my training, internship experience, and communication skills make me a strong candidate for this position. I am confident in all of the responsibilities in the job descriptions, and my personal skills will allow me to make patients comfortable during their visit.”
Why are you interested in becoming a dental assistant?
Dental assistants care about helping others, and they love seeing patients’ smiles transform. Along the way, assistants ease patients’ anxieties and build trust. That bond encourages patients to continue making regular dental visits and keep their smiles healthy.
What questions do they ask in a dental assistant interview?
Questions and Answers to Your Dental Assistant Interview
- Question 1: Tell me about yourself.
- Question 2: What do you enjoy the most about being a dental assistant?
- Question 3: Have you ever had to deal with an angry customer?
- Question 4: What computer applications are you familiar with?
- Question 5: Do you like working with patients or clerical duties?
