What Can You Bring?

[NoLimits]

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This question really bothers me.."What can you bring to the field of dentistry?" I feel that everyone gives the same general answers, like "compassion, dedication, better doctor-patient relations, etc"

But I wanted to hear from a dental student and/or dentists' point of view...would you be offended if a predent gave u these answers? As if they were implying that the dentists today are not "compassionate or dedicated" enough? Does actually being in dental school change your thoughts on this?

Thanks....

 

[Wayne Coronado]

This question really bothers me.."What can you bring to the field of dentistry?" I feel that everyone gives the same general answers, like "compassion, dedication, better doctor-patient relations, etc"

But I wanted to hear from a dental student and/or dentists' point of view...would you be offended if a predent gave u these answers? As if they were implying that the dentists today are not "compassionate or dedicated" enough? Does actually being in dental school change your thoughts on this?

Thanks....

This a very tough question to answer without giving the cookie-cutter answers that you stated. I personally would not think that you would be implying any sort of incompetency or lack of caring in current dentists by giving these responses. If I were interviewing you, the main thing I would be looking for is the thought process that you went through to arrive at dentistry as a career and that you enjoy working with people. I would like to believe that we all decided to be dentists for the sole reason to help others, but I know this is not always the case. Having gone through the process myself, I still believe that the majority do it for the sheer enjoyment of the practice and providing an important service. I have also been witness to those (on rarer occasions) who decided in school that they do not like treating patients or dentistry, in general. I can see those types being more motivated by the means-to-an-end rationale for being a dentist. I think a lot of development occurs when you first start treating patients and some affirm their decision while some may regret it (everybody is different). I am happy to say that I am part of the former. 👍

 

[NoLimits]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I gave "compassion,etc" at my last interview and walked away feeling like an arrogant pig. When I spoke to the dentist that I shadow for, she felt that my answer sounded like I was trying to single-handedly save dentistry. I feel better now. For a second there, I thought I was missing the whole point of the question or something! Thanks again.