Interview scorecard template

Dentist interview scorecard

Evaluate Dentist candidates across 4 weighted areas: clinical competence, patient safety and protocol, patient communication, and working in a clinical team. Clinical competence leads at 35%, so probe procedure mix and volume: composite and amalgam restorations, endodontics on molars, surgical extractions, crown preparations, plus digital scanning, rubber dam use, and radiographic interpretation. Use the rubric to compare role-specific evidence consistently.

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healthcare clinicaldentistryinfection controlradiographyrestorative procedures
TL;DR
For clinical competence, look for evidence the candidate names weekly case volumes, describes molar RCT technique and margin control on crown preps, and cites own restoration failure rates. For patient safety and protocol, look for evidence the candidate describes concrete protocol steps, recalls a real adverse event such as LA syncope or a retained root, and audits own compliance. Apply the written 1–5 anchors to every answer, record the evidence behind each rating, and use the factor weights to reach a consistent overall assessment.
Complete evaluation framework

What to assess and how to score it

Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.

01
Evaluation factor

Clinical competence

35% weight

Probe procedure mix and volume: composite and amalgam restorations, endodontics on molars, surgical extractions, crown preparations, plus digital scanning, rubber dam use, and radiographic interpretation.

Evidence to listen for

  • Command of the procedures, anatomy, and equipment the role requires
  • Holds current registration or certification
  • Knows normal from abnormal and what to do about each
  • Recognises when a case is outside their scope

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Unsafe knowledge gaps; registration missing or lapsed.

2
Needs Improvement

Knowledge gaps that would affect patient care.

3
Satisfactory

Competent for standard cases; needs support on complex ones.

4
Very Good

Strong clinical knowledge; safe and reliable across the usual range.

5
Excellent

Names weekly case volumes, describes molar RCT technique and margin control on crown preps, and cites own restoration failure rates.

02
Evaluation factor

Patient safety and protocol

30% weight

Test command of cross-infection control, autoclave validation logs, radiation justification under IRMER or local equivalent, medical history screening, local anaesthetic complications, and medical emergency drills.

Evidence to listen for

  • Follows identification, infection control, and documentation protocol without prompting
  • Can describe an error or near miss and what they did
  • Escalates deterioration early
  • Treats protocol as protection rather than bureaucracy

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Casual about protocol; would not report an error.

2
Needs Improvement

Inconsistent protocol adherence; slow to escalate.

3
Satisfactory

Follows protocol reliably; documentation sometimes thin.

4
Very Good

Protocol is instinctive; escalates early and reports honestly.

5
Excellent

Describes concrete protocol steps, recalls a real adverse event such as LA syncope or a retained root, and audits own compliance.

03
Evaluation factor

Patient communication

20% weight

Assess how they handle anxious or phobic patients, explain treatment plans and costs, obtain valid consent, and discuss extraction versus root canal options.

Evidence to listen for

  • Explains a procedure to an anxious or confused patient
  • Handles distress, pain, or refusal without losing control of the interaction
  • Respects privacy and dignity in practice, not just in principle
  • Works with families and carers

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Dismissive of patients; no bedside awareness.

2
Needs Improvement

Task-focused; struggles with distressed patients.

3
Satisfactory

Adequate rapport; less confident in difficult interactions.

4
Very Good

Calm, clear, and respectful with anxious or difficult patients.

5
Excellent

Shows plain language treatment explanations, documented consent conversations, and specific techniques used to complete care for phobic or paediatric patients.

04
Evaluation factor

Working in a clinical team

15% weight

Look for working relationships with hygienists, dental nurses and labs: prescription writing, shade communication, remake rates, and referrals to oral surgery or orthodontics.

Evidence to listen for

  • Hands over cleanly and completely
  • Challenges a colleague when patient safety requires it
  • Takes direction from clinicians without deferring blindly
  • Handles shift work and pressure without becoming difficult to work with

Five-point scoring guide

1
Poor

Poor handover; cannot work in a clinical team.

2
Needs Improvement

Handover gaps; avoids raising concerns about colleagues.

3
Satisfactory

Reliable team member; handover adequate.

4
Very Good

Clean handovers and willing to speak up on safety.

5
Excellent

Describes clear lab prescriptions with low remake rates, delegates chairside effectively, and gives examples of appropriate specialist referrals.

Evidence-led prompts

Interview questions for a Dentist

Use these prompts to surface evidence for the weighted factors above and compare candidates against the same role-specific criteria.

  1. 01

    Where did you qualify, and what is your current registration status?

  2. 02

    Which procedures are you certified and confident to perform independently?

  3. 03

    How many years have you been practising, and in what settings?

  4. 04

    Do you have a specialism or particular area of focus?

  5. 05

    What experience do you have with surgical procedures?

See the complete Dentist question set
Put this rubric to work

Score every candidate against the same standard

Add these weighted factors to Hirevire and let AI evaluate recorded answers against your rubric.

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