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Questions to practise
Tell me about your experience in customer service.
They want to know if you are comfortable helping the public every day.
Name one or two jobs where you served customers or patients. Say what you did each day. Add one short example, like helping an upset customer. Keep it real and specific, not just 'I am good with people'.
Tell me about your experience with phones and bookings.
Reception work is mostly calls and appointments. They need someone careful and organised.
Say what systems or diaries you used, how many calls you took, and how you checked details. Mention repeating the date and time back to the caller so there are no mistakes.
The phone is ringing and a patient is waiting at the desk. What do you do first?
They want to see if you stay calm and keep both people informed.
Give a clear order. For example: smile at the patient, answer the call, ask the caller to hold briefly, help the patient, then return to the caller and thank them for waiting.
How would you handle three calls and a queue at once?
The desk is busy all day. They need clear steps under pressure.
Explain how you decide what comes first. Mention putting calls on hold politely, taking messages and calling back, and telling the queue you will be with them soon. Asking a colleague for help is fine.
How would you help a nervous patient?
Many people feel worried about the dentist. A kind receptionist helps them feel safe.
Use a kind voice. Say it is fine to feel nervous. Explain what will happen next. Offer simple choices, like a glass of water or a quiet seat. Say you would let the dentist know.
How do you handle a patient who wants an urgent appointment when the diary is full?
Urgent requests are common. They want someone kind, fair and practical.
Listen and ask a few simple questions about the problem. Check the diary for cancellations. Offer the waiting list or the next free time. Say you would ask the dentist or follow the practice's steps for urgent bookings.
A patient says their bill is wrong and they are getting angry. What do you say?
Payments can cause stress. They want calm, clear and polite answers.
Stay calm and listen first. Say you understand. Check the bill and the treatment record with them. Explain clearly, or say you will ask the manager. Do not argue. Offer a follow-up if needed.
How do you keep patient details private?
Patient information is private. Reception must protect it every day.
Give real habits and say you follow your practice's rules. For example: check name and date of birth before sharing details on the phone, speak quietly at the desk, lock your screen when you leave, and keep papers out of view.
What do you do if you make a mistake with a booking?
Everyone makes mistakes. They want honesty and a good fix.
Say you would tell the patient and your manager quickly, say sorry, and offer the next good time. Then explain one habit to avoid it again, like reading the booking back to the caller.
How do you stay organised on a busy day?
They want a receptionist who keeps the desk running smoothly.
Mention simple habits: checking the day's list in the morning, writing clear messages, using reminders, and tidying the desk. Say you stay calm and deal with one thing at a time.
Let me think about a real day at my last job.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Let me think about a real day at my last job.
First, I would make sure the patient feels welcome.
Before I share any details, I check who I am speaking to.
Could you hold for a moment, please? I will be right with you.
It is completely fine to feel nervous. I will let the dentist know.
Let me check that for you, so we get it right.
Common questions
What if I have not worked in a dental practice before?
That is okay. Talk about other work with people, like shops, hotels, offices or call centres. Explain how those skills fit: phones, bookings, payments and patience. Show you are ready to learn the dental words and systems.
How long should my answers be?
Aim for about one minute. Give a clear answer, then one short example or a few steps. If the interviewer wants more, they will ask. Short, clear answers are better than long, general ones.
What if I do not understand a question?
It is fine to ask. You can say: 'Sorry, could you say that again, please?' or 'Do you mean on the phone or at the desk?' Taking a moment to think is also fine. Calm and clear is what matters.