In this article, we will discuss some potential dental school interview questions that you may be asked in your interview to become a dental student. These could help to take part in mock interviews so that you have some prior experience for your interview to help you get into medical school.
1.Interview Prompt:
You are a dentist waiting for a fee paying an 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 of Issues here
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 be able to manage the costs associated with running a practice and providing the treatment.
Expert Answer Outline:
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 the nearest dental teaching hospital. I would also discuss how treatment can be staged.
2.Interview Prompt:
You are a dentist waiting for a fee paying an 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 of Issues here:
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 be able to manage the costs associated with running a practice and providing the treatment.
Expert Answer Outline:
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 the nearest dental teaching hospital. I would also discuss how treatment can be staged.
3.Prompt Question:
Why is dentistry considered to be a “stressful profession?”
Discussion Points and Expert Answer:
Research shows that dentistry, although is an immensely rewarding career, is also a stressful profession, with evidence showing that a significant proportion of dentists experience anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, or burnout on a regular basis. Ongoing stress can be due to constantly working in a confined space of the oral cavity often with anxious patients under time pressures. The fear of complaints and litigation is also on the rise. At the start of one’s career, stressors include an existing university debt and trying to gain experience quickly. During the middle stage, stressors include buying your own practice which will have a significant start-up debt, practice management and managing a whole team. During the latter/end career stages, dentists can find problems with their health such as backache 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 take 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. Finally, seek professional help if you think patient care is being compromised.