"COVID-19 and other pandemics have left a significant impact on the dentistry profession, including how we treat patients, the increased demand for clean air technology in dental offices, the increased demand and risk put on support staff, and PPE supply and demand. One significant impact that interests me most is how we will triage patients, ranking their needs from elective care to emergency care. For instance, during the COVID-19 quarantine time, when most dentists were forced to shut down and stop offering regular cleanings and general care, many practices were forced to determine better what qualified a patient for acute care. I look forward to learning about the long-term impact as I dive deeper into the dentistry profession."

Since you are not a dentist yet, you may not understand the impact COVID-19 and other pandemics have had on the dental profession. However, you can research the topic before your interview to see what dentists are saying. Or, you may have your personal opinion on what challenges you see for the dental industry when pandemics happen.

"From my research, I have found that COVID-19 severely impacted the dental industry. During the pandemic, access to dental services was significantly limited, oral health inequalities were created and exacerbated, and major financial and workforce impacts were felt. From what everyone says, these impacts will be felt for a long time and will be a long road to recover."