Starting your career as a newly qualified dentist is an exciting milestone, and your first job interview plays a key role in shaping that journey. To help you make the best impression, below are tips and strategies for confidently answering common interview questions. The key is to ensure your responses reflect your unique skills, experience, and professional philosophy while also showcasing what makes you the best fit for that specific practice.
Research the Practice
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the practice you’re interested in joining. Learn about its values, patient demographics, treatment philosophies, and the technologies they use. Also, take time to research the community where the practice is located. It will not only help you build stronger relationships with patients, but it will help you determine if the community is a good fit for you personally and professionally. Additionally, take time to know the background of the doctor-owner and any specialties they may focus on. This level of preparation will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate a genuine interest in joining their team.
Showcase Your Clinical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your clinical experience in detail. Whether you’re an orthodontist experienced in clear aligners, a general dentist with implant experience, or a pediatric dentist with impressive patient management skills, highlight the skills that make you stand out. Employers are looking for candidates who excel in clinical work and bring value to the practice.
Emphasize Patient Interaction and Teamwork
Your ability to interact with patients and work as part of a team is just as important as your clinical skills. Be sure to talk about your approach to patient care, how you handle challenging cases, and your collaboration with dental assistants and office staff. Good communication and creating a positive work environment are qualities that will set you apart.
Align Your Goals with the Practice’s Vision
Practice owners often seek associates who are committed to long-term growth with the team. Be prepared to discuss your career aspirations and how they align with what the practice offers. It is important to ask questions to gain clarity in ensuring the practice aligns with your goals and vision. For example, asking questions like “What are the opportunities for career advancement in the practice?” or “What kind of mentorship or support is available for new or less experienced dentists?” Showing that you’re looking for a mutually beneficial relationship can make a lasting impression.
Create a Compelling Narrative
Craft a concise narrative that emphasizes your education, key experiences, and passion for dentistry. Tailor it to highlight aspects of your background that align with the practice’s needs and values. Sharing this story helps interviewers understand not just your qualifications, but who you are as a professional.
Academic and Residency Experience
When discussing your education and residency experience, focus on the aspects that prepared you for a career in dentistry. Highlight any special projects, complex cases, or additional training that make you a standout candidate.
Leadership
Define leadership based on your values and how you would support a team. Use examples from past experiences to demonstrate your leadership style. It’s important to convey that you’re not just skilled in your field but also capable of leading and motivating others.
Approach to Patient Care
Your approach to patient care is a critical part of any interview. Focus on empathy, effective communication, and how you involve families in treatment plans. Providing examples of how you’ve applied these principles in past experiences will help demonstrate your commitment to excellence and patient-centered care.
Discuss specific procedures or areas that excite you and explain why. Relate your passion to how it could benefit the practice. Define success both clinically and from a business perspective, emphasizing patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and practice growth.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
Continuing education is a big part of staying at the top of your field. Share your plans for professional development, including any courses, certifications, or areas you’re eager to explore further.
Tools and Techniques
Be honest about your experience with specific skills and techniques. When asked about any areas where you feel less experienced, relate them to your proficiency with similar procedures and express your eagerness to learn and grow.
Ideal Practice Environment
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in a practice environment. When describing your ideal practice, be specific about attributes that align with your values, non-negotiables, practice philosophies that are important to you, any specific tools, technology, and software you’re hoping to utilize in the office.
Availability and Location Preferences
Be clear about your availability and preferred start date, but also show flexibility where possible. If asked about your preferred location (if applicable), express openness to different areas if that aligns with your situation. But more than anything, it’s important to be honest about what you’re looking for.
Asking Questions
Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview is a great way to show your interest. Inquire about the practice’s growth plans, their expectations for associates, or how they support continuing education. The questions you ask demonstrate your commitment to the practice and its future. Additionally, it is great to ask questions surrounding the recruitment process and next steps. For example, “Can you describe the timeline for the decision-making process and how I might be involved in the next stages?” This can further show your interest in the opportunity and eagerness to move forward in the hiring process, as well as help you set expectations for the next steps.
As a new dentist, approaching your job interview with these strategies will help you present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate. By thoroughly preparing and showcasing both your clinical skills and interpersonal abilities, you’ll position yourself to impress potential employers and set the foundation for a successful career. Good luck!
Our Doctor Recruiter, Meredith Brown-Parsons would love to help you find the right fit and help you explore opportunities available in both rural and urban areas. Connect with us to start your new journey!