Ultimate Guide to Prescreening Questions for Recruiting a General Dentist: Improve Your Hiring Process Today

What dental procedures are you most experienced in performing?

Every dentist has their areas of expertise, and knowing what a candidate is most proficient in can be useful in determining if they would be a good fit for your practice. This question will help you to understand their strengths and how these could benefit your patients.

Are you comfortable treating patients of all ages?

Having a dentist who can provide care for the whole family is an asset. It not only simplifies scheduling and coordination of appointments but also allows for more consistent, comprehensive dental care.

What is your approach towards preventive dentistry?

Preventive care is a fundamental part of dentistry. By asking this question, you can gain insight into the candidate's philosophy towards dental care and their commitment to preventing dental problems before they arise.

Can you describe a difficult case you've encountered and how you managed it?

This question allows the dentist to demonstrate their problem-solving skills, their ability to handle stress and challenging situations, and their dedication to patient care.

How do you handle dental emergencies during regular office hours?

Emergencies are a reality in any dental practice. A candidate's response to this question will give you an idea of their ability to think on their feet and manage unexpected situations.

Are you comfortable with using our practice management software?

Technological proficiency is increasingly important in modern dental practices. This question can help you gauge a candidate's comfort level with technology and their ability to adapt to new systems.

How do you stay updated on the latest advancements and research in the dental field?

Dentistry is a rapidly evolving field. This question allows the candidate to show their commitment to continuing education and staying on top of new developments and techniques.

Do you have experience with any specialized dental procedures?

While a general dentist doesn't need to be an expert in every specialty, having some experience in areas like oral surgery, orthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry can be a significant advantage.

How do you manage patient anxiety and fear?

Many patients have anxiety about dental visits. A good dentist will have strategies in place to help patients feel more comfortable and reduce their anxiety.

Can you discuss your experience with oral surgery?

Oral surgery can be a challenging aspect of dentistry. This question can shed light on a candidate's surgical skills and experience.

What is your approach to patient education?

Patient education is a critical aspect of preventive care. This question can reveal a candidate's communication skills and their dedication to empowering patients with the knowledge to maintain good oral health.

Have you ever had to deal with an unsatisfied or irate patient? If so, how did you handle it?

Conflict resolution skills are vital in any customer-facing role. This question will give you an insight into the candidate's interpersonal skills and their ability to handle difficult situations.

Do you have experience working with special needs patients?

Working with special needs patients can require additional skills and patience. This question can help you understand the candidate's experience and comfort level in this area.

Do you have any expertise in cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a growing field. This question can reveal a candidate's interest and experience in improving patients' smiles and confidence.

How would you handle a situation where a patient disagrees with your treatment plan?

This question will show the dentist's communication skills and their ability to explain treatment plans clearly and handle objections effectively.

Do you have any experience in pediatric dentistry?

Working with children requires a specific skill set and a gentle approach. This question can help you gauge a candidate's comfort and experience with pediatric patients.

Do you have any experience in orthodontics?

Orthodontics can be a significant part of a dental practice. This question can shed light on a candidate's experience and interest in this specialty.

Can you explain how you ensure patient comfort during procedures?

Patient comfort is a crucial aspect of providing high-quality dental care. This question can reveal the strategies and methods the dentist uses to keep patients relaxed and comfortable.

How do you approach pain management for your patients?

Pain management is a key concern for many patients. This question can provide insight into the dentist's empathy, understanding, and approach to managing patient discomfort.

Can you describe your experience with dental implants?

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular. This question can help you understand a candidate's experience and proficiency in this area.