How to Answer: What would you consider the most important quality a dentist should possess?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Temple University School of Dentistry Dental School interview.
6. What would you consider the most important quality a dentist should possess?
What You Need to Know
Some key phrases on Temple University's website include "Professional Practice and Humanistic Care" and "skill and professionalism." The website also states, "Our patient-centered approach to oral healthcare is characterized by compassion, collaboration, and more than a century of experience." Also, "Today we face a reality in which we must harness our skills and knowledge, grit and courage, to face myriad challenges--and succeed."
Research everything you can about their approach to dentistry, and take notes of their keywords, key phrases, and values. Show your interviewers that you embrace similar values when you share your insights into the desired qualities of a successful dentist. This question is an opportunity to give a unique answer, so try to dig deeper than 'strong attention to detail' or 'strong communication skills.'
Written by Kevin Downey on August 26th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"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 respectfully and be dedicated to improving their craft. Integrity is essential, so I am actively working on increasing my integrity level in various personal and professional situations. I show integrity by keeping my appointments and commitments and fulfilling my promises."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 26th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"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 by 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 I may possess."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 26th, 2022
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