Dental Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
Preparing for your first dental nurse interview can feel daunting — but with the right mindset and preparation, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your potential. At Frays Dental Education (FDE), we support our trainee dental nurses in developing confidence and professionalism through our Employability Module, which includes CV preparation, interview skills, and communication development.
While every practice may phrase their questions differently, having a clear idea of what to expect — and how to respond — can help you feel calm, focused, and ready to impress. Remember to keep your answers grounded in your own real-life experiences — avoid overused or made-up examples. Your personal story is unique, and you’ll find that many of your life experiences naturally connect with what interviewers are looking for.
1. Tell me about yourself
What they’re looking for:
A brief, professional summary of your background, interests, and career goals.
Example:
“I’m currently starting my training with Frays Dental Education. I’ve always enjoyed helping others and wanted to build a career where I can make a difference in people’s everyday comfort and confidence. I’ve begun developing core practical and communication skills through FDE’s Foundation Programme, which focuses on the
essentials of clinical support and patient interaction. I’m excited to keep building my knowledge step by step through to the Diploma stage and grow into a confident, capable dental nurse.”
Tip: Focus on your professional journey rather than your personal life. End with why you want the specific role.
2. Why have you applied for a dental nurse position?
What they’re looking for:
Your motivation and understanding of the dental nurse’s role.
Example:
“I’ve applied because dental nursing allows me to combine hands-on technical work with patient care. I enjoy supporting people and contributing to a team that delivers safe, positive dental experiences. I’m particularly drawn to your practice’s emphasis on learning and development, which aligns with my goal to continue growing in the profession.”
Tip: Link your personal values with the practice’s ethos.
3. How do you manage nervous or anxious patients?
What they’re looking for:
Empathy, communication, and reassurance skills.
Example:
“As a trainee, I’ve learned the importance of patience and calm communication. During my training sessions and practical observations, I’ve practiced using a gentle tone, explaining each step clearly, and giving patients time to feel comfortable. Even though I haven’t worked with many anxious patients yet, my experience supporting nervous classmates and volunteers during practice sessions has helped me build this skill.”
Tip: If you don’t have clinical examples yet, refer to similar real-life experiences where you
supported others in stressful situations.
4. What do you consider the key responsibilities of a dental nurse?
What they’re looking for:
An understanding of the main duties and professionalism expected.
Example:
“The key responsibilities of a dental nurse include preparing and sterilising equipment, assisting the dentist during procedures, maintaining accurate patient records, and ensuring infection control. Just as important are soft skills like communication, empathy, and maintaining patient confidentiality.”
Tip: Mention both clinical duties and patient support aspects.
5. How do you handle working under pressure?
What they’re looking for:
Organisation, teamwork, and calmness.
Example:
“During training and assessments, I’ve learned to stay calm and prioritise tasks efficiently, even when things get busy. For example, while assisting during mock clinical sessions, I focused on preparing instruments early and communicating clearly with my peers. Staying organised helps me manage time and pressure effectively.”
Tip: Use practical examples from your training — interviewers appreciate honesty and potential.
6. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
What they’re looking for:
Self-awareness and a willingness to improve.
Example:
“One of my strengths is attention to detail — I’m careful to follow procedures correctly, especially during sterilisation and record-keeping. I’m also a good listener, which helps me support both patients and colleagues. A weakness I’m working on is confidence when speaking in front of groups, but I’m improving this through my FDE communication training sessions.”
Tip: Choose a genuine weakness, but always explain how you’re addressing it.
7. Do you have any questions for us?
What they’re looking for:
Interest, curiosity, and professionalism.
Examples of questions you can ask:
– “What opportunities are available for trainee dental nurses to continue developing after qualification?”
– “How does your practice support new dental nurses during their early training?”
Tip: Always prepare at least two thoughtful questions — it shows engagement and enthusiasm.
8. How do you ensure patient confidentiality?
What they’re looking for:
Awareness of professional ethics and data protection.
Example:
“I understand that maintaining confidentiality is vital in dental nursing. I always make sure patient information is stored securely, only shared with authorised staff, and discussed in private when necessary. I know that confidentiality builds trust between patients and the dental team.”
9. How do you stay updated with dental procedures and regulations?
What they’re looking for:
Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Example:
“As a trainee, I stay informed through my coursework at Frays Dental Education and by following updates from professional bodies like the General Dental Council (GDC). I also plan to attend CPD sessions after qualification to continue learning.”
10. Describe a time when you worked well in a team
What they’re looking for:
Teamwork, communication, and reliability.
Example:
“During my foundation training at FDE, I worked closely with other trainees to complete simulated procedures. We divided tasks, communicated clearly, and supported one another. It showed me how teamwork improves efficiency and patient experience.”
Final Thoughts
Every dental nurse interview is a chance to demonstrate your professionalism, empathy, and readiness to learn. Remember — questions may not always be asked exactly as listed, or you may even find that the interview takes a completely different direction. That’s okay — rehearsal and preparation will still help you feel confident, focused, and able to think clearly in the moment.
The most important thing is to trust yourself and your own experiences. Be happy to respond openly to the questions asked, and aim to come across as genuine, honest, and approachable — these qualities are often more valuable than giving a “perfect” answer. At Frays Dental Education, our Employability Module — part of the Foundation in Dental Nursing Programme — helps students build these essential skills through CV preparation, mock interviews, communication workshops, and mentoring.
FDE’s approach to learning encourages step-by-step professional development, beginning with core practical and communication skills in the Foundation Programme and progressing to the NEBDN Diploma in Dental Nursing. This pathway allows learners to grow at a manageable pace, building confidence, competence, and employability at every stage.
Whether you plan to work in a private or NHS setting, preparation, authenticity, and reflection on your real experiences will always help you stand out. Explore the Foundation in Dental Nursing Programme here.