What qualities do you possess that make you an excellent dental hygienist?

JUNIOR LEVEL
What qualities do you possess that make you an excellent dental hygienist?
Sample answer to the question:
I possess several qualities that make me an excellent dental hygienist. Firstly, I have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, which are crucial when working closely with patients. I am able to make patients feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visits. Additionally, I am detail-oriented and highly organized, ensuring that all procedures and patient records are accurately documented. I also have strong teamwork skills, allowing me to collaborate effectively with dentists and other members of the dental care team. Finally, I am proficient in using electronic medical records and have the physical dexterity necessary to perform dental cleaning procedures.
Here is a more solid answer:
As a dental hygienist, I possess several qualities that make me excellent in my role. Firstly, I have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. I am able to build rapport with patients and make them feel comfortable during their dental visits. This helps to establish trust, which is crucial for effective patient care. Additionally, I am highly organized and detail-oriented. I have a proven track record of accurately documenting procedures and patient records, ensuring that all information is complete and up to date. I am also able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. I understand the importance of collaboration and communication with dentists and other members of the dental care team to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Moreover, I have a strong proficiency in using electronic medical records, allowing me to efficiently manage patient information and access necessary data. Lastly, I have the physical dexterity required to perform dental cleaning and related procedures with precision and accuracy.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details and examples to demonstrate the qualities mentioned in the job description. It highlights the candidate's ability to build rapport with patients, their track record of accurately documenting procedures and patient records, their understanding of the importance of collaboration and communication in a team, their proficiency in using electronic medical records, and their physical dexterity. However, it can still be improved by providing examples of past experiences or achievements that showcase these qualities.
An example of a exceptional answer:
I believe that my qualities as a dental hygienist set me apart and make me truly excellent in my role. Firstly, my exceptional interpersonal and communication skills have been key in establishing strong relationships with patients. For example, I once had a particularly anxious patient who was able to relax and cooperate during the cleaning procedure because I took the time to listen to their concerns and talk them through each step of the process. This demonstrated my ability to make patients feel comfortable and cared for. Moreover, my organizational abilities have allowed me to efficiently manage patient records and ensure accuracy in documentation. I have received praise from both colleagues and supervisors for my attention to detail and thoroughness. In terms of teamwork, I have often taken the lead in coordinating with dentists and other dental professionals to ensure seamless patient care. For instance, during a complex dental procedure, I collaborated closely with the dentist, efficiently anticipating their needs and providing the necessary tools and information in a timely manner. Lastly, my advanced computer proficiency has allowed me to streamline administrative tasks and improve productivity. I have developed innovative solutions for managing electronic medical records, which have been adopted by the dental practice I previously worked in. Overall, the combination of my excellent interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, teamwork, computer proficiency, and physical dexterity make me an exceptional dental hygienist.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing specific examples of past experiences or achievements that highlight the candidate's qualities in action. It demonstrates their ability to make anxious patients feel comfortable and cared for, their attention to detail and thoroughness in managing patient records, their leadership and coordination skills in a team setting, their ability to develop innovative solutions, and their impact on improving productivity. This level of detail and specific examples showcases the candidate's excellence in their role. However, it can still be further enhanced by mentioning any relevant certifications or additional specialized skills that the candidate possesses.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Prepare specific examples of past experiences or achievements that highlight your qualities as a dental hygienist.
  • Review and familiarize yourself with the dental hygiene procedures and protocols mentioned in the job description.
  • Research and stay up to date with the latest advancements in dental technology and equipment.
  • Practice your communication skills, especially in how to effectively communicate with anxious or nervous patients.
  • Brush up on your computer skills, particularly using electronic medical records systems.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Organizational abilities
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Computer proficiency
  • Physical dexterity

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions