Interview question: Interests other than dentistry?

[Platypus]

Hi every one,

I was asked at my last interview if I had ever considered a job other than dentistry. I answered honestly (I had considered another profession earlier in my undergrad), I am just curious if any one else has had this experience or question...I am MOSTLY wondering if I was supposed to say something like "no, I am have only always been interested in detistry??"

It was part of a great conversation I was having during the interview but now I am freaking out wondering if it was some kind of trap?! Please ease or confirm my paranoia.

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[doc toothache]

Hi every one,
I was asked at my last interview if I had ever considered a job other than dentistry. I answered honestly (I had considered another profession earlier in my undergrad), I am just curious if any one else has had this experience or question...I am MOSTLY wondering if I was supposed to say something like "no, I am have only always been interested in detistry??"
It was part of a great conversation I was having during the interview but now I am freaking out wondering if it was some kind of trap?! Please ease or confirm my paranoia.

Honesty turns out to be the best policy.

 

[DrReo]

Hi every one,

I was asked at my last interview if I had ever considered a job other than dentistry. I answered honestly (I had considered another profession earlier in my undergrad), I am just curious if any one else has had this experience or question...I am MOSTLY wondering if I was supposed to say something like "no, I am have only always been interested in detistry??"

It was part of a great conversation I was having during the interview but now I am freaking out wondering if it was some kind of trap?! Please ease or confirm my paranoia.

I was interested in graduate school for biomedical engineering. I'd say that.

 

[blue34]

They asked something like that at Iowa. It was like "If you couldn't become a dentist, what would you do?"
If you answer honestly, it could lead to a whole new conversation. I don't think its a trap, I just think its a way for them to get to know you and your personality better.
I answered truthfully with "I would run an America Pit Bull Terrier rescue center." The interview asked why Pit Bulls, etc, and we ended up talking for like 5-10 minutes about it. Thankfully he was a dog person! 🙂
Just be honest. The point of an interview is for the admissions committees to get to know you better. If they don't like your personality or your outlook, why would you want to go there anyway?!?
Good luck!

 

[ChrisM07]

See, I'm glad someone posted this cause I've been wondering this myself. I will be getting my degree in Geology and would want to do something in the oil/mining industry, but I would only naturally want to use that as a last resort if dental school doesn't work after a few re-applications (should that be needed).

Here's what I have been thinking.

If they ask if I have a plan B:

- I say yes. Do they immediately think, "Hey this kid has something to fall back on should we not accept him."

- I say no. Do they think, "Wow, he really wants dentistry. He's determined to get in. We'll put extra thought into him".

I would be worried that they would treat my application differently knowing I have a plan B.

 

[Platypus]

I know! It's kind of nerve wracking, especially because it's hard to know if they are looking for a specific answer. I just wonder how much empathy an interviewer would have ie do they realize that plans change (so we might have had alternative plans at one point) and also that we do have backup plans?

 

[dentalmagnet]

there isn't really a right answer. Everything that has been said so far sounds sincere. I know what I would say, research. Specifically organic chemistry research..I really love what they do.

 

[visbimmer79]

I think they should have asked....

"Do you think this career really fit to you?"
"Why dentistry?"
"What have you done for this career?"
"What makes you decide to pursue dentistry?"
"What kinds of actitvities you have done that can show your hand skill?"
"Why not medical school?"
"When is the first time to consider dentistry?"


Instead of asking

"What other things u will do if you are not pursuing dentistry?"
"What will you do if you are not accepted in this cycle?"


I think they ask those kinds of questions(Latter ones), because they may think your reasons to pursue dentistry is weak based on your AADSAS application or what you say during your interview!

These packages of questions are to ask your motivation to become a dentist!

 

[DrReo]

I think they should have asked....

"Do you think this career really fit to you?"
"Why dentistry?"
"What have you done for this career?"
"What makes you decide to pursue dentistry?"
"What kinds of actitvities you have done that can show your hand skill?"
"Why not medical school?"
"When is the first time to consider dentistry?"


Instead of asking

"What other things u will do if you are not pursuing dentistry?"
"What will you do if you are not accepted in this cycle?"


I think they ask those kinds of questions(Latter ones), because they may think your reasons to pursue dentistry is weak based on your AADSAS application or what you say during your interview!

These packages of questions are to ask your motivation to become a dentist!

They can ask whatever they want within reason. It's a good question and the interviewer wanted to see if the applicant has considered other options and how he/she reacts to the question.

 

[visbimmer79]

They can ask whatever they want within reason. It's a good question and the interviewer wanted to see if the applicant has considered other options and how he/she reacts to the question.

I don't think they ask these kinds of questions to see how he/she reacts. Normally, they are not there to embarass you

Instead, they want to know dentistry is really for you.

Then, he/she will not quit during his/her professional yrs or he/she is likely to possess potential to be a sucessful dentist
(As a dental student --> handle curriculum, contribute to the diversity of the school, abide by ethical codes, study hard, pass board, become a alumni member who is beneficial to this school, etc) who will conribute to the enhancement of the school's mission & reputation in the long run.

Most of D-students who quit D-schools because they realize it's not for them. It's not because of his/her poor academic performance.

Again, I am sure that they want to know if dentistry is really for you.

Depending on situations, I guess it may imply that interviewer felt your motivation to become a dentist was not enough! What's next? It's up to u to change their mind & thinking.