Dental Residency Mock Interview
Master 30 Dental Residency interview questions covering clinical cases, research experience, and program fit.
Question 30 of 30
Let's say you are caring for a patient who is in desperate need of flossing on a regular basis, and they tell you that they already know how. How would you proceed?
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Kelly Burlison is an experienced healthcare and quality measurement professional with experience interviewing in the healthcare field focusing on IT.
Many dental patients do not understand some of the basics of proper oral care. Your interviewers ask this question to determine if you would make sure the patient understands how to floss rather than simply taking the patient's word for it. Simply put, this scenario gives your interviewers the chance to see just how much you prioritize patient education.
Kelly Burlison is an experienced healthcare and quality measurement professional with experience interviewing in the healthcare field focusing on IT.
"Even if the patient was adamant that they knew how to floss, I would ask them to demonstrate for me so I could verify. I would make sure the patient uses about 18" of floss and guides the floss gently between each pair of teeth. I would also demonstrate at the same time and point out any incorrect technique. I will make sure my patients understand the oral hygiene tactics I recommend for them, and I will have them demonstrate it or repeat it to ensure they understand. If necessary, I would make sure that I include the parents, children, or other caregivers of the patient in my education."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
Describe in detail how you would verify that the patient understands how to use floss properly and regularly. Talk about the importance of ensuring that every patient you work with is educated on their condition and the treatment you give them moving forward.
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