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Dental School Mock Interview

Question 2 of 40 for our Dental School Mock Interview

Dental School was updated by on August 23rd, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 40

How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

"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."

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How to Answer: How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Dental School job interview.

  • 2. How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      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.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

      How to Answer

      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.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

      Answer Example

      "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."

      Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      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: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method
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