Interview Tips for Dental Professionals: A Guide for Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs)

Landing your dream job as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) starts with a successful interview. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these tips will help you feel confident every step of the way. 

Do Your Homework 💻

Before the interview, take a moment to research the dental practice. Familiarize yourself with their mission, how they got started, services they offer, and any recent news. For only a few minutes of your time, this can go a long way to show the office that you’re genuinely interested!

Update Your Resume 📄

Ensure your resume is current, highlighting relevant experience, certifications, and skills. If you don’t have experience just yet, put your education at the top of your resume and mention relevant coursework, GPA, and other accomplishments where applicable. This may seem “old-school,” but bring a copy of your resume just in case! 

Dress Professionally 👗🕴️

First impressions matter! Dress in professional attire suitable for a healthcare setting. Opt for clean, reserved clothing, and avoid excessive jewelry or strong fragrances. You want the focus to be on your experience and skills, not unnecessary distractions. Don’t hesitate to show a touch of personality though in colorful shoes, subtle jewelry, etc. 

Practice Interview Questions 💬

Prepare for typical interview questions, such as:

• "Why did you choose to go into dentistry?"
• "How have you dealt with difficult workplace situations in the past?"
• "If a patient came in with high dental anxiety, how would you manage that situation? "

Practice your responses to these questions at home or with a partner! During the interview, it’s okay to take a second to think things through, you don’t have to reply right away. If you don’t know the answer to a more complicated question, a simple “I’m not sure, but…” is a great response. “I’m not sure, but I’m willing to learn!” “I’m not sure I’ve experienced XYZ, but this is how I would handle it.”

Be Ready to Discuss Clinical Scenarios 🦷

Be prepared to discuss specific clinical situations and how you've handled them. This might include patient care challenges or your approach to patient education. Demonstrating your clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills is crucial.

Ask Questions❓

At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and practice. Consider asking about:

• Continuing education opportunities
• Team dynamics and office culture
• The best parts of this job and some of the more challenging aspects

Avoid questions about pay during the first interview. Ideally, you should already know what they are offering, but if not, the first interview is not the time to ask. Wait until your second or the job offer conversation to discuss pay. 

Follow Up with a Thank-You Note ✉️

After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Reiterate your interest in the position and highlight a key point from the interview to leave a lasting impression.

Reflect and Learn 💡

Regardless of the outcome, each interview is a learning experience! Reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. This reflection will help you grow and perform even better in future interviews.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to impress potential employers and take the next step in your career as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Good luck! You’re going to be great. ✨

For more career tips and resources, visit Cloud Dentistry and join our nationwide community of dental professionals!