Ace Your Aspen Dental Dental Hygienist Interview: The Top 25 Questions You’ll Be Asked

Interviewing for a dental hygienist role at Aspen Dental? This is an exciting opportunity to launch your career with a leading dental support services provider As one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the United States, Aspen Dental offers tremendous prospects for professional growth and job satisfaction.

But to get the job, you have to wow the interviewers and show that you have what it takes to provide excellent patient care. In other words, you should be ready to confidently and accurately answer the most common dental hygienist interview questions.

Here are the top 25 questions you might be asked at your Aspen Dental interview, along with examples of how to answer them. This will help you put your best foot forward. If you can do these, you’ll be ready to impress the interviewers and get the job.

1. Why do you want to work as a dental hygienist for Aspen Dental?

This opening question aims to assess your interest in the role and the company The interviewers want to gauge your passion for dental hygiene and whether Aspen Dental specifically aligns with your career goals and aspirations Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and highlight why you feel Aspen Dental is the right fit for you,

I’m very interested in oral health care and have admired Aspen Dental’s dedication to making high-quality dental care available and affordable for a long time. As a dental hygienist here, I could make patients’ lives better by teaching them about preventive care and giving them oral health tips. I’m also drawn to Aspen’s investment in using cutting-edge technologies like digital imaging. This aligns perfectly with my interest in utilizing the latest advancements in dentistry. In general, I think that working at Aspen Dental will let me use all of my skills as a dental hygienist to give patients kind, thorough care.

2. What do you know about our mission and values at Aspen Dental?

The interviewers want to see that you’ve done your research about the company. Discuss Aspen Dental’s focus on breaking down barriers to dental care and providing a welcoming, patient-centric experience. Show how their values of compassion, integrity, excellence, and accountability resonate with you.

Sample Answer: From my research, I understand that Aspen Dental aims to break down the barriers between patients and quality care. You strive to provide dental services with compassion, integrity, excellence, and accountability. I’m impressed by your commitment to an open, honest, and caring approach that puts patients first. These values completely align with my own philosophy of patient-focused care. I look forward to upholding these values and helping Aspen Dental achieve its mission of delivering easily accessible, high-quality dental services.

3. How do you keep patients comfortable and calm during dental procedures?

This question tests your bedside manner and how you make patients feel at ease. Discuss verbal and non-verbal techniques you use, such as explaining what you’re doing, active listening, calm tone of voice, etc. You can also mention specialized skills like administering nitrous oxide safely.

Sample Answer: I always begin by explaining the procedure clearly and answering any questions the patient may have. During the procedure, I maintain a calm, friendly demeanor which helps put patients at ease. I also use positive reinforcement like praising when they are doing well. If a patient seems anxious, I use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises. For more invasive treatments, I am trained to safely administer nitrous oxide to maximize patient comfort. My goal is for patients to feel cared for during the entire visit.

4. How do you keep your dental knowledge and skills up to date?

Lifelong learning is critical in healthcare. The interviewer wants to know that you are committed to continuously developing your dental hygiene expertise. Discuss proactive steps you take, such as attending conferences, reading dental journals, taking CE courses, and staying on top of new research and technologies.

Sample Answer: I make a concerted effort to keep my skills sharp and expand my dental hygiene knowledge. I maintain active memberships in professional associations which provide access to the latest research and best practices. I also regularly attend local and national dental conferences and take continuing education courses in areas I want to develop further expertise in. Additionally, I read respected industry publications to stay updated on emerging techniques and technologies. Continuing to grow my knowledge allows me to provide the highest quality of care to my patients.

5. How do you motivate patients to improve their oral hygiene habits?

Educating patients about oral healthcare is a core responsibility of dental hygienists. This question tests your ability to motivate patients to take better care of their teeth and gums. Show that you can positively influence them by explaining proper techniques, setting goals, following up on progress, and praising improvements.

Sample Answer: My strategy focuses on educating patients on the tangible impacts of good oral hygiene in a way that resonates with them personally. For example, I may explain how brushing properly prevents painful dental issues down the road. Or I might focus on how healthy gums can improve their smile’s appearance. I have patients demonstrate brushing and flossing to me, so I can provide feedback and encouragement. I also set oral hygiene goals with patients and follow up to track their progress. My approach aims to motivate patients by making dental care relevant to their lives.

6. How do you handle difficult patients?

Dental professionals inevitably encounter challenging patients. With this question, the interviewers want to assess how you deal with such situations while remaining professional. Emphasize listening skills, empathy, patience, and a commitment to quality care regardless of circumstances. You can use a real example if you have one.

Sample Answer: When faced with a difficult patient, I do not take their behavior personally. I remain calm and professional throughout the interaction. Actively listening to their concerns allows me to understand and empathize with their perspective. Even if a patient is rude or angry, I treat them with dignity and respect. My priority is delivering the same high level of dental care to every patient, regardless of the challenges they may present. This ability to handle tense situations is vital for any dental professional.

7. What infection control procedures do you follow as a dental hygienist?

Infection control is paramount in dentistry, so expect this question. Discuss universal precautions you follow including PPE use, sterilization of instruments, disinfection of surfaces, safe injection practices, proper hand hygiene, etc. Emphasize that you consistently adhere to CDC and OSHA guidelines on infection control.

Sample Answer: Infection control is a critical part of my dental hygiene practice. I always wear personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, and eyewear when treating patients. I ensure instruments are properly cleaned, disinfected, packaged, sealed, and sterilized after each use. Work surfaces are disinfected between every patient. I also adhere rigorously to hand hygiene protocols and safe injection practices. Additionally, I dispose of all biohazardous waste correctly per OSHA standards. Following these procedures consistently ensures the safety of both my patients as well as myself and other dental staff.

8. Are you comfortable performing dental hygiene procedures without supervision?

As a dental hygienist at Aspen Dental, you’ll often work independently with patients. This question gauges your confidence in your clinical skills and judgement. Convey that you are fully comfortable performing procedures like teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealant applications, and dental imaging unsupervised. If relevant, mention any advanced certifications or specialized training that support your competency.

Sample Answer: Yes, I am very comfortable performing all standard dental hygiene procedures without direct supervision. In my previous role, I worked independently while treating patients for over 2 years. My training included extensive hands-on clinical experience which fully prepared me to deliver comprehensive dental hygiene care autonomously. I am certified in administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide as well. Whether it is dental imaging, sealant placement, or teeth polishing, I am proficient in executing these procedures unsupervised while upholding the highest standards of care.

9. How do you ensure proper sharp disposal and waste management procedures are followed?

Dental offices produce considerable hazardous biomedical waste. Interviewers want to know you understand proper disposal protocols and prioritize safety. Discuss your experience following OSHA guidelines for segregation, handling, disposal, and documentation. Emphasize your vigilance in this critical aspect of the job.

Sample Answer: I always adhere stringently to OSHA’s safety guidelines regarding sharp disposal and biomedical waste management. I immediately dispose of all sharps like needles in approved sharps containers. I avoid recapping needles and use care when handling sharps. Biohazardous waste is correctly segregated in designated red bags and handed off to certified disposal services. I document all waste disposal diligently. Additionally, I educate patients on safe sharp disposal for items used at home. Following proper protocols prevents injuries while safeguarding the wider community, which I take very seriously as a dental professional.

10. How do you ensure dental equipment is properly disinfected?

Equipment disinfection is imperative for infection control. The interviewer will want to know that you thoroughly clean and disinfect all dental equipment according to recommended guidelines. Discuss your process for cleaning devices like