How to Answer: Tell us about a time you were dissatisfied with the quality or outcome of your work. What did you do to rectify the situation?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Dental School interview.
4. Tell us about a time you were dissatisfied with the quality or outcome of your work. What did you do to rectify the situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As an aspiring dental student, there will be highs and lows as you learn and develop into a self-practicing dentist. In asking this question, your interviewing team would like to get a sense of how you will handle the failures you will experience during dental school in a healthy manner by having you talk about a time you handled a situation positively in your past. Ultimately, your reaction will determine whether or not you can recover from an on-the-job disappointment.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about a time you were unsuccessful in your work. Your interviewers would welcome an answer that talks either about a work experience or an experience from your schooling. Briefly discuss the situation with your interviewer and describe how you reacted. Be sure to include the action steps you took to recover from the situation. Discuss what you learned from the situation at the end of your response. Then, explain how you will apply that lesson to improve the quality of your work as a dental student.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am rarely dissatisfied with my work because I keep very high standards for myself and what I deliver. With that said, I did face a tough learning situation during my undergraduate program when I turned in a paper that didn't meet my expectations. This was during a very busy semester, and I was juggling a job working 20 hours a week. After turning the paper in, I immediately regretted it, and I approached my professor to explain myself. I was very forthright in letting him know that I wasn't asking to resubmit the paper or talk my way into a higher grade. I simply wanted to take accountability for work that wasn't up to par for me. The professor greatly appreciated that I did this. If I were to join your dental school, you will quickly find that I would come with the utmost accountability for my work and my actions."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2022