Interview Questions

[dds ed]

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So, those of you lucky ones that have had an interview, what was the toughest question asked. Did you think it was an inappropriate question and had any true validation?😀

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Quite a few schools conclude their interviews with the same question, which I will ask you.

So Mr. dds ed, what would you like me to tell the admissions committee on behalf of you?

 

[euphaire]

Quite a few schools conclude their interviews with the same question, which I will ask you.

So Mr. dds ed, what would you like me to tell the admissions committee on behalf of you?

I have no idea how to answer that 🙁
I am really uncomfortable with interviews...

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I have no idea how to answer that 🙁
I am really uncomfortable with interviews...

It's a hard question isn't it? lol.
Although technically its not really a question...?

 

[Teeth12345]

I would say my hardest one was "When have you made a poor decision?"

 

[Double Bonded]

Mine was similar to Teeth's, it was the "What is your biggest weakness?"

It's a fair question to assess how an applicant responds but I doubt anyone ever is completely honest.

 

[MrAvicii]

Mine was similar to Teeth's, it was the "What is your biggest weakness?"

It's a fair question to assess how an applicant responds but I doubt anyone ever is completely honest.

easy one, just find a strength and cloak it as a weakness. the point is not to lower your value, but you find a strength that can temporarily seem like a weakness. yet in reality that "weakness" can be often used as a strength.

 

[SeattleRDH]

I know of someone who was asked in her interview "Do you like dogs?". She does not and answered truthfully and when she was not accepted to that school was convinced that it was because she didn't like dogs. Seriously.

 

[euphaire]

easy one, just find a strength and cloak it as a weakness. the point is not to lower your value, but you find a strength that can temporarily seem like a weakness. yet in reality that "weakness" can be often used as a strength.

I learned that in co-op interview 101.
However, it's SO CLICHE that all adcoms can probably see right through the phoniness of this "cover".
But to answer truthfully is risky too.
Oh what to do...👎

 

[Teeth12345]

I learned that in co-op interview 101.
However, it's SO CLICHE that all adcoms can probably see right through the phoniness of this "cover".
But to answer truthfully is risky too.
Oh what to do...👎

Honestly, adcom people know we're human. If we're not strong enough to admit our weakness, how are we supposed to be strong enough to admit mistakes we may make as a future dentist? If your weakness is that you have random urges to punch people, then maybe you should lie but if it's something "normal", then as long as you tell them how you're working to fix it, I think they'll appreciate your honesty. Just my two cents 🙂

 

[oreoson]

easy one, just find a strength and cloak it as a weakness. the point is not to lower your value, but you find a strength that can temporarily seem like a weakness. yet in reality that "weakness" can be often used as a strength.

Very good point. The trick here is never expose your weakness even if they ask you How's this one: I suck at golf.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

Whenever I conduct interviews, it's always the worst when people aren't honest about their weaknesses. It's so easy to see through the BS people feed you. As long as your weakness isn't a deal breaker (like I can't hang around elementary schools or playgrounds anymore), then it's fine. You've had trouble procrastinating in the past? big deal. You get stressed? o00o0o0o. Every dental student has struggled with everything, they just want to know if you can cope with it, and if you have strategies to deal with it. They want to know if you can look at yourself honestly and point out what you need to improve on. Be honest, give them a real weakness. It's not a bad thing.

I will personally kick you in the teeth if I hear anything along the lines of:

1) I'm a perfectionist
2) I care too much/get too close to people
3) I'm too organized, borderline OCD
4) I don't like heights or extreme sports/I suck at golf/I'm awful at basketweaving.

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

So, those of you lucky ones that have had an interview, what was the toughest question asked. Did you think it was an inappropriate question and had any true validation?😀

Greetings,

This comes from post #87 of my Dentistry Mentoring Thread (sticky):

Hi all,

In preparing for your next interview, I have compiled some questions that you may be asked so you can ponder on your answers. Remember that you are there to find out why you should attend their school too so don't be intimidated. Once you are at the interview stage, you are a serious contender so be confident!

Questions you maybe asked:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do you think about our city?
3. Why did you choose this undergraduate degree?
4. Can you explain why you got such a low grade here?
5. Tell me why you seem to struggle in this particular class the second
time around?
6. How do you think you will handle dental school curriculum based on
what I have seen here (good or bad)?
7. Are you a worrier?
8. Is stress good or bad for you?
9. How did you choose dentistry?
10. How much time did you spend investigating this field?
11. Tell me what a dentist does.
12. Tell me something that you hate about dentistry?
13. Tell me something you love about dentistry?
14. How many specialties are there in dentistry?
15. Do you plan to specialize? If yes, tell me what field?
16. Do you plan to go into academics?
17. Are you a perfectionist?
18. How many dental schools did you apply?
19. Tell me why you choose our school?
20. What do you know about our school?
21. Why should we accept you?
22. What are your plans if you get rejected?
23. If you can't be a dentist, what would you be?
24. If we were to offer you a spot now, would you take it?
25. What are your strengths?
26. What are your weaknesses?
27. Have you ever face a hardship in your life and tell me how you
overcome it?
28. Will you apply to our school again if we reject you this year?
29. Where do you plan to practice?
30. What are the problems facing dentistry today?
31. What do you think about the lack of access to oral care in rural
areas?
32. If you extract a wrong tooth, what would you do?
33. Do you plan to do research once you are in dental school?
34. Are you creative? Tell me what you do in your spare time?
35. Do you have good dexterity?
36. Do you play any musical instruments?
37. What is the difference between a dentist and a doctor? (trick question)
38. Do you have any questions for us?
39. How do you handle rude patients?
40. Do you do any charity work?

Questions you SHOULD ask the interviewer:

1. What is your class size?
2. What is the attrition rate for the first two years?
3. How does your school rank on National Boards passing rate?
4. How is your tuition compared to other surrounding schools?
5. Are there opportunities to do research with faculty?
6. What do you think about my chances of being accepted here?
(should ask last).

Your ultimate goal at the interview is to strengthen your application. By all means, do not let your subpar performance negate all the hard work you have done to get you to this stage. You need to come across as confidant but not arrogant and yet humble. You need to show the passion for the career you choose ahead of you. You need to show assertiveness, ask questions and demonstrate that you are the right candidate for their school. Do not volunteer "bad" information unless asked. And when asked don't "beat around the bush" or make excuses but show him/her what you have done since to correct the problem. If they have sympathy for you, that "bad" information will work for you. A good interview is when you leave a long lasting good impression of you in his/her mind. This can be achieved only if you interact with the interviewer by conversing rather than just giving out responses. Think before you speak and don't be afraid to say: "I am sorry but I do not have the answer at this point". No answer is better than a bad answer. Do not use layman's terms such as "doctor" or "price"; instead use "physician" or "fee" terminology. Remember to thank the person and tell him/her that you hope for a positive outcome. Sometimes you can know your chances right then and there but do not press him/her into giving you the scoop on your chances. At times, an action or a gesture can speak for itself. Good luck and let me know if I can be of more help! DP

 

[MrAvicii]

I learned that in co-op interview 101.
However, it's SO CLICHE that all adcoms can probably see right through the phoniness of this "cover".
But to answer truthfully is risky too.
Oh what to do...👎

lol i have professional working experience (with tons and tons of interviews under my belt), i have always used this and it has always worked. its not cliche, if you are clueless on how to interview or present yourself, then yes its obvious. But a good interviewee knows how to conduct himself and present any subject matter in such a way that the interviewer views the answer in a positive light. hey just because you cant swing it, doesn't mean it wont work.

 

[MrAvicii]

Honestly, adcom people know we're human. If we're not strong enough to admit our weakness, how are we supposed to be strong enough to admit mistakes we may make as a future dentist? If your weakness is that you have random urges to punch people, then maybe you should lie but if it's something "normal", then as long as you tell them how you're working to fix it, I think they'll appreciate your honesty. Just my two cents 🙂

nah thats not the point of the question, its to see how you can take a negative and turn it into a positive. google it.

 

[MrAvicii]

I know of someone who was asked in her interview "Do you like dogs?". She does not and answered truthfully and when she was not accepted to that school was convinced that it was because she didn't like dogs. Seriously.

i've heard of this before, its called the "negative argument." as long as you're not saying anything negative (about yourself, interviewer, school, etc) , a yes should be stated. i.e. the interviewer rambles on about his love for cats, you're reply should be "they are amazing creatures, aren't they?" who cares about your opinion at that moment? its his ego that needs stroking! play the interview game!

 

[Double Bonded]

Questions you SHOULD ask the interviewer:

1. What is your class size?
2. What is the attrition rate for the first two years?
3. How does your school rank on National Boards passing rate?
4. How is your tuition compared to other surrounding schools?
5. Are there opportunities to do research with faculty?
6. What do you think about my chances of being accepted here?
(should ask last).

The majority of these seem like they could be found online through little to no research. I'd be hesitant to ask anything besides #6.

 

[woof44]

At my first interview, one of the first questions was what do you know about dentistry and insurance. Question right after that was what was a time you persuaded someone to do something they didn't want to do. I'm good with interviews but those were pretty hard to answer on the spot!

 

[jeffity]

I was asked if I also applied to a specific school. They didn't ask where I applied or if I have been interviewing or anything. They just outright asked if I applied to that specific school. Then they asked me how I compare the two. Kind of weird.

Then when I went to interview at that other school, they knew I had already interviewed at the other school. This was in casual talking before we even sat down to start the actual interview. I didn't bring it up. I'm not sure how they knew.

Tricky business. Glad I was honest with both schools in my responses. I'm fine with the 'Why here?' question and I expect it in one form or the other. But I don't like talking about other specific schools when I'm there to interview at that school.

 

[Goose340]

I was asked in my last interview, "Tell me why getting a hand transplant is unethical."

 

[MrAvicii]

I was asked in my last interview, "Tell me why getting a hand transplant is unethical."

haha what did you say?

 

[BerrF12]

I was asked if I also applied to a specific school. They didn't ask where I applied or if I have been interviewing or anything. They just outright asked if I applied to that specific school. Then they asked me how I compare the two. Kind of weird.

Then when I went to interview at that other school, they knew I had already interviewed at the other school. This was in casual talking before we even sat down to start the actual interview. I didn't bring it up. I'm not sure how they knew.

Tricky business. Glad I was honest with both schools in my responses. I'm fine with the 'Why here?' question and I expect it in one form or the other. But I don't like talking about other specific schools when I'm there to interview at that school.

Welp, that's the Arizona schools for ya.

 

[jeffity]

Welp, that's the Arizona schools for ya.

They're historically linked and all, but it's hard to imagine that they would compare candidates. I felt like I was on a date talking about my other date I had.

 

[rainman1646]

They're historically linked and all, but it's hard to imagine that they would compare candidates. I felt like I was on a date talking about my other date I had.

Problem is, you've never had a date. Ohhhhhhh!

Haha, see ya Tues.

 

[jeffity]

Problem is, you've never had a date. Ohhhhhhh!

Haha, see ya Tues.

Don't mock! Tuesday might be like dating sisters. Maybe they'll ask about each other.

 

[BerrF12]

They're historically linked and all, but it's hard to imagine that they would compare candidates. I felt like I was on a date talking about my other date I had.

I don't think it's really to compare candidates so much as if you are from AZ they assume you apply to both schools. And they assume you have a "favorite". Especially if you've done events or volunteering with one school in particular.

 

[oreoson]

Whenever I conduct interviews, it's always the worst when people aren't honest about their weaknesses. It's so easy to see through the BS people feed you. As long as your weakness isn't a deal breaker (like I can't hang around elementary schools or playgrounds anymore), then it's fine. You've had trouble procrastinating in the past? big deal. You get stressed? o00o0o0o. Every dental student has struggled with everything, they just want to know if you can cope with it, and if you have strategies to deal with it. They want to know if you can look at yourself honestly and point out what you need to improve on. Be honest, give them a real weakness. It's not a bad thing.

I will personally kick you in the teeth if I hear anything along the lines of:

1) I'm a perfectionist
2) I care too much/get too close to people
3) I'm too organized, borderline OCD
4) I don't like heights or extreme sports/I suck at golf/I'm awful at basketweaving.

I was alluding to the dental school interview basics guideline provided by U of New Mexico:
"7. Don't say anything negative about yourself even if they ask you specifically"
Although I was joking about sucking at golf, I would love to see you try. I hope the schools that interviewed you already got cues about your violent and holier-than-you tendencies since you are such an honest person ; )

 

[dantemac]

During a few of my interviews, I wasn't even asked any questions. The first thing out of the interviewer's mouth was "So, do you have any questions for me?" or "So, what would you like to discuss today?"

This is why it is SO important to have sound research into the school. You should know a lot about the school and have some concerns about it and also be excited about several features of it. Your questions should be genuine, don't just ask about the board pass rates because everyone else does.

Also, I agree with something I read above about using professional terminology. I got reprimanded at one interview for using the term "doctor" (instead of dentist) and "tools" instead of instruments. Definitely speak in the best possible terms.

 

[Kahr]

Rather than start a new thread, figured asking here would be just as good. Regarding terminology, not professional terminology as was discussed above, but specific dental terminology, i.e. composite, amalgam, abfraction, abutment, etc; were many of you asked questions that required knowledge of such things?

I've been reviewing dental terminology a little (read the list in SDN's pre-dental book, and it got me wondering), moved onto: http://www.dentalleaders.com/terms.htm

Am I going overboard, or being too paranoid? From what I'm seeing on SDN's interview questions "bank", people aren't asked about such things, but I don't want to make any assumptions.

 

[MAR89]

Am I going overboard, or being too paranoid? From what I'm seeing on SDN's interview questions "bank", people aren't asked about such things, but I don't want to make any assumptions.

Yeah I wouldn't worry too much about dental terminology. The most in-depth I had to get in terms of my actual clinical dental knowledge was answering questions along the lines of "What's been the most interesting procedure that you've observed?" and even then, I kinda bsed it just so that I could mention the few terms/names that I actually am familiar with I don't think they expect us to know too much with regards to the specifics of practicing dentistry, but more so about the profession as a whole.