Why do you believe it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts as a dental student?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Dental school programs have started embracing diversity and inclusion efforts in the students they accept. In posing this question, your interviewers want to know why you believe this to be important and how you will help put this belief into action as a student with their program.

As you consider heading into dental school and future practice as a dentist, think about the fact that you will be working with a very diverse group of students, faculty, future colleagues, and patient base. You want to come to your dental school interview prepared to discuss why you stand by D&I endeavors and what you will specifically do as a student to support the school's diversity and inclusion efforts. These can typically be found on the program's website before your interview.

"I love that I will one day be working with a very culturally diverse patient base in practice, and I fully support diversity and inclusion efforts in any dental practice down the road. I also love that your dental school program has a defined D&I plan by bringing aboard a diverse base of students and taking all efforts to be inclusive of everyone here. Equality and inclusion should always be considered fundamental human rights. By supporting your institution's diversity and inclusion efforts as a student, I will bring new perspectives, help increase the diversity of your student base, and positively add to your already innovative team."

Anonymous Answer

"When I started a new life in America five years ago, I felt grateful to study and work in schools with people from diverse backgrounds. This helps me ease my anxiety when adapting to a new country and learned the importance of diversity and inclusion in not just colleges but in all aspects of life. A dental student should respect and embrace these values to provide the best quality care to patients of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! Unlike many others, you have the personal experience to support your claim that diversity and inclusion are important to you. In this response, you come across as genuine, grateful, adaptable, and inclusive.