Hygiene interview guide
We take care of you, so you can take care of patients.

Interviews
Put your best foot forward in Dental Hygiene interviews
Let us know you’re interested!
There are many ways to show you want to learn more about Aspen Dental – complete an online application, respond to one of our Hygiene Talent Acquisition Managers, or speak with a Hygiene Academic Manager.
Talk to a Hygiene
Talent Acquisition Manager (TAM)!
Schedule time with a TAM to learn about Aspen Dental, get info about the office you’re interested in, ask questions, and so much more.
Connect now
Interview with the local Aspen Dental team!
Your TAM will coordinate an interview to meet the Aspen Dental office team so you can talk with the Doctor, Office Manager, and other team members that help deliver exceptional patient care in your community.
Decide to launch your career with Aspen Dental!
Now is the time to decide if there’s a mutual fit. If so, your TAM will provide a written offer with details on the opportunity and be your point of contact for any additional questions you may have.

Interview best practices
The interview is as much about us interviewing you as it is you interviewing us!  Here are some helpful tips & tricks to master your interview.
Research
  • Dentist
  • Office Location
  • Website
  • Office Philosophy/Culture
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Preparation
  • Identify your soft skills & what motivates you.
  • Prepare for questions you may be asked & things you’ll want to know.
  • Bring your resume to the interview.
  • Bring a notepad and pen.
  • Dress professionally. Ask ahead of time if you need to wear scrubs for shadowing.
Download our Resume Building Cheat Sheet

Think about your soft skills & strengths
  • Team Player
  • Communication
  • Punctuality
  • Growth
  • Feedback
  • Critical Thinking
  • Constant learning
  • Active listener
  • Attention to detail
  • Time Management
  • Compassion
  • Self-starter
  • Collaboration
  • Patient Care
  • Adaptability

Know your driving factors
  • Mentorship
  • Career advacement
  • Benefits
  • Compensation
  • Collaborative doctor
  • Schedule flexibility

Questions you may be asked
  • How would you approach a conversation with your doctor if you are not aligned clinically
  • What is your biggest takeaway from hygiene school?
  • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • What are your driving factors when looking for a dental home?
  • How do you like to receive feedback?
  • Do you feel comfortable administering local anesthetic?
  • Walk me through how you would approach a conversation with your doctor if you are not aligned with their clinical recommendation.
  • How do you explain to a patient who just wants “a cleaning” they need periodontal treatment if they show signs of infection?
  • What has been your experience with using the most recent AAP guidelines in periodontal assessments?

Questions you may want to ask
  • What does onboarding and training look like?
  • What is the office culture like?
  • What are you looking for in a hygienist?
  • How do you collaborate with your hygienists?
  • What does growth look like for a hygienist within your practice?
  • How often are instruments replaced?
  • What are the schedule expectations?
  • Will I be double-booked?
  • How are appointment length times determined?
  • How does scheduling recare appointments work?
  • Do I have to clock out if there is an opening in my schedule?
  • Will there be help when perio charting?
Practice
  • Have a mock interview
  • Record yourself
  • Think about body language

Be your own advocate:
  • Be prepared with your questions!
  • Be straightforward with what you are looking for!
  • Be willing to speak up for what you want!

Interview

  • Confirm interview details and expectations the day before.
  • Be early. Plan extra travel time in case of delays.
  • First impression, smile, make eye contact, have a firm handshake.
  • Be professional!
  • Avoid negative comments and think of your tone and body language.
  • Engage in conversation.
  • Be You!
 Follow-up
  • Connect with your TAM after to share how the interview went! They are rooting for you!
  • Thank them for their time.
  • Ask them what the next steps are and when you should expect to hear back.

Received an offer?
  • Get offer details in writing
  • Partner with your TAM to work through any negotiation needs