How to Answer: How do setbacks emotionally affect you?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Oral Surgery Residency job interview.
3. How do setbacks emotionally affect you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently, and a few are sure to come your way during the next six years of oral surgery residency training. Your interviewers ask this question in hopes that you would come to their program with the ability to put your head down and get to work harder when you face a setback or challenging time during your time training with them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewers how you typically coped with setbacks during dental school. That can include both your classwork and your hands-on training/clinical rotations. If you give an example, highlight how you powered through the situation with a positive attitude and became stronger and better in the end. Reiterate to your interviewers that you are ready to tackle any challenge that will come your way during your time in their residency program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"Having things not go as planned is very common in dentistry, and I experienced this countless times during dental school. A few months ago, during my clinical emergency block, I couldn't stop a patient's gum bleeding. Rather than panic, I kept a cool head and worked quickly with the hygienist to clot the bleeding as soon as possible. While this extended the procedure we were doing, it was doing what was right for the patient, and I walked away very happy. Over the past four years, I've learned to stay calm and cool when things don't go as planned, and I know this mindset will be an asset as an oral surgery resident."
Written by Ryan Brunner on December 28th, 2022