Dental Practice Job Interviewer: “So tell me what you know about our practice?”
Dental Hygienist: “Well, I don’t know much, but it seems like everyone here is nice.”
FAIL
This job interview question is not really designed to be a trick question but it can trip you up if you are not prepared.
Not every job interviewer will ask it, which is partly why most simply aren’t ready for it. But it is an important question and you can be one of the few that gives a stellar answer if you are prepared.
Here are some thoughts on how to prepare to answer this basic, yet common dental hygiene job interview question:
The Jist of What Interviewers are Looking For
What dentists want to know is if you took the time time to learn about their office. Are they looking to see if you know details like their patient demographics or their gross revenue for the previous five years? Of course not!
But what they do want to know is if you know anything… that’s right, anything!
They want to know if you have visited their website or met any of their patients or employees, or if you know about some of the equipment they use.
So the best advice is to find 2-3 things unique about their office that you can talk with them in detail about, ask them questions about, and compliment them for.
Here’s a couple examples of a responses:
“I’ve learned through talking with one or two friends who used to be patients that you office is great about keeping appointments on schedule and that you are particularly good with kids. One of my friends just raves about your office and how nice everyone is. That’s exactly the type of work environment I thrive in – one that puts patients first.”
or
“I’ve asked around but don’t know anyone that has gone to your practice. However, I have found online several patient reviews and am impressed that how many people talk about your ability to communicate with them on their level and that many of them have been going to you for years. I do best in work situations where I can customize my communications with patients and so I love that aspect of your practice.”
Where to Get the Information
As indicated in the two examples above, you can get information from a variety of sources and ways – much of it coming online. But don’t overlook asking around. Chances are good if the office is located near you, there’s someone you know who has gone there or knows someone who has or even someone who works there.
Along with the practice website, it would be worthwhile checking out their social media pages to see what kinds of things they post about – some great insights will be there!
Final Tip
I would avoid sharing information that is negative. Some will take it in stride, but others become defensive and will almost view it as an assault from you – even though you are only the messenger. Keep it as specific as you can and as positive as possible for best results.
Doctors and practice office managers love to get this kind of information as feedback (especially positive) is affirming. And it’s really impressive to hear it from a candidate who has gone the extra mile to get it. Very few will do it, but it’s just one more way to stand out.
