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Questions to practise
How would you explain gum disease to a patient?
Patients often do not know dental words. Dana wants to hear that you can explain care clearly and kindly.
Use short, everyday words. For example: 'Germs build up near your gums. Your gums get red and can bleed. Brushing and flossing every day helps.' Avoid dental terms, or explain them simply.
In simple words, how would you explain flossing to a new patient?
Dana wants to see if a patient would understand and follow your advice at home.
Say what flossing does and why it matters. Keep it to two or three sentences. For example: 'Your brush cannot reach between your teeth. Floss cleans those small spaces. Try it once a day, before bed.'
Pretend I'm a worried patient. Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
This tests if you can stay calm, short and clear, even when the patient is worried.
Start kindly, then explain simply. For example: 'This is common, so please don't worry. Germs near the gums can make them sore. Gentle brushing every day usually helps.' Then offer to check their gums.
Tell me about a nervous patient you looked after. What did you do?
Many patients feel nervous. Dana wants a real example of how you help people feel safe.
Give one real example from work, training or a placement. Say what you did: explained each step, agreed a stop signal, went slowly. End with what happened. If you have no example, say what you would do.
How do you agree a stop signal with a patient?
A stop signal gives the patient control. Dana wants to hear a clear, practical method.
Explain it simply. For example: 'Before I start, I say: if you want me to stop, raise your hand. If they raise a hand, I stop at once and ask how they feel.'
Between two patients, what steps do you follow to keep the room safe?
Infection control matters every time. Dana wants to hear clear steps, in order.
Go step by step. For example: remove gloves and wash hands, clean all surfaces, send the tools to be sterilised, set up clean tools, and put on new gloves. Say that you do this every time.
What do you do if you notice a tool is not clean or is damaged?
Dana wants to know you notice problems and act safely, without taking risks.
Say you do not use it. You put it aside, use a clean one, and tell the right person, such as the dentist or nurse. Show that safety comes first.
How do you share work with the dentist and the dental nurse?
A busy practice needs good teamwork. Dana wants to see you communicate and support others.
Give a clear example. Talk about checking the plan for the day, telling the dentist early about any problem, and helping the nurse when the day is busy. Short, real examples work best.
What would you do if a patient did not follow your advice at home?
Dana wants to see patience and a respectful way to help patients change habits.
Say you stay kind and do not blame. You ask what is hard for them, explain again in simple words, and suggest one small change. For example: 'Let's start with flossing two times a week.'
How do you stay calm and organised on a busy day?
The practice is busy. Dana wants to hear how you manage time without rushing patients or skipping steps.
Name practical habits: checking the day's list early, preparing the room before each patient, and keeping the same cleaning steps every time. Say that you never skip safety steps, even when you are busy.
Let me explain that the way I would to a patient.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Let me explain that the way I would to a patient.
With nervous patients, I always explain each step first.
Between patients, I follow the same cleaning steps every time.
If you want me to stop, just raise your hand.
I tell the dentist early if I notice any problem.
In my training, I looked after a patient who was very nervous.
Common questions
What if I have no work example yet?
That is okay. You can use an example from your training or a placement. If you have no example at all, say what you would do, step by step. For example: 'I would explain each step first and agree a stop signal.' Clear, practical answers are useful.
Should I use dental terms in my answers?
Use them only when they help, and explain them simply. Dana wants to hear how you talk to patients. If a question is about a patient, imagine Dana is that patient. Use short, everyday words. For example, say 'germs' or 'build-up' and explain what it does.
How long should my answers be?
Aim for about three to six sentences. Answer the question first. Then give one example or a few clear steps. If the interviewer wants more, she will ask. It is fine to pause and think before you speak. You can say: 'Let me think for a moment.'