Interview Questions

Question 1

Why suitable?

Answer 1

1. AS biology & Ps - more interested in the practical side as work in a team
2. 4 weeks work experience as a vet nurse -used to smells and blood.
3. Keep +ve, friendly tone in high pressure situations - practiced coping tricks e.g +ve attitude can help turn stress and and anxiety I to positive energy such as excitement.
4. ESOL volunteer training taught - help people who were trying to learn English and were getting frustrated.
   - reassure, instead of ‘that’s wrong’ say ‘that’s very but the way I would say it is’.

Question 2

Why want?

Answer 2

1. Hands on, not desk, interested in widening current skill set -e.g. learning on the job.
2. Rewarding career - make a difference in ppl’s lives - transformations improve self esteem and confidence.
3. Opportunities for career progression - nursing in orthodontic setting if in future.
4. Diversity within the role itself e.g. looked into how a typical working day was structured:
   - prep. paper work and lab. equipment for each patient.
   - Sterilising and maintainance of equipment. >in AS followed instructions
   - Assisting dentist in appointments
   - reassuring patient

Question 3

Manage work life balance

Answer 3

1. make time for therapy
2. Gym
3. Getting outside - waking along river
4. Living independently, eating better -food prep for time management

Question 4

NHS value = improving lives. Meaning to you as as a dental nurse?

Answer 4

Knowing able to help ppl from all financial backgrounds to maintain their health

Question 5

Hobbies

Answer 5

-Shopping
-Recently started cooking / baking for friends coming over - TV shows
-gym
-experiment trying out different trends for beauty health on tiktok
-podcasts

Question 6

Why are relationships important in a workplace?

Answer 6

1. Believe a positive environment will be projected onto patients.
2. Arguing/ complaining can lead to a -ve patient experience.
3. Increases productivity as you can learn most efficient ways to carry out tasks from each of other.

Question 7

Questions to ask?

Answer 7

1. If I wanted to develop I my career would any assistance be given?
2. Would the practice help me with my ROE if iam successful?

Question 8

Qualities a dental nurse should posses?

Answer 8

1. Genuine interest in welfare of patients. -own experiences
2. in a pressured situation - 4 weeks work experience at a vet practices - used initiative to assist nurses e.g. cleaned demtal equipment using a conclave.
3. +ve tone so patients feel omfortable to approach me.
4. Effectively communicate with patients so they know what to expect and so I can address their concerns.

Question 9

How do you cope under pressure?

Answer 9

Remain calm and think methodically when problem solving e.g emergency situation dog injury, took other away.

2. +ve attitude can turn -ve stress into +ve energy - exitement

Question 10

NHS values: respect and dignity. How will.l you gain the trust of patients and their families/ caregivers?

Answer 10

1. Take time to egt to know patients unique emotional needs.
2. Be honest and transparent and give realistic expectations. -Time restraints,cost.
3. May be the main point of contact for patient inquiries and concerns so must be able to cou t on you to deliver on time.

Question 11

Extra courses related to dental nursing?

Answer 11

Not Ed. related
Vet nurse work experience- dentals
Online workshops

Question 12

Best practices for infection control?

Answer 12

1. Wiped down chairs and surfaces that have been touched before next patient.
2. Proper hand washing - looked online and WHO recommends handfasting before touching a patient, before performing an aseptic procedure, after you’ve come into contact with bodily fluids.
3. At least 20 seconds warm water and soap, paper towel.

Question 13

How can you protect patient data in the workplace?

Answer 13

1. Lock computer after leaving g workstation so can’t be accessed.
2. Always check their file to see who they’ve given consent to to receive their info.
3. Low volume in clinic so other patients don’t overhear sensitive info.

Question 14

Frequently used instruments? Brief description.

Answer 14

1. Extracting forceps - pull out teeth
2. Ultrasonic scaler - removes tartar or calculus from the tooth.
3. Saliva ejector - eliminate excess saliva or water from the mouth and oral cavity during dental procedures.

Question 15

Why important to treat tooth infection?
Symptoms?

Answer 15

If left untreated can spread to other areas of the body and can cause potentially life threatening complications
E.g. in work experience told bad dental health can lead to sepsis.

Symptoms: toothache, pain when chewing, sensitivity of the tooth, foul breath odour, swollen glands.

Question 16

Common dental issues facing the elderly?

Answer 16

Mobility limitations, medication use, communication barriers makes them more susceptible to to certain conditions.

1. Untreated tooth decay from poor mobility when brushing can lead to cavities.
2. Take prescription and over the counter drugs - can cause dry mouth - leads to cavities.
3. May need to educate younger patients on the use of tobacco products as these can cause oral cancer later in life.
4. Wearing dentures can affect nutrition so it’s important to educate caregivers.

Question 17

Best practices when getting to know a new patient?

Answer 17

1. Introduce myself and smile.
2. Light- hearted conversation before working with them e.g. ask them about their length of time at the practice or their health.
3. Familiarise myself with their health conditions to make sure I don’t miss any important details.
4. Let them know what to expect along the way & answer an q.s

Question 18

What can you tell mevabout the sterilisation process of dental equipment?

Answer 18

1. Important for patient health and can seriously affect the organisation responsible. Take accountability.
2. Done by heating and chemicals.
3. Autoclaving can inactivate bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses and other microorganisms on the instruments.
4. Used to sterilise: stainless steel, Teflon coated instruments, perception trays, periodontal scalers. Radiographic equipment.

Question 19

How do you help calm anxious patients?

Answer 19

1. Explain every step of the procedure so they know what we’re doing and what to expect.
2. Pause if they have any questions or need to the a breath.
3. Use words od encouragement and reassurance to help them relax.

Question 20

How do you provide post-operative instructions to your patients.

Answer 20

Interviewer is looking for your ability to relay information.

1. Go over instructions verbally as well as provide written instructions that the patient. I offer to email it to them.
2. Give to a family member or caregiver as well as the patient.
3. Tell them what to expect so they can prepare. e.g. in case they experience pain or swelling over the next couple of days.
4. This includes common issues that arise post surgery, how to treat them at home and when to call the practice.
5. Also let them know about actions they should abstain from and the consequences of these.
6. Ask if they have any questions and let them know I will be calling to check in and follow up on their recovery process.

Question 21

How would you help ensure a positive patient experience?

Answer 21

1. Many patients are anxious so try to calm them by reassuring them they are in good hands.
2. To make sure they’re comfortable, spend time explaining what we’re doing and I some cases help them to find an audio book or soothing music to ditract them.
3. Ask how they are feeling throughout so they know you care.
4. Seek their feedback after so I know how I can improve my interactions with patients.

Question 22

Do you have a certificate in conscious sedation?

Answer 22

I’m not currently formally trained or have a certificate but I would be interested in getting one. Does the NHS provide any training and certification opportunities for this?

Question 23

What interested you in dental nursing?/ Why do you want to be a dental nurse?

Answer 23

1. I knew early on I wanted to pursue a career in health care
   - hands on aspect of the role

but more recently nursing because
- being able to make a difference in other people’s lives.

2. I looked at different nursing positions and I liked the idea of being a dental nurse because:
   - steady career as people will always need dental care
   - scheduling is typically Monday - Friday day shifts which is what I’m used to and fits around my lifestyle.
3. Able to spend more time with patients one-to-one because it seems there are less patients than there are in a hospital setting.
4. My own personal experience - found being able to ring the nurses with my concerns with my retainers was helpful. Worried wires weren’t clipped on as they were at the beginning.

Question 24

What motivates you in the workplace?

Answer 24

1. I am motivated by the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. E.g. teacher stayed back during lunch for personal tuition.
2. Understand what a difference it can make when you feel comfortable and safe in an environment you normally have anxiety in. E.g AS exams in a smaller room than GCSEs.
3. Rewarding as I find value and purpose in improving people’s mental health. Own mental health struggles with self esteem.

Question 25

What do you feel are the core responsibilities of a dental nurse?

Answer 25

1. Providing direct support with patient treatments.
2. decontaminating instruments and equipment.
3. ensuring all the relevant supplies are in place in the surgery area and making sure it’s ready for use.
4. Looking after patient records and documenting when the dentist is examining a patient.
5. Ensuring patients feel safe and comfortable and answer any questions or concerns.

Question 26

Are there any trading topics of dentistry that interest you?

Answer 26

1. Interested in 3D printing in dentisty.
2. I understand technology has advanced as far as being able to create crowns, bridges and models.
3. In the past, creating dental implants and moulds could be an invasive and uncomfortable procedure.
4. Would love to learn more about this.

Question 27

Why are you leaving you’re current job?

Answer 27

1. I’m looking for opportunities that allow for continued growth.
2. I’d like go expand my skillset particularly in a more practical sense
3. Looking for a shorter commute.

Question 28

What interested you in applying for a role with the NHS?

Answer 28

1. NHS is a large employer so I feel I could find stability in my career as well as opportunities for growth.
2. The NHS core values align largely with my own as they believe in respecting patients and that everyone counts so I think it would be a really good cultural fit.

Question 29

How would you resolve a conflict with a co-worker?

Answer 29

1. Group practical for biology.
2. Noticed that one person took charge and was leaving some of the other members with nothing to do,
3. I spoke to them privately, had open communication with them and gave examples of what was happening.

They were shocked as they hadn’t realised.

Question 30

How would you educate a patient was was concerned about the effects of receiving an x-ray?

Answer 30

1. Firstly, I would commend the patient for having g the courage to speak up and make the best decision for them.
2. Be respectful and empathetic to their concerns.
3. Provide facts from credible sources like the dental health society or the WHO - trust
4. Reassure them that they we’re trained and that safety precautions to protect them from nearly all of the exposure will be put in place.
5. Explain that the benefits outweigh the risk as conditions may not be accurately diagnosed without an X-ray.

Question 31

How do you handle a patient that complains a lot?

Answer 31

1. Address the root of the issue: if they’re nervous and this is coming out in the form of negativity, it’s possible no one explained the process, the procedure or the reason behind a recommendation.
2. Reassure them and keep a positive tone.
3. Might be a simple problem like providing them with a blanket if they find the waiting area is too cold.

Question 32

An example of when you went above an beyond at work/ college.

Answer 32

Work: frequently had a customer visit with special needs. Would often escort them to items rather than just directing them.

College: stayed behind for extra tuition.