Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Oral Surgery Assistant - 2025

As an oral surgery assistant, you play a crucial role in supporting the smooth and safe delivery of oral surgeries. This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers to help you highlight your technical competence, patient care skills, and professionalism. Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, these questions cover all key areas of the job, ensuring a successful interview.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience as an oral surgery assistant.
  I have been working as an oral surgery assistant for five years now. I have a strong background in dentistry and specifically in assisting with surgical procedures. I am skilled in prepping patients, sterilizing equipment, and providing emotional support to patients during procedures. My experience has taught me how to be detail-oriented, communicate effectively with the surgical team, and prioritize patient safety.
• 2. Why did you decide to become an oral surgery assistant?
  I have always been passionate about helping others and have a strong interest in the medical field. After working in a general dentistry office, I realized that I wanted to specialize in oral surgeries because they have a significant impact on improving patients' oral health. Being an oral surgery assistant allows me to combine my interests while making a difference in people's lives.
• 3. What do you think are the key qualities of an oral surgery assistant?
  Some key qualities of an oral surgery assistant include having strong attention to detail, being able to multitask, and being empathetic towards patients. It is also essential to have excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with the surgical team and provide clear instructions and information to patients.
• 4. How do you handle difficult or anxious patients?
  As an oral surgery assistant, it is crucial to remain calm and composed when working with difficult or anxious patients. I make sure to communicate with them in a compassionate and reassuring tone, addressing any concerns they may have. I also provide them with information about the procedure and answer any questions they may have to alleviate their anxiety.
• 5. How do you stay updated with the latest techniques and practices in oral surgery?
  I am committed to continuously learning and staying updated with the latest techniques and practices in oral surgery. I attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to improve my skills and knowledge. I also follow industry publications and network with other oral surgery assistants to keep up-to-date with any advancements or changes in the field.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What types of oral surgeries have you assisted with in the past?
  I have assisted with a variety of oral surgeries, including wisdom teeth extractions, dental implant placements, and jaw reconstruction. I also have experience with cleft palate repairs, dental trauma treatments, and oral biopsies.
• 7. How do you sterilize equipment and maintain a clean surgical environment?
  Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. I follow strict protocols to clean and sterilize equipment before and after procedures. I also make sure to properly dispose of hazardous materials and maintain a clean surgical environment at all times.
• 8. Can you walk us through your process for prepping a patient for oral surgery?
  When prepping a patient for oral surgery, I first review their medical history and make sure they are fit for the procedure. I then explain the procedure and answer any questions they may have. Next, I prepare the patient by positioning them correctly, monitoring their vital signs, and providing any necessary sedation. I also ensure that all surgical tools and equipment are properly sterilized and ready for use.
• 9. Have you ever encountered an emergency situation during an oral surgery? How did you handle it?
  Yes, I have encountered an emergency situation during an oral surgery. In one instance, a patient had a sudden drop in blood pressure, which required immediate attention. I calmly reacted and alerted the surgical team while using my training to stabilize the patient until the doctor could take over. The patient recovered without any complications.
• 10. How do you handle the post-operative care of patients?
  Post-operative care is crucial in ensuring proper healing and reducing the risk of complications. I make sure to follow the doctor's instructions and provide patients with clear instructions on post-operative care. I also monitor their progress, address any concerns they may have, and report back to the doctor if necessary.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. How do you handle conflicting priorities or a heavy workload?
  As an oral surgery assistant, I have learned how to prioritize tasks and manage my time efficiently. I make sure to communicate with my team if I am feeling overwhelmed and delegate tasks when necessary. If there are conflicting priorities, I prioritize tasks based on patient needs and the urgency of the situation.
• 12. Can you tell us about a time when you had to solve a problem during a surgical procedure?
  During a dental implant placement, the doctor noticed that the implant was not fitting correctly. Instead of panicking, I remained calm and helped the doctor troubleshoot the issue. We were able to fix the problem and complete the procedure successfully. This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and quick-thinking in high-pressure situations.
• 13. How do you handle conflicts with colleagues or superiors?
  I always strive to maintain a positive working relationship with my colleagues and superiors. If I encounter a conflict, I address it directly and professionally, expressing my perspective and finding a solution that benefits everyone. I value open communication and teamwork, and I believe that healthy working relationships are essential in providing quality patient care.
• 14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult patient?
  I once had to assist with a surgical extraction for a patient who was very anxious and fearful. I spent extra time explaining the procedure and making sure he was comfortable and calm. By being patient and reassuring, I was able to help the patient relax and successfully complete the procedure. This experience taught me the importance of compassion and empathy in working with patients.
• 15. How do you handle stressful situations in the workplace?
  Oral surgeries can be high-stress situations, but I make sure to remain focused and calm by taking deep breaths, keeping a positive attitude, and trusting in my training and skills. I also prioritize self-care outside of work and make time for stress-relieving activities like exercise and hobbies to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if a patient refused to follow post-operative care instructions?
  It is essential to educate patients on the importance of post-operative care and potential consequences of not following instructions. If a patient refuses to follow instructions, I would calmly explain the potential risks and try to find a compromise that the patient is comfortable with. If necessary, I would involve the doctor and seek their guidance on how to handle the situation.
• 17. How would you handle a patient experiencing excessive bleeding after an oral surgery?
  I would immediately assess the patient's condition and follow emergency protocols to stop the bleeding. I would also make sure the patient is stable and provide them with instructions on how to apply pressure to the wound until the doctor can attend to them. If the bleeding is severe, I would contact the doctor or emergency services for further assistance.
• 18. What would you do if a patient became unresponsive during a surgical procedure?
  My first priority would be to make sure the patient is stable and call for immediate medical assistance if necessary. If the patient is experiencing a medical emergency, I would follow the appropriate protocols for treating the situation while staying calm and communicating with my team. I would also document the incident and report it to the doctor for further evaluation.
• 19. How would you handle a difficult or demanding doctor?
  Being an oral surgery assistant requires the ability to work closely with doctors and other members of the surgical team. If a doctor is being difficult or demanding, I would first listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. I would maintain a professional attitude and communicate respectfully while finding a compromise that meets everyone's needs.
• 20. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard in the surgical environment?
  It is crucial to maintain a safe surgical environment to protect patients and staff. If I noticed a safety hazard, I would notify the appropriate person, such as the doctor or office manager, immediately. I would also take necessary precautions to mitigate the risk until the situation is resolved to ensure the safety of everyone involved.