How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?
During dental school, your academic and your hands-on work in clinical training will be scrutinized to the highest degree. Your interviewers need to know that you are confident and mature enough to accept feedback and criticism positively as part of the Western University School of Dental Medicine, even when it is unsolicited.
"Last year, I received a low grade on a physics project during my undergraduate program. When I approached my professor about the low grade, he said, 'You can do better. I expected more from you.' I was taken aback at first, but once I had time to absorb what was said, I realized that he expected more from me because he had high expectations of what I could do. It was a compliment and a challenge rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly, and I thanked that professor for holding me to a higher standard."
It is essential to understand that not all feedback will be delivered to you as a dental student in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner. To best answer this question, think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was a bit hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Tell the interviewers that you could take the criticism and learn from it while you discuss how you successfully implemented change.
