Introduction
Today we are going to discuss 3 questions that you may be asked during an interview. We will show you how they will word the question(prompt). the information they are looking for(discussion) and our answer.
Question 1
Prompt:
You are a dentist waiting for a fee paying NHS patient and reading the notes you realise that they haven’t seen you in a few years. This patient is not a regular attender and makes appointments only when emergency treatment is needed. The last time you saw them, they were unable to pay for recommended fillings. What do you do?
Discussion:
The complexity of this situation realises a dentist’s care of duty and the financial needs of a dental practice. This scenario potentially causes an ethical dilemma and suggests a conflict of interest, as you want to provide the best treatment for your patient, but also able to manage the costs associated with running a practice and providing the treatment.
University Expert Answer:
There are nine principles registered dental professionals must keep to at all times with the first two being: Putting patients’ interests first and to communicate effectively with patients
As the dentist in this scenario, my primary concern is for the well-being of my patient, but I must also be certain to provide equitable care to all my patients and make decisions that allow for the viability of my practice.
I would greet my patient in an open empathetic manner without judgment for previously not keeping regular appointments. This also without assuming my patient will be unable to pay for their treatment despite previous experience as things may have changed in that time.
After the initial examination I will discuss the treatment plan including options and their costs. Throughout our entire interaction, I will be certain that the patient is fully consented with how they want to proceed. If they are still unable to afford any treatment options, I could advise they seek help with NHS costs by making an application to NHSBSA or they could be placed on the waiting list for free treatment at your nearest dental teaching hospital.
Question 2
Prompt:
What oral care issues do the elderly face?
Discussion:
This is a question that will test not only specifically oral healthcare for the elderly but on your knowledge about general barriers to health for the elderly.
University Expert Answer:
The elderly patient faces obstacles to both preventative dental care and treatment of dental conditions especially those that are more prevalent with age such as development of root caries. General barrier include dealing with ageism, financial constraints, mobility issues, cognitive impairment and communication/consent. There could be general complications with treatment due to taking multiple medications and having several medical conditions. Dry mouth can result from these conditions and medications. Geriodontics is a branch of dental care for the aging population. The elderly are keeping their natural teeth for longer and have higher expectations than just having to wear dentures. An additional issue the elderly may face involves physical limitations and mobility. Common conditions such as arthritis may make toothbrushing and flossing ineffective so adaptations have to be improvised. Physical limitations may come into play such as getting to the dentist and once there manoeuvring in and out of the dental chair, sitting up, and lying down are movements that may require a helping hand which otherwise could diminish their confidence and cause embarrassment. Finally, the dental team must be aware that the elderly may have physical and mental barriers to communication.
Question 3
Prompt Question:
Why is dentistry deemed a “stressful profession?”
Discussion Points and Expert Answer:
Research shows that dentistry is a stressful profession, and evidence suggests that a significant proportion of dentists experience anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, or burnout on a regular basis. At the start on one’s career, stressors include an existing university debt and gaining experience quickly. During the middle stage, stressors include buying your own practice which will have a significant start-up debt, practice management and running a whole team. During the latter/end career stages, dentists can find problems with their health such as back-ache and keeping up with new developments plus losing the passion for the job.
However, in order to maintain the standard of professional care and to ensure a healthy work-life balance, a dentist must takes care of himself and recognise when and how to deal with stress. Habits such as daily exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce stress and improve mood. Interests outside of dentistry are important and have been shown to help with a positive mental health.