How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?
During your four years of dental school, your classwork and clinical rotations will be highly scrutinized. The faculty and mentors at this program won't hesitate to give you constructive criticism on your work. Your interviewers need to know that you can take this feedback constructively and productively.
"Last year, I received a low grade on a chemistry project. When I approached my professor about the low grade, he said, 'You can do better. I expected more from you.' I was taken aback at first, but once I had time to absorb what was said, I realized that he expected more from me because he had high expectations of what I was capable of doing. It was a compliment and a challenge rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly, and I thanked that professor for holding me to a higher standard."
Not all feedback will be delivered in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner as a dental student. Think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was a bit hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Stress that you were able to take the criticism and learn from it moving forward. Talk about how you successfully implemented change.
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 take feedback and criticism as a source of motivation and what others might see in me to improve. In particular, after my involvement incident. I was told my chances of attending a professional institution were slim to none. However, I took that criticism to push myself to work harder, perform well on the DAT, and improve my undergraduate GPA from that point on. Although, I always believe there is always room for improvement. I did the best I can, and I am here being interviewed at my top choice university. So the criticism I got was definitely helpful because It motivated me.
Rachelle's Feedback
This reply is a good start! It sounds as though you are ready to address any criticism/feedback with open eyes and a willingness to learn. I recommend adding more detail to provide context for your interviewer. Going into this response blind, I feel fuzzy about the surrounding situation. I have an article on using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral/situational style interview questions. You may find this guide helpful: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method/
Anonymous Answer
At the end of my Biology of Cancer course semester, our professor allowed the class to write their research proposal. Since I worked in the cancer research lab of the professor who assigned us the proposal, I did not hesitate to submit the research I was working on, for over a year, with my grad student mentor. To my surprise, I did not receive a grade only the following," Disappointed. You can do better." I kept rereading "disappointed," feeling more petrified and perplexed each time. After conversing with my grad student regarding the comment, I submitted a new proposal that introduced a new hypothesis that was deviant, novel, and uncertain. In the new proposal, I was exploring new areas I was unfamiliar with. Although I was very unsure of the new proposal, to my surprise, my professor gave me an A and told me that although my first proposal was perfect, the new one had encouraged me to think from new perspectives. He told me that in research, criticism can halt some and can encourage others to expand their boundaries and capabilities to achieve success. Although I fully agree, I believe that my professor's statement can be applied beyond the realm of research.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! You use the STAR method beautifully here to describe the situation, your task/actions, and the result. In the end, you show that you view feedback as a way to improve yourself, which will please the interviewer. This sounds like it was a real learning experience that taught you to think outside the box (innovative) and push yourself (ambitious) - both qualities that any employer will want in a new hire. Great answer!
Anonymous Answer
One of my personal strengths is my openness to feedback. I find an important distinction to make is that the criticism is critical rather than personal and the end goal is meant to improve my work rather than insult me. When I was in a 1st year university writing course I received a poor mark for a paper. This was a shock considering in high school I’d always received great marks.
I made an appointment with the TA to further inquire about what my paper was lacking. I took their advice to go to the writing center for help. And on my next paper I received a better grade
Jaymie's Feedback
Awesome job! You open with confidence in your ability to receive and accept feedback. You also gave a specific example and shared how you used that feedback to improve!
Anonymous Answer
When I first moved to the U.S. in 2018 and worked for a Thai restaurant as a waiter, I received a lot of online feedback saying that there was an immigrant waiter who could not understand their orders and worked very slowly. I was really sad at first but some of their constructive feedback motivated me to improve my service and communication skills with customers. In the third month of working there, I got used to the job, worked effectively in my team, and became the waiter in charge there. I love getting feedback and constructive criticism and I would highly appreciate people who give me those feedback.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! This is a very strong answer. The example you've given shows how you overcame criticism and negative emotions to ultimately improve yourself and excel in the role. Great job!
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