"First and foremost, I want to be a dentist who takes the time to educate my patients, no matter who they are or where I am working. I would like to spend some time after graduation working in an underserved rural area similar to where I grew up. As a dentist, I will have a powerful opportunity to educate my patients and the public on preventing oral health problems. I can also provide critical nutritional guidance and health care advice as a primary healthcare provider."

You might find this question easier to answer if your desire to become a dentist was sparked by personal experience or the realization that everyone deserves access to oral health care. If this experience does not describe you, that is okay too! When you are a dentist, think about what you plan to do to help others with your knowledge and gifts. Give a reply from the heart, assuring the interviewers that you genuinely want to make a difference for others.