Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Dental Hygienist Roles – 2025

Preparing for a dental hygienist job interview? As a dental hygienist, you play a critical role in a patient's oral health care. This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your expertise, experience working with patients, and knowledge of dental procedures. Whether you’re applying for a role in a private practice or a clinic, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. What motivated you to become a dental hygienist?
  A: I have always been passionate about oral health and helping people. Becoming a dental hygienist allows me to combine both of those interests and make a positive impact on my patients' lives.
• 2. How do you handle difficult or anxious patients?
  A: I try to understand the root cause of their anxiety and address it in a calm and reassuring manner. I also use distraction techniques and take breaks if needed to help them feel more comfortable.
• 3. How do you stay updated on industry developments and best practices?
  A: I regularly attend continuing education courses and conferences, subscribe to industry publications, and network with other dental hygienists to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and best practices.
• 4. How do you maintain patient confidentiality?
  A: I follow HIPAA regulations and ensure that all patient information is kept confidential and secure. I also refrain from discussing any details about patients outside of work.
• 5. What do you enjoy most about being a dental hygienist?
  A: I enjoy building relationships with my patients and helping them achieve and maintain a healthy smile. It's rewarding to see the positive results of my work.

Experience & Technical Skills

• 6. What experience do you have in educating patients about oral health?
  A: I have over 5 years of experience working as a dental hygienist and have consistently educated my patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, lifestyle habits that impact oral health, and preventive care measures.
• 7. How do you handle a patient who is non-compliant with their oral hygiene routine?
  A: I try to understand the reason behind their non-compliance and provide personalized education and tips to help them improve their oral hygiene habits. I also follow up and monitor their progress.
• 8. Do you have experience working with patients who have medical conditions?
  A: Yes, I have worked with patients with a wide range of medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, and autoimmune disorders. I understand how these conditions can impact oral health and I adjust my treatment plan accordingly.
• 9. How do you handle emergency situations?
  A: I remain calm and assess the situation to determine the best course of action. I follow protocols and contact the appropriate personnel, such as the dentist or medical professionals, if necessary.
• 10. Can you walk me through a typical dental hygiene appointment?
  A: The first step is reviewing the patient's medical history and discussing any concerns or symptoms they may have. Then, I perform a thorough oral examination and provide a cleaning and preventive treatment, such as fluoride application. I also educate the patient on proper oral hygiene techniques and answer any questions they may have.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a dissatisfied patient?
  A: I had a patient who was unhappy with the results of their cleaning and felt that their previous dental hygienist did a better job. I listened to their concerns, reassured them, and explained the differences between our cleaning techniques. By the end of the appointment, they were satisfied with the results and thanked me for addressing their concerns.
• 12. How do you handle conflicts with colleagues or superiors?
  A: I believe in open communication and addressing issues directly and professionally. I would discuss the problem with the person involved and try to find a resolution that benefits both parties and the patient's treatment.
• 13. Describe a time when you had to handle a stressful situation in the workplace.
  A: During a particularly busy day, a patient experienced a medical emergency. I remained calm, assisted the dentist, and followed protocols, which helped stabilize the patient until medical professionals arrived.
• 14. How do you handle a diverse patient population?
  A: I believe in treating all patients with respect and sensitivity. I take the time to understand their cultural background and values and adapt my communication and treatment approach accordingly.
• 15. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a patient's insurance company?
  A: I had a patient whose insurance company refused to cover a necessary procedure despite meeting all the criteria. I contacted the insurance company, provided all the relevant information, and eventually got the procedure approved. I also communicated with the patient throughout the process to keep them informed and alleviate any concerns they had.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if a patient showed signs of discomfort or pain during a procedure?
  A: If the patient was experiencing pain, I would immediately stop the procedure and address the issue. I would numb the area, take a break if necessary, and communicate with the patient to ensure their comfort.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses to follow post-treatment instructions?
  A: I would explain the importance of the instructions and the potential consequences of not following them. If the patient still refuses, I would document the conversation and discuss it with the dentist to determine an appropriate course of action.
• 18. What would you do if you noticed a suspicious lesion or abnormality in a patient's oral cavity?
  A: I would notify the dentist immediately and document the finding. If necessary, I would also schedule a follow-up appointment for the patient to monitor the lesion or refer them to a specialist for further evaluation.
• 19. How would you handle a patient who has a history of non-compliance with dental treatment?
  A: I would try to understand the reasons for their non-compliance and address any concerns they may have. I would also educate on the potential risks of not following through with treatment and provide support and resources to help them overcome their barriers.
• 20. What would you do if you suspected a patient was experiencing domestic violence?
  A: I would approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy and offer a private and safe space for the patient to talk. I would also follow the appropriate protocols, such as reporting the situation to the authorities, to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.