How would you rate your ability to adapt to changing conditions and environments?

Question

Christine Pasqueretta · Accepted Answer

"With technology constantly improving and changes to regulations always shifting, I know I will have to be open and willing to adapt my work as a dentist. I consider myself a very adaptable person to any environment and tend to look for the positive reasons for why change is happening and run with it. Throughout my later high school years and undergraduate program, I worked for a grocery chain in several different roles. Two years ago, the chain was bought by a regional chain, and with that buy-out came a lot of changes to the work. The biggest change for most of the staff was a new point of sale system, for good reason. The current system was a major part of our workday. Looking back, my ability to handle this change came down to a simple positive attitude and willingness to learn and master the new system. I saw too many colleagues have a poor attitude about the whole situation, and my manager commended me for my positivity."

Christine Pasqueretta · Answer

Overall, the dental industry is experiencing more rapid changes today than it has over the past 100 years. Your interviewing team has also likely witnessed many incoming dental students to their program struggle with the major life change of jumping to a challenging and in-depth dentistry program. Your ability to handle and adapt to change with ease will be vital as a dental student, and your interviewers want to know that you can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for overall improvement.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your schooling or the workplace, and responded constructively. Explain how the change impacted you and tell the interviewers how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. No matter what example you use, reiterate that you fully understand that your future success as a dental student and practicing dentist will be reliant on your ability to change with the times to provide the best care possible to your patients.

Anonymous User · Answer

"I would rate myself 7/10. I do a lot of fill-ins as a hygienist. Even though the actual tooth cleaning portion of the job doesn’t change. However different offices have different instruments, equipment, computer programs, op setups, and office setups. When I’m going into a shift I am figuring things out in 10-15mins before the first appt or as the day goes on.

Thru my experience I found that my ability to adapt has improved when I have learned to become comfortable asking questions, having a positive attitude, and by understanding that minor errors or slip-ups are a natural part of the process.

I still have some more room to grow however I am proud of the work that’s already been done"

Anonymous User · Answer

"I consider myself to be adaptive to changing environments, as I managed to adapt to the new living conditions and cultures when I moved to the U.S. in 2018. When I moved here, I bypassed ESL courses, obtained my bachelor's degree in five years, and helped my family and relatives who have been facing language barriers. From the resilience and skills that I developed during the last five years, I believe I can adapt to challenges in dental schools as well as in the dental field."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I would rate myself 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest. This is because when I moved to the US for my master's I was really glad that I adapted to the change because there was definitely a culture shock and things are completely different from where I come. I learned a lot before moving here to make my transition easier. Now that I have experience I think I would be more prepared and to adapt to changing situations and environments."

How would you rate your ability to adapt to changing conditions and environments?

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