Myth number one
“Most of the time there are no right or wrong answers.”
We agree that when it comes to various scenarios that you may be given, there is a
range of answers and there is nothing strictly correct or incorrect. However, it is
more useful to think of as answers being appropriate or inappropriate. Therefore in
your preparation, you need to work out what are the underlying themes/ideas and
therefore give the appropriate answer accordingly.
Myth number two
“You can be given any question so what is the point of preparing in advance.”
We agree that there are hundreds of potential questions that can be asked however
there will be certain common themes running through the various different
questions.
In addition, there are certain specific questions that get asked year after
year such as: why do you want to become a dentist, tell me about your work
experience and tell us a little bit about yourself. Also importantly is that the more
you practice, the more you will feel comfortable when you are actually in the
interview room.
Myth number 3
“I won’t get expert help but I will just read on the internet about interview
techniques.”
Although we agree that you will get a lot out of reading interview techniques and
questions on the internet or books ,there is no substitute for an expert to go through
realistic simulations and then giving you expert feedback so that you can improve.
Myth number 4
“You do not need a detailed extensive knowledge of Dentistry.”
Although we agree that universities expect to not require you to have an extensive
detailed knowledge of dentistry, you must however know concepts that are central
to dentistry such as the various dental diseases especially dental caries, tooth wear
and periodontal disease, awareness of regulatory guidelines and current topics such
as amalgam and fluoride.
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Myth number 5
“I’m naturally no good at interviews.”
We agree that there is a variation among candidates with some candidates being
naturally comfortable being interviewed and on the other end candidates who need
a lot more coaching but never the less, all potential students can improve
dramatically with expert advice and adequate of practice.