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

"I would rate my ability to adapt as excellent, and the last four years of dental school have proven my ability to be pliable and flexible in any environment. On a busy clinic day, I can focus on my task at hand, finish the job thoroughly, and jump to the next patient with ease. As an oral surgery resident, I know this skill will be vital for my success. I'm also very adaptable to changing environments regarding work tools and advances in technology."

Overall, the dental industry is experiencing more rapid changes today than it has over the past 100 years. Your interviewing team also knows that any oral surgery resident they match into their program needs to come with the ability to jump from task to task and rotation to rotation with ease. Your ability to handle and adapt to change with ease will be vital as an oral surgery resident, and your interviewers want to know that you can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for overall improvement.

Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your dental 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 an oral surgery resident and practicing surgeon will rely on your ability to adapt to provide the best care possible to your patients.

What questions do you have for us about our oral surgery residency program and institution?

"Thank you for asking! I'd love to hear your thoughts on your four-year program over your six-year MD combined program. I'm very interested in the combined MD program and would love to hear your thoughts on the benefits of that program for my future. I'd also love to learn more about the medical school rotations your residents find most beneficial."

Come to your interview prepared with questions for the interviewers of the oral surgery residency program you are interviewing with and the university itself. Having prepared questions shows the interview panel that you are keenly interested in the program, the training you will receive, and how it will prepare you for success in your future practice.

Remember that people like to talk about what they know! Having insightful questions prepared sets the stage for the interviewers to tell you many important and helpful details about their process and educational facility. Keep the majority of your question academically related. Asking too much about the culture, social life, and extra-curricular activities may cause you to appear unfocused.

How do setbacks emotionally affect you?

"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."

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.

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.

Are you aware of cases of medical malpractice in the oral surgery field? How will you cope if you are faced with one of these situations?

"During my dental school training, the faculty I trained with were great about training me in common cases of general dental malpractice. Over the last year, I've started to read and ask more questions about malpractice in oral surgery. I understand that the most common cases involve tooth extractions and infections that can follow. Knowing that most mistakes are caused by not paying attention to the administration of anesthesia or patient notes, I am always diligent in paying attention to every detail with a patient. I know this will be important in training as an oral surgeon. If I ever face a situation like this, having detailed records and learning from the situation would be most important."

While malpractice claims for oral surgeons are pretty rare in the grand scope of overall medical malpractice claims, your interviewers want to know that you understand the type of claims that could potentially happen down the road for you. They'll ideally be looking to hear that you will always be detailed in your work to try and avoid any patient mistakes in practice.

Before your oral surgery residency interviews, research the types of malpractice claims common for practicing oral surgeons and come to your interview prepared to discuss them. Describe how you would take all preventative measures to ensure that every patient you work with is cared for with a safe and empathetic approach.

How do you typically respond to feedback and criticism on your work?

"Last year during my nitrous oxide lab course, I didn't properly fit the mask on patients, and our instructor was very blunt in their feedback. Even though we had learned proper placement many times during shadowing and classroom learning, I misplaced it on my first few tries. I didn't let the feedback get me down or take it personally, but rather used it as a learning opportunity and asked if they could guide me one more time through it on a real patient."

During your four years of dental school, your classwork and clinical rotations were likely highly scrutinized. As an oral surgery resident diving into advanced procedures, this will continue to be the case. The faculty and mentors in this program won't hesitate to give you constructive criticism of your work. Your interviewers need to know that you can take this feedback constructively and productively.

Not all feedback will be delivered in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner to you as an oral surgery resident. Think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was a bit hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Stress that you took the criticism and learned from it moving forward. Talk about how you successfully implemented change.

What achievement are you most proud of so far on your path to graduating from dental school and pursuing oral surgery residency?

"My biggest achievement has been starting an amazing family over the last four years of dental school. I married my soul mate the summer before starting dental school, and we've since brought two amazing children into our world. While I graduated in the top 5% of my dental program, I've been able to raise two amazing young kids with a supportive spouse."

The oral surgery residency program you are interviewing with ideally wants to bring high achievers into their program. When they ask about your proudest achievement, they'll be trying to gauge your ability to be driven in pursuit of your dreams and goals to ensure that you will be a hard-working individual during your time with their program.

Perhaps you have maintained an exceptional GPA or excelled in school while working a part-time job. Maybe you finished at the top of your class and received a special award for your achievements. Another great angle would be to discuss any hurdles or roadblocks you had to overcome on your way to a successful undergraduate program or dental school program leading to this interview. Speak with passion and confidence as you talk about what you feel has been your greatest achievement.

How will you handle working under very close supervision as an oral surgery resident with our program?

"I look forward to being trained, mentored, and supervised by the world-class staff here at your institution. During my dental school training, I took this same mindset and loved being able to learn by watching and then doing. Of course, I made some mistakes along the way. But it was a great opportunity to learn from experts and take their feedback to heart. As a resident in your program, I would always take this same mindset about being mentored and trained."

In asking this question, your interviewers want to know that you will always be open-minded to the faculty and senior residents who will mentor you in their program. Remember, the term 'close supervision' as an oral surgery resident means that you will be working very closely under the supervision of the faculty of this program. Your interviewing team needs to know that you will be able to work well and learn under the supervision of their staff.

If possible, give an example of a time you worked closely with a boss, professor, or faculty member of your dental school. Talk about the importance of being mentored and groomed as a new oral surgery resident, and explain that you are willing and ready to be in this environment. If needed, finish your reply by asking what the resident/faculty relationship is like at the institution you are interviewing.

Talk about a time you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality.

"I consider myself great at adapting to personalities and work styles of others, including those type A's that can be demanding. During my third year of dental school, I worked with a fellow student that was just not responsible with time commitments and staying on task. I found this personality style to be the most difficult to work with, but I did not let it frustrate me. Rather, I was direct with this colleague concerning what needed to be done. We were not in situations where I could just brush it off. Because my communication remained respectful and firm, they took it well, and we worked together well moving forward."

During your time in oral surgery residency training, you will work closely with some faculty who can be difficult. The interviewers want to know how well you work with others, despite having different personalities. Your ability to adapt to various people as a resident, regardless of a positive personality match, shows that you are mature and professional even when the situation is not ideal.

As you answer, avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or naming people. Also, avoid telling the interviewer that you always get along with everyone. Most interviewers will interpret a cliche response like that as dodging the question. Focus on a time your work style was different from another person's, but perhaps you still had to complete a project or task together. Discuss how you made it work and how you will bring this same approach as a resident in this program.

How would you describe the interpersonal and communication skills you would bring to our oral surgery residency program?

"My interpersonal and communication skills have suited me well as a dental student, and I'm confident they'll benefit me as an oral surgery resident. I work well with diverse groups and make every effort to ensure I speak to my patients in terms they can understand. Dental terminology can be pretty confusing for those not in the field. After explaining something to a patient or family member, I have them repeat what I said to ensure they are clear on what I told them. I ask them if they have questions, I actively listen, and I am great at reading body language. My written communication skills are exceptional, as well."

Oral surgeons must possess solid communication skills to work empathetically and professionally with their patients, dental assistants, and other support staff. Your interviewers ask this question to see if you have the interpersonal and communication skills they seek in an oral surgery resident.

Before your oral surgery residency interview, be sure to put some thought into your communication style and skills that you can highlight for your team of interviewers. As you answer this question, you'll ideally want to highlight your ability to listen reflectively, be respectful in all communications, and be able to lead others through your solid communication style.

What do you know about our institution, and why do you feel this setting would be a great environment for you?

"The things that stood out about your program and institution are that you have always been on the cutting edge of technology and value a great mix of the patient, research, and service to your patients. From what I've read, learned today from you, and talked about with a couple of your current residents, I see myself thriving here as an oral surgery resident."

Each match season, your interviewers consider many great applicants to join their program. A question like this is an opportunity for you to stand out. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, make some effort to research the school. You don't need to be an expert on their entire history, but you need to be knowledgeable about their programs, culture, and recent accolades and display that this environment is the right one for you in the coming four to six years.

Start by searching the school's website before your oral surgery residency interview and take special note of any recent news articles, events, or contributions they have made to the community or student body. Identify their mission and values so you know what they stand for. In the end, ensure that your interviewers walk away from your time together knowing that you see their program as an excellent fit for you.

As a prospective oral surgery resident, how do you feel about purely elective cosmetic oral surgery?

"As long as a patient understands the risks and benefits of a planned oral procedure, and if that surgery were to benefit them in any way, even for self-esteem, I see no reason to object to it. I know that the scope of practice regarding cosmetic procedures can differ for oral surgeons from state to state, and I'd love to hear more about the elective procedures your staff regularly perform in this state."

Elective oral surgery procedures, especially for cosmetic reasons alone, have earned a legitimate place in most practices. From elective dental implants to veneers, many patients choose to better their smiles when not medically necessary. Since you may encounter this during your training as an oral surgery resident, your interviewers want to hear your thoughts on elective procedures you may perform.

You'll be considered behind the times if you condemn elective oral surgery procedures. Still, this question allows you to do something else: give your opinion on a patient's ability to make their own decisions. As you answer, you'll want to discuss what you know about the different elective procedures you will be learning as a resident in this program.

Do you have an area of weakness that you would like to improve as you enter oral surgery residency?

"I believe I could improve my written communication skills as I tend to be blunter than I would like to be when sending written communications. This is a skill that I continue to improve by taking a weekend workshop last year and having my current faculty at my dental school critique my work. As a resident in your program, I will continue to hone my written communication skills using your EMR and input from your faculty."

Throughout their years of experience seeing incoming classes of oral surgery residents, your interviewing team knows that no candidate is the perfect resident and all come with a weakness or two. Your interviewers ask this question to hear that you are aware of your shortcomings and are ready and willing to take the steps to improve in those areas as a new oral surgery resident.

First and foremost, you want to discuss a weakness that is not a core skill for your success as an oral surgeon. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan to improve this weakness to impress your interviewers.

Do you feel that your manual dexterity skills are suitable for a career as an oral surgeon?

"I feel blessed to have been born with great manual dexterity skills. The faculty of my dental school will attest to my excellent skills with patients. Over the last four years, I've emphasized honing my skills in this area by taking up sketching and knitting. Knowing that oral surgery was my passion and future, I knew that developing and keeping these skills sharp would be very important to my success."

One skill that is vital to the success of any oral surgeon that is very hard for your interviewers to measure during the interview process is manual dexterity. Surgery in a patient's mouth involves precise movements and coordination in a small workspace. Since your interviewers can't assess this during the interview process, they may ask a question like this to hear you talk about your dexterity skills and that you understand they are necessary for a future oral surgeon.

During your Dental Admission Test, your manual dexterity was likely tested. Your interviewers want to hear how you have fine-tuned your motor skills during your dental school training in preparation for residency. You can talk about drawing, painting, carving, knitting, or learning a musical instrument that requires hand-eye coordination. The list of things you can talk about is endless, so talk about the importance of keeping these skills throughout your career as an oral surgeon as your answer.

Which dentistry-related newspapers, journals, or publications do you read to stay in touch with new dental discoveries and current events?

"During my dental school program, we were always encouraged to read Dentistry Today and Journal of the American Dental Association regularly. I'm also a member of the ADA currently. Knowing that pursuing oral surgery residency was a dream of mine two years ago, I started regularly reading the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to read about new research and procedures in the field. Upon matching into your program, I plan to join the AAOMS."

The dental industry is ever-changing, and staying on top of the latest news and trends is very important for oral surgeons. The interviewers want to see that you are keen to continually learn your future craft in posing this question. Knowing that you've likely joined some of the more popular dental societies as s dental student, they ideally want to hear that you will look forward to delving into oral surgery-specific news and publications as a resident with their program.

Talk about how you have stayed up-to-date on trends in the dental industry, breakthroughs, dentistry-related concerns, and more during your time as a dental student. List a few dental journals or publications you like to read and discuss how often you dive into dental-related news. To win your interviewers over with your answer to this question, research some specific oral surgery societies and journals before your interview and come prepared to talk about diving into those as a resident.

Do you consider yourself technologically advanced and capable of working with new technologies and equipment as an oral surgery resident?

"Yes, I consider myself very technically literate with new computer programs, equipment, and dental tools. I know oral surgeons must embrace technology to provide the best patient care possible. The great technological advancements have always enamored me in dentistry over the years. More recent innovations, like 3D printing for dental implants, are great technologies that ultimately improve how we care for patients safely and efficiently. I am technologically adept and look forward to learning cone beam scanners, lasers, and intraoral cameras."

From advanced dental imaging to nanomaterials, technology in modern oral surgery has evolved in recent years and will continue to improve into your future in the field. While you may be academically gifted, your interviewers need to get a sense that you would come to their oral surgery residency with the ability to pick up and master any new technologies in the field over your time there. Your venture into residency training will likely require you to work with many pieces of equipment you haven't worked with.

Think of a time you had to learn new technology during your training or undergraduate program and use that as an example of how you can pick up and learn new things quickly. You can also discuss your interest in computers or other technologies that will help you be a quick study during your time in oral surgery residency training.

Have you applied to other oral surgery residency programs? If so, where does our program rank for you?

"Yes, I have applied to other programs throughout the country that focus on clinical practice, the ability for a six-year program while earning an MD, and are in a large metro area. Your program checks all of those boxes for my family and me. From my other interviews before today and then meeting your team here, I would rank your program at the top of my list because of your top-notch faculty, the success of past graduates, and the proximity to my family."

If you are a top candidate for their oral surgery residency program, your interviewers want to know if they will be in competition for you. They can also use your answer to gauge the overall types of programs you are looking at to ensure that you would be a good fit with their program.

Be transparent when answering this question, but avoid saying anything offensive about the program and institution you are interviewing with. If they are likely not your top choice, you don't want to say that because there is still a chance that is where you would match. As you answer, you'll ideally want to choose the number one reason you want to join their oral surgery residency and focus on that as you answer this question. This question is another opportunity to outline what you are ideally looking for in a residency program.

What is your plan if you do not match into our oral surgery residency this season?

"My first plan would be to retake the CBSE to improve my current score of 66. I hope to score in the upper 70s or 80s when I take it next time. For the remainder of that year, I already have a general practice role lined up with a great general practice in my hometown. where they need help. The owner knows my plans to reapply for OMFS residency next year if I don't match this year."

It is a well-known fact that around only 48% of applicants match into an oral surgery residency program, and there is a real chance that you won't match this year. How you answer this question will show the interviewers that you have an interest in the field of oral surgery and won't let not matching get you down. It will also show your tenacity for one day achieving your dream if you don't match this year.

There are a couple of ways to answer this question. First, you want to show that you have a contingency plan in place should you not match. This can include improving your CBSE score, going into general practice, or doing an internship year. Then, talk about your plan to reapply if you don't match. Whatever path you choose, show the interviewers that you have the confidence and drive to match into a reputable oral surgery residency program like theirs.

Who in your life mentors or inspires you?

"I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my grandfather. He has been a farmer his entire life and continues to manage crops year-round at 72. Having spent many days with him from a young age, he always taught me that what I want will come through hard work and dedication. These life lessons have carried me through my undergraduate program and dental school, and I have no doubt they will help me through residency training."

Throughout your oral surgery residency interview, your interviewers may pose a few questions to determine your motivators and what inspires you to be great in what you do. With this question, they're looking to hear who has been your biggest inspiration and why you feel they are a motivating factor for you.

Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author - anyone! Talk to the interviewers about who has inspired your life and why. In the end, your interviewers will be looking to hear that you have the drive and determination to put in the time and effort to succeed in their program. Hearing you talk about your motivator should give them this sense.

How does your family feel about you pursuing oral surgery residency training? Do they support your career choice?

"My family is incredibly proud of me for attending dental school and pursuing residency training. My fiance understands what this commitment will entail and is very supportive of this pursuit. She has a great remote job and can work from anywhere in the country."

Four to six years of oral surgery residency training is a journey that will require a great deal of time and attention on your part. Your interviewers know that this, more often than not, requires a great support system from their residents' families and loved ones. They pose this question to hear that you would have the necessary support for your heavy and challenging workload in the coming years as part of their program.

Discuss a bit about your family, such as anyone who lives near you or how your family expresses their excitement for your career. You can also mention anyone in your family who may have had a similar path in dentistry. Talk about the support your spouse/significant other/kids will be for you as an oral surgery resident.

Tell us something that we would not know about you from reading your CV.

"Although I haven't done so near as much since my undergraduate program, I am a very skilled piano player. I learned to play fluently at the age of 7. My grandparents had a grand piano, and my grandmother taught me how to play and read music from a young age. At times during college, I performed in dueling piano sketches locally with a good friend."

As they consider many great candidates to match into their oral surgery residency program, one piece of the candidate evaluation that your interviewers will be conducting is a personal fit with the culture and team at their institution. To gauge this, your interviewers will ask a few questions to get to know you.

Your answer should be unique so that you are a memorable candidate. Stick with some fun facts to show the interviewers that you are a real person and can have fun outside of the training environment. Their goal is to match both great dental clinicians and people, so don't hesitate to show some of your personality with this question and throughout your interview.

What do you feel is the single most important quality an oral surgeon should possess?

"To me, being a great oral surgeon is all about the ability to work in the tightest of spaces to perform life-altering procedures on patients. It's one of the many reasons I want to pursue a future in oral surgery. While my references will all tell you that I have great manual dexterity skills, I also take pride in improving my skills by painting and woodworking in my free time."

From dexterity to people skills, successful oral surgeons must be skilled in many areas and personality traits. To show that you have a good feel for what being in practice one day will entail for your success, your interviewers want to hear what you feel is the top quality a successful oral surgeon needs to possess.

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, your interviewers want to hear you speak with convincing passion as you answer this question. This question is an opportunity to give a unique answer that shows a quality you possess, so try to dig deeper than "strong attention to detail" or "strong communication skills." Some ideas you can consider discussing are extraordinary attention to detail (with an example of how you've shown these skills), the ability to walk a fine line between being empathetic and educational with patients, and top-notch manual dexterity skills.

We will be interviewing many top notch candidates for our oral surgery residency. What makes you stand out from other dental school graduates with the same qualifications?

"Over the last two years of dental school, I've worked very hard to prepare myself for admission into a great oral surgery residency like yours. I've done this by excelling in the oral surgery rotations during my program and have stellar reference letters provided for you. As you'll see, I also have two different one-month-long externship experiences with great OMF surgeons in upstate New York. These experiences have set me up to succeed from day one with your program."

The interviewers of the oral surgery residency program you are interviewing with are in a great spot as they consider the best of the best among graduating dental school graduates. All have stellar grades and the potential to be renowned alumni of their university. This is your chance to persuade the interviewers that you are the best candidate for their program.

This question is your golden opportunity to show why you are the top candidate for this program, so take advantage of the opportunity by pointing out something unique about yourself. Some things to consider discussing that oral surgery programs look for in their top applicants include intelligence, interpersonal skills, and experience in the form of externship and internship opportunities.

At our institution, we want to match dental school graduates with a true passion for oral surgery. What appeals to you most about a practice as an oral surgeon?

"I think making a true difference for patients who need oral surgery is a huge part of my decision to pursue the MD training program at your institution. During my final year of dental school, I did some great externships with oral surgeons and witnessed their work firsthand. I'll never forget a patient who had been in a bad car accident and was in dire need of reconstructive surgery. Seeing the patient pre and post-op and again a few weeks down the road for a follow-up, the work that was done was amazing, and the patient was so happy to have great results. These are patient stories I want to experience someday."

Given that the next four to six years of your life will be dedicated to training as an oral surgeon, your core passion will keep you going on the toughest days during your residency training. While this question allows your interviewers to gauge your passion for training as an oral surgeon, it also allows them to hear you talk about why simply going into practice as a dentist following dental school wasn't an option for you.

It is okay to share a personal story when answering this question if it conveys your passion for oral surgery. Perhaps you can discuss what initiated your interest in pursuing oral surgery residency training. Whatever drives you, make the interviewers feel your love as they consider you for their program.

Why do you believe it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts as an oral surgery resident?

"In healthcare, fully embracing is vital for several reasons. As an oral surgeon, I will work with a diverse patient base in your program and during my career in practice. How I effectively communicate with patients and provide customized care will rely heavily on my ability to connect with them. I know I will work closely with a diverse team of residents, faculty, and care team staff. In a work environment, an inclusive team from various backgrounds is important to help breed new ideas and project a team forward. As an oral surgery resident with your program, I will be so grateful to join your diverse team and help it thrive into the future."

Oral surgery residency programs are at the more prominent medical institutions throughout the country that have started embracing diversity and inclusion efforts among all staff. In posing this question, your interviewers want to know why you believe this to be important to embrace DE&I efforts and how you will help put this belief system into action as a resident with their program.

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

Talk about your overall academic performance through dental school. Where did you excel, and where could you have improved?

"The areas where I shined during dental school were the hands-on classes and rotations like restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and emergency care. I was always commended for my detailed fine motor skills in procedures. If I could name one area I could have improved, it would probably have to be the practice management side. As you can see from my application materials, my hard work and dedication over the last four years put me at the top of my class."

Based on your application materials and the fact that your interviewers are likely familiar with the dental school you attended, they have a pretty good feel for your academic path that led you to consider oral surgery residency training. They want to hear you talk in detail about where you exceeded and where you feel you could have done better.

As you answer this question, you want to focus on the fact that most oral surgery residency programs require their residents to be in the top 10% of their class. Make sure to highlight that fact if you were. Then discuss what interested you most and where you had the biggest challenges while training in dental school. You can feel free to outline the areas that challenged you the most as long as you show that you worked to improve and grow there.

Have you ever had significant dental work done? Tell us about your experience as a patient and what made it memorable.

"I had braces as a teenager and remember that the orthodontist I saw was great at keeping my nerves at bay. He had a cool office and let me pick the color of my elastics, which I always liked. This particular dentist showed me the importance of great dental hygiene. Throughout my dental school training, I took this same approach with patients and have developed a knack for building quick rapport and trust with my patients. I know these skills will be vital as an oral surgery resident."

Many aspiring oral surgeons were positively influenced by their own experiences at some point in their childhood or early adult life. Your interviewers are asking you to speak of your positive dental experiences as a patient and how they've inspired you to pursue this career. They'll expect you to know what it takes to bring excellent care and service to your patients.

To impress your interviewers, talk about your positive experiences with dentists as a patient. Focus on how you were treated and how that inspired a desire to provide excellent care to others. You can discuss your experience with braces as a kid or maybe even a root canal! If you had a favorite dentist growing up, talk about what made them great. Keep your answer simple and positive.

Talk about the research experience you gained during dental school. How do you feel that benefitted you?

"During my dental school program, I helped participate in research on dentifrice testing and evaluation of various periodontal therapy products. I love that my experiences here were both lab and data-based because I feel I got great exposure to jump into my research as an oral surgery resident. I loved working on the data side of research and foresee a future project involving large amounts of patient data."

As an oral surgery resident, you will be expected to undertake a large research project that may lead to a presentation of professionals in the field. Knowing that all candidates they are considering for their program have been exposed to research during dental school, your interviewers want to hear you talk about the research experiences you gained as a dental student and how they'll help you succeed in their program.

Come to your interview prepared to talk about the research experiences you were exposed to during your dental school training. To seal your answer for your interviewers, discuss your ideal research experiences and the project you will work on during your training with them.

There is a high suicide rate among dental professionals. How do you feel about this fact, and how do you plan to remain grounded during your career?

"I am aware that dentists undergo high stress on the job and that the suicide rate for dental professionals is high. When dental school got stressful, I made sure that my mind was focused on my work while in class or clinic. While at home with family, my time and effort were dedicated to them. I think it's important for you to know that I am very dedicated to health and physical fitness through healthy eating and regular exercise. This keeps my mind, body and soul refreshed and ready for anything that comes my way in training."

The high suicide rate among dental professionals is one of the darker clouds in the industry. By asking this question, the interviewers are trying to make sure that you understand this fact and have solid stress management skills that you will bring as a resident in their program.

Your answer should show that you are fully prepared to handle the stress and pressure associated with pursuing six years of training as an oral surgeon. Discuss how you cope with the stress and maintain a healthy work /life balance. That could include meditation, working out at the gym, going for a hike now and then, or diving into a hobby. No matter how you answer, be sure to make it clear that you are ready to handle the challenges during residency healthily and productively.

What leadership qualities do you possess that will allow you to succeed in our oral surgery residency program?

"Growing up and into my college years, I was a natural leader to my peers. That is evident in my years as a team captain in the sports I participated in. I continued the development of my leadership skills in dental school, where I learned to lead respectfully with my care team. I am the type of person that leads through solid communication and leading by example. I believe in being a positive influence and building confidence in others through positive reinforcement. As an oral surgery resident with your program, you can feel confident that I would come here as a solid leader."

As an oral surgery resident, you will work alongside a team of specialists and care staff. Your interviewers want to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity arises during your time in their residency program. Most programs don't provide formal leadership training, so your interviewers want to know that you can join their program as a natural leader. As you advance to the final years of your oral surgery residency training, you may lead teams of junior residents, and your interviewers will want to hear that you can lead others with success.

Before your oral surgery residency interview, take some time to reflect on your leadership qualities and come ready to describe those qualities. Describe any job, project, or learning experience in which you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the project and your biggest takeaway from the experience. If you have direct work experience during your dental school training where you successfully led others, talk about that experience with your interviewing team.

If you were in surgery and call for an instrument that you're told isn't available, and this adds time to the surgery that otherwise would have been much shorter, how would you address the issue?

"Following the procedure, I would contact Central Supply and ask what such an instrument costs or, if it is available, why it wasn't available to me at the time. Since I will always take responsibility for my procedures as an oral surgery resident, I will do what is needed to ensure I have the proper supplies. My approach with the supply team would be to have an open dialogue so we can understand my needs and the needs of my patients."

As an oral surgery resident, you will be thrust into the operating room, where problem-solving skills become vital. While this question asks how you would solve a problem that affects your efficiency, your interviewers also want to determine whether you blame others for inevitable setbacks.

You'll want to answer this with the usual bureaucratic steps you'd think you would take to address a real issue in oral procedures and highlight how you would address the matter professionally and respectfully. You also should include in your answer the sentiment that you and you alone are responsible for what happens in your surgeries and would not place blame on others.

Oral Surgery Residency Interview Questions

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1. How would you rate your ability to adapt to changing conditions and environments?
2. What questions do you have for us about our oral surgery residency program and institution?
3. How do setbacks emotionally affect you?
4. Are you aware of cases of medical malpractice in the oral surgery field? How will you cope if you are faced with one of these situations?
5. How do you typically respond to feedback and criticism on your work?
6. What achievement are you most proud of so far on your path to graduating from dental school and pursuing oral surgery residency?
7. How will you handle working under very close supervision as an oral surgery resident with our program?
8. Talk about a time you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality.
9. How would you describe the interpersonal and communication skills you would bring to our oral surgery residency program?
10. What do you know about our institution, and why do you feel this setting would be a great environment for you?
11. As a prospective oral surgery resident, how do you feel about purely elective cosmetic oral surgery?
12. Do you have an area of weakness that you would like to improve as you enter oral surgery residency?
13. Do you feel that your manual dexterity skills are suitable for a career as an oral surgeon?
14. Which dentistry-related newspapers, journals, or publications do you read to stay in touch with new dental discoveries and current events?
15. Do you consider yourself technologically advanced and capable of working with new technologies and equipment as an oral surgery resident?
16. Have you applied to other oral surgery residency programs? If so, where does our program rank for you?
17. What is your plan if you do not match into our oral surgery residency this season?
18. Who in your life mentors or inspires you?
19. How does your family feel about you pursuing oral surgery residency training? Do they support your career choice?
20. Tell us something that we would not know about you from reading your CV.
21. What do you feel is the single most important quality an oral surgeon should possess?
22. We will be interviewing many top notch candidates for our oral surgery residency. What makes you stand out from other dental school graduates with the same qualifications?
23. At our institution, we want to match dental school graduates with a true passion for oral surgery. What appeals to you most about a practice as an oral surgeon?
24. Why do you believe it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts as an oral surgery resident?
25. Talk about your overall academic performance through dental school. Where did you excel, and where could you have improved?
26. Have you ever had significant dental work done? Tell us about your experience as a patient and what made it memorable.
27. Talk about the research experience you gained during dental school. How do you feel that benefitted you?
28. There is a high suicide rate among dental professionals. How do you feel about this fact, and how do you plan to remain grounded during your career?
29. What leadership qualities do you possess that will allow you to succeed in our oral surgery residency program?
30. If you were in surgery and call for an instrument that you're told isn't available, and this adds time to the surgery that otherwise would have been much shorter, how would you address the issue?

Oral Surgery Residency Interview Questions

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

2. What questions do you have for us about our oral surgery residency program and institution?

3. How do setbacks emotionally affect you?

4. Are you aware of cases of medical malpractice in the oral surgery field? How will you cope if you are faced with one of these situations?

5. How do you typically respond to feedback and criticism on your work?

6. What achievement are you most proud of so far on your path to graduating from dental school and pursuing oral surgery residency?

7. How will you handle working under very close supervision as an oral surgery resident with our program?

8. Talk about a time you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality.

9. How would you describe the interpersonal and communication skills you would bring to our oral surgery residency program?

10. What do you know about our institution, and why do you feel this setting would be a great environment for you?

11. As a prospective oral surgery resident, how do you feel about purely elective cosmetic oral surgery?

12. Do you have an area of weakness that you would like to improve as you enter oral surgery residency?

13. Do you feel that your manual dexterity skills are suitable for a career as an oral surgeon?

14. Which dentistry-related newspapers, journals, or publications do you read to stay in touch with new dental discoveries and current events?

15. Do you consider yourself technologically advanced and capable of working with new technologies and equipment as an oral surgery resident?

16. Have you applied to other oral surgery residency programs? If so, where does our program rank for you?

17. What is your plan if you do not match into our oral surgery residency this season?

18. Who in your life mentors or inspires you?

19. How does your family feel about you pursuing oral surgery residency training? Do they support your career choice?

20. Tell us something that we would not know about you from reading your CV.

21. What do you feel is the single most important quality an oral surgeon should possess?

22. We will be interviewing many top notch candidates for our oral surgery residency. What makes you stand out from other dental school graduates with the same qualifications?

23. At our institution, we want to match dental school graduates with a true passion for oral surgery. What appeals to you most about a practice as an oral surgeon?

24. Why do you believe it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts as an oral surgery resident?

25. Talk about your overall academic performance through dental school. Where did you excel, and where could you have improved?

26. Have you ever had significant dental work done? Tell us about your experience as a patient and what made it memorable.

27. Talk about the research experience you gained during dental school. How do you feel that benefitted you?

28. There is a high suicide rate among dental professionals. How do you feel about this fact, and how do you plan to remain grounded during your career?

29. What leadership qualities do you possess that will allow you to succeed in our oral surgery residency program?

30. If you were in surgery and call for an instrument that you're told isn't available, and this adds time to the surgery that otherwise would have been much shorter, how would you address the issue?