Columbia Dental School Mock Interview
Master 30 Columbia Dental School interview questions covering clinical judgment, patient care philosophy, and academic rigor.
Question 3 of 30
What do you feel is the single most important quality a dentist should possess?
How to Answer
Example Answer
Example Answer 2
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The College of Dental Medine Admissions Committee wants evidence that you have considered the desired qualities and characteristics of a dental professional. This question is an opportunity to give an insightful response into who you are and why you are an exceptional candidate for Columbia's DDS program. Dig deeper than 'good bedside manner' or 'strong attention to detail.' Some essential characteristics or qualities of a dental professional might include:
- Empathy and patience
- Curiosity to learn
- Accountability and integrity
- Patience and fortitude
- Optimism and positivity
When discussing which quality you feel is the most crucial for a dental professional to possess, be sure to include a statement showing that you exude this characteristic.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I believe that the most important quality for a dentist to possess is integrity. A dentist with integrity will always put their patients' needs before their own financial interests. They will treat their support staff with respect, and they will be dedicated to bettering themselves in their craft. Integrity is an essential quality for me, so I am actively working on increasing my integrity level in various personal and professional situations. Some ways I show integrity are by keeping my appointments and commitments and fulfilling my promises."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I believe a dentist should possess empathy, above and beyond all other attributes, as this will carry any helping provider throughout their career with the right directives. Without understanding my patients' concerns and complaints, I would be doing them a significant disservice in simply providing 'textbook treatment.' I have already been working on building my empathy skills by taking on volunteer experiences outside of my comfort zone and carefully examining any unconscious bias that I may possess."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Unlock All 30 Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Questions
Prepare for rigorous admissions questions that Columbia dental interviewers prioritize.
Get StartedJump to Question