Talk about a time you had to adapt to major change. How did you cope, and why do you think being adaptable is important as a dental student?

"With technology constantly improving and changes to healthcare regulations always shifting, I know that I will have to be open and willing to adapt my work as a dentist. Throughout my later high school years and during my undergraduate program, I worked for a grocery chain in several different roles. Two years ago, the chain was bought out by a regional chain, and with that buy-out came a lot of changes to the work. The biggest change for most of the staff was a new point of sale system, and this was for good reason. The current system was a major part of our workday. Looking back, my ability to handle this change came down to a simple positive attitude and willingness to learn and master the new system. I saw too many colleagues have a poor attitude about the whole situation, and my manager commended me for my positivity."

Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your schooling or the workplace, and responded constructively. Explain how the change directly impacted you and tell the interviewers how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. No matter what example you use, reiterate that you fully understand that your future success as a physician will be reliant on your ability to change with the times to provide the best care possible to your patients.