5 Common Dental Receptionist Interview Questions

Dental receptionist interview questions and answers

Do you have your eye on an open position as a receptionist at a dental practice? Are you thinking of interviewing soon but need insight into the questions you might be asked?

Dental receptionist interview questions range from queries about your interest in the practice to your experience working with computer systems, and your personality, among others.

In this interview setting, you may also be asked questions about how you would handle a difficult situation in a busy office or your organizational or communication styles.

These questions are all designed to set you apart (or not) from many other eligible applicants for the job.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to dental receptionist interview questions – so that you can prepare possible answers ahead of time and don’t get blindsided.

In this article, we share some explanations as to why these questions matter for a dental receptionist interview.

Pay attention to the example answers we’re sharing, keeping in mind that you’ll want to make your own answers as unique as possible.

We’ll also share some helpful tips when it comes to preparing for your interview at home, such as:

  • rehearsing answers out loud,
  • starting early,
  • and conducting research on the practice, you’re applying to.

Now, let’s get into the dental receptionist interview questions and answers!

Dental Receptionist Interview Questions and Answers

Below are the most common dental receptionist job interview questions. If you aren’t asked these questions directly, you’re likely to hear a variation of them.

Pay attention to the example answers, but always make sure to tailor your interview answers to your own experience in dentistry and your career/education.

1. How would you handle a high-stress day at the front desk?

On busy days in a dental practice, you may have a waiting room full of patients while the phones continue to ring and people continue to approach the desk to check in or out.

You should be able to efficiently multitask to be a dental receptionist.

Employers ask this question to find out if you have the stamina and critical thinking skills needed to properly prioritize different tasks on a busy day.

Example answer:

I start each day in an administrative role by accomplishing as many tasks as I can before patients arrive.

See also: Medical Administrative Assistant Interview Questions

This way, I leave time later for in-the-moment tasks, like taking phone calls, checking in with patients, and answering questions.

At the end of the day, I write down a list of what needs to be done first thing the next day.

This system has served me well on even the busiest days in an office.

See also: Tell Me About Yourself Dentist Interview

2. What do you enjoy most about interacting with patients or customers?

This interview question is designed to find out if you enjoy interacting with patients in the first place.

Hopefully, though, you do take pleasure in this major aspect of the receptionist job.

See also: Medical Receptionist Interview Questions

Answering honestly regarding your communication skills and ability to be patient and respectful with customers is important.

Example answer:

I enjoy interacting with customers as they enter and exit the practice.

I feel that as the dental receptionist, it is my job to make sure that all patients remember having a pleasant experience.

Greeting them with a smile and listening to their needs with patience is how I approach the interactions.

See also: Tell Me About Yourself Dental Assistant Interview

3. What would you do if a patient left negative feedback upon checkout?

Perhaps you’re accepting payment from a patient who has just had a teeth cleaning. They tell you that they want to file a complaint regarding their appointment.

As the dental receptionist, your ability to make the patient feel heard is just as important as your ability to schedule their next appointment, accept payment, take down insurance information, etc.

Example answer:

If a patient came to the desk to check out and had negative feedback, I would be sure to start by acknowledging their complaint and apologizing for the situation.

I would then write down their complaint and let them know that I will relay their message to the appropriate staff in an effort to fix the situation or make up for it.

See also: Why Do You Want to Be a Dental Assistant

4. Do you consider yourself a good communicator?

Here’s an opportunity to emphasize your strengths relevant to the job.

You need to be able to communicate well with patients in person and over the phone, as well as with your coworkers and boss.

You may even have to construct emails, send out newsletters, or pass on messages.

Answer by stressing your communication skills and citing specific examples to make you stand out.

Example answer:

I pride myself on exceptional communication.

I believe that good communication improves patient care, the workplace environment, and how well I enjoy my own job, so I take it very seriously.

In my last administrative job, I was awarded employee of the month for my communication skills in particular.

See also: Why Should We Hire You Dental Assistant

5. Are you familiar with any computer systems or databases?

Many dental and healthcare practices rely on computer systems to organize their finances, appointment schedules, employee information, and more.

Some employers will be looking for a dental receptionist proficient in at least one of these systems, or at least someone with computer knowledge who is willing to learn.

Example answer:

I became proficient in the cloud-based system Curve Dental at the last dental practice I worked at.

I am also comfortable with learning new systems when necessary.

See also: Why Do You Want to Be a Dental Hygienist

How to Prepare for Dental Receptionist Job Interview Questions?

Before interviewing for this job position, try and conduct some basic research on the practice you hope to join, learning about its values and mission.

Either visit their main website or find out what kind of dental research the dentists have been involved in.

See also: Dentist Interview Questions

You can use this information to better your interview answers.

You may also prepare by practicing answering questions out loud at home, answering questions in front of a fellow professional or friend, etc.

Keep in mind that the sooner you start preparing for an interview, the better.

Employers will be able to tell if you haven’t given the job as much thought as you should.

See also: Dental Treatment Coordinator Interview Questions

Dental Receptionist Interview Questions and Answers PDF

Download our comprehensive PDF guide featuring expertly crafted dental receptionist interview questions and model answers.

Gain the confidence and knowledge you need to excel in your upcoming job interviews.

Don’t miss out – get your PDF now and embark on your path to career success!

Conclusion: Interview Questions for Dental Receptionists

Hopefully, the above dental receptionist interview questions and example answers have given you a place to start with your interview prep.

Make sure to practice these dental receptionist job interview questions and answers before the interview and include your personal experiences in your answers.

We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming interview!

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