Landing a job as a dental hygienist at Aspen Dental can be a very rewarding career move As one of the largest providers of affordable dental care services in the US, Aspen Dental offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth and job stability
However, first you need to ace the dental hygienist interview. Competition for these roles can be stiff, so it’s crucial that you come prepared to showcase your skills, experience and passion for dental hygiene.
To help you put your best foot forward, here are the top 25 most commonly asked Aspen Dental dental hygienist interview questions along with tips on how to nail your responses:
1. Why do you want to work as a dental hygienist for Aspen Dental?
This question tests your understanding of the company’s mission and values Aspen Dental aims to make quality dental care affordable and accessible to all.
Tips to ace it: Demonstrate your alignment with their goal of providing exceptional yet cost-effective dental hygiene services. Share why this resonates with you personally and professionally.
2. What makes you a strong candidate for this dental hygienist role?
This allows you to summarize your most relevant qualifications. Focus on skills and experiences directly tied to the position.
Tips to ace it: Highlight your dental hygiene degree, specialized training, years of experience, expertise with digital dental technologies and commitment to preventative oral healthcare.
3. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest dental hygiene best practices and technology?
Dental hygiene is a rapidly evolving field. Aspen Dental needs team members who actively work to expand their knowledge and skills.
Tips to ace it: Demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning by citing the conferences you attend, journals and blogs you follow, certifications you’ve obtained and new techniques you implement.
4. Tell me about your experience working with underserved patient populations.
Many Aspen Dental patients face barriers to accessing dental care. It’s important you can address their unique needs with sensitivity.
Tips to ace it: Share examples of assisting patients with anxieties, language barriers, cultural differences or financial limitations. Stress your compassion and commitment to helping all patients feel comfortable.
5. How do you motivate patients to take ownership of their oral healthcare?
Patient education is a core part of a dental hygienist’s responsibilities. Aspen Dental wants to see your skill in inspiring lasting positive habits.
Tips to ace it: Discuss techniques like asking open-ended questions, using analogies and demonstrating proper brushing. Outline follow-ups you conduct to encourage accountability.
6. Tell me about a time you successfully calmed a nervous or fearful patient.
It’s common for patients to feel anxious about dental work. Share an example that spotlights your empathy and ability to provide reassurance.
Tips to ace it: Pick a story that highlights patience, compassion and specific relaxation techniques used. Emphasize the patient’s relief and your sense of accomplishment.
7. How do you keep exam rooms clean, disinfected and well-stocked?
Maintaining proper infection control procedures is a vital daily responsibility. Demonstrate your diligence and attention to detail.
Tips to ace it: Outline your system for preparing rooms between patients including disinfecting surfaces, replacing soiled linens, removing waste and replenishing supplies. Emphasize your adherence to protocols.
8. Tell me about your experience using digital dental technologies like intraoral cameras and digital radiography.
Proficiency with the latest dental tech is key. Share examples that showcase your capabilities and comfort mastering new innovations.
Tips to ace it: Discuss technologies you currently utilize highlighting training completed, certifications obtained and impact on patient care. Convey enthusiasm for continuous hands-on learning.
9. How do you keep exam and treatment notes organized, thorough and easy to reference?
Clear documentation is essential for continuity of care. Share your system for concise yet comprehensive patient charting.
Tips to ace it: Emphasize diligent notation of symptoms, diagnoses, procedures performed and ongoing patient concerns. Highlight strategies like color coding that increase clarity and retrieveability of information.
10. Tell me about a time you faced a conflict with a co-worker. How did you handle it?
Personality clashes and disagreements sometimes occur in collaborative settings. Share an example that demonstrates maturity, empathy and conflict resolution skills.
Tips to ace it: Choose a story with a constructive resolution. Avoid finger pointing. Emphasize listening, finding common ground and working as a team. Convey the importance of maintaining harmony.
11. You notice a colleague is not adhering to proper disinfection protocols. What would you do?
Patient safety should be the top priority. Your response demonstrates leadership, tactfulness and ethics.
Tips to ace it: State you would privately but directly address the issue focusing on problem solving, not blaming. Note the need to report repeat issues. Convey understanding of navigating the situation with discretion.
12. How do you keep exam rooms on schedule when dealing with uncooperative children?
Kids can present unique behavioral challenges. Share proven strategies for maintaining punctuality while also keeping patients positive.
Tips to ace it: Discuss techniques like establishing clear expectations, using tell-show-do, distracting with toys, employing parents and encouraging patience/praise. Emphasize adaptability and commitment to creating a kid-friendly environment.
13. Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it?
Everyone makes mistakes occasionally. Share an example that demonstrates integrity, accountability and learning from failure.
Tips to ace it: Choose an example with small stakes and a lessons learned takeaway. Emphasize you notified your supervisor immediately and took ownership. Outline changes implemented to prevent recurrence. Demonstrate growth mindset.
14. Why should we hire you over other dental hygienist candidates?
Summarize your unique qualifications and “fit” for the role compared to competitors. Convince them you are an asset.
Tips to ace it: Stand out by highlighting advanced certifications, specialized skills/experience and excellent patient satisfaction results. Convey passion for the role and alignment with Aspen Dental’s values/mission.
15. How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with back-to-back appointments?
Time management abilities are crucial when juggling multiple patients. Demonstrate your efficiency, organization and flexibility.
Tips to ace it: Share strategies like reviewing daily schedule, blocking off documentation times, preparing rooms in advance and notifying patients of delays. Emphasize commitment to minimizing wait times while delivering quality care.
16. Tell me about your experience working with senior patients.
Aspen Dental provides care across all age groups. Convey your ability to understand and meet the unique needs of elderly patients.
Tips to ace it: Demonstrate knowledge of common senior oral health issues like root sensitivity and dry mouth. Share techniques for clear communication and patience. Emphasize experience accommodating issues like mobility challenges.
17. How do you stay energized and engaged even during long, busy shifts?
Dental hygienists need stamina and positivity. Share how you maintain your mental and physical well-being even on the toughest days.
Tips to ace it: Discuss strategies like taking micro breaks, staying hydrated, eating snacks, deep breathing and positive self-talk. Convey you proactively raise energy levels by coming prepared and setting daily goals.
18. This dental hygienist role requires working one evening per week. Are you comfortable with that schedule?
Some Aspen Dental offices have extended hours. Make sure you clearly communicate willingness for schedule flexibility.
Tips to ace it: Directly state the evening availability requirement will not be an issue for you. Emphasize prioritizing the needs of patients above personal preferences. Convey being a team player.
19. Tell me about a time you faced a problem you couldn’t solve independently. Who did you go to for help?
No one knows everything or works in a silo. Share an example that demonstrates humility, collaboration skills and good judgment about when to escalate issues.
Tips to ace it: Choose a story highlighting resourcefulness in identifying the right expert colleague for assistance. Emphasize desire to deliver the best outcome for the patient.
20. In your experience, what are some causes of patient dissatisfaction and how can they be avoided?
Understanding common pitfalls that negatively impact patients will make you a stronger asset. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
Tips to ace it: Acknowledge issues like wait times, poor bedside manner and billing confusion. Discuss remedies like updating patients on delays, active listening and clear insurance/payment communication.
21. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your typical responsibilities for a patient.
Going the extra mile is essential for providing an exceptional patient experience
