How to Answer: Describe a time you showed initiative at work. How will you bring this same attitude to dental school?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Dental School interview.
3. Describe a time you showed initiative at work. How will you bring this same attitude to dental school?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants evidence that you are the type of person to take the initiative in the workplace. As a new dental student with their program, you may be relied upon to take the initiative with patients. You will be working with teams of hygienists and other support staff for the first time, and you'll need to prove that you won't shy away from taking the initiative with these teams.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Taking the initiative could mean that you take on responsibilities independently without being asked or continually coached by your manager. It could also mean that you are the type of person who jumps in and assumes the lead before others do or before being asked. Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you showed initiative in your work. Outline the situation, describe the task, and explain the actions you took to take the initiative. Give as much detail as you can regarding the positive results of your actions. At the end of your response, be sure to describe your high level of initiative and explain how this characteristic will benefit you as a dental student with this program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Service to my community and the underserved is extremely important to me and one of the main reasons I'm pursuing a career as a dentist. During my bachelor's program, I organized many community service activities with my fellow students and was commended by our program for these efforts. One particular effort was to help mentor children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the community. I took the extra effort to reach out to area schools to get an idea of the number of children in need of mentoring. Then, I developed a plan with the school administration and gathered other volunteers. While this wasn't a requirement of my program, the lives we helped will stay with me forever from this experience."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2022