Do you have aspirations to own your own practice in the future? If so, what appeals to you about business ownership?
As they consider many great potential students to join the dental school program, the interviewers want to know about your plans. One important piece that will help guide your curriculum is if you have intentions of joining an existing practice or starting your own down the road.
"My ultimate goal would be to open my own practice one day, as I want to control the prices of my services and provide affordable dentistry services to my community. I do have an entrepreneurial spirit. I feel that opening my own practice would scratch that itch as well. With this in mind, I'm hopeful that my dental school experience will have some focus on the business side of a dental practice to help me hone my skills further in this area."
Be honest about your plans and desire for your career path. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. If you have intentions of owning your own practice, talk openly and honestly about that desire and why you want to pursue that path. Conversely, if you want to join an existing practice, express your desire for that path.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I do. I would gain some work experience after I finish school for 2 or 3 years. Eventually, I would open my practice, where my family decides to settle down.
Rachelle's Feedback
Timing is everything! It's great that you can so clearly express your future career aspirations.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I do want to own my own practice one day. With my own practice, I can find my own work/life balance.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's great that you have plans for your future. What does a good work/life balance look like to you?
Anonymous Answer
My ultimate goal would be to open my own practice. I watched my uncle start his own business, and It definitely inspired me to do so. I like the fact I will be a leader. I will be able to make decisions and provide services to those who are in need. I do not want to turn anyone down because they can't afford certain services. Having my own practice would allow me to make that kind of call.
Rachelle's Feedback
Awesome! You are truly inspired, which any interviewer should appreciate. If you can go into more detail on your uncle, his business, and what you learned from him, this will help bring your answer to life even further.
Anonymous Answer
My ultimate goal would be to open my own practice. I watched my uncle start his own business and It definitely inspired me to do so. I like the fact I will be a leader. I will be able to make decisions and provide services to those who are in need. I do not want to turn anyone down because they can't afford certain services. Having my own practice would allow me to make that kind of call.
Rachelle's Feedback
Awesome! You are truly inspired, which any interviewer should appreciate. If you can go into more detail on your uncle, his business, and what you learned from him, this will help bring your answer to life even further.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, after graduating from dental school, I will work in a dental clinic to gain experience for a few years before I can start my own business. With my own clinic, I can control the prices, and advocate for my patients to provide affordable treatments to my community. Also, with my skills in photography and social media, I knew that I could use my skills to advertise for my clinics and to educate patients about dental hygiene and common topics of dentistry.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! It sounds like you're well aware of all the benefits of running your own practice. You come across as knowledgeable and ambitious. Nice!
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