Have you put any thought to how you will work effective with angry, upset or sad pediatric patients? How will you successfully manage these situations?

"My love of children and my experience in working closely with them since high school is really the reason that I am pursuing advanced training in pediatrics and a future practice in pediatric dentistry. While I am confident that my calm demeanor and fun-loving attitude with kids will help them to acclimate quickly to my presence, I'm not immune to the fact that I will face scared and downright angry patients from time to time. I would avoid using sedation at all costs and work with my care team to help provide the best distraction possible. During dental school, I rotated in a pediatric practice that had TV monitors in the ceiling and allowed the kids to pick out a show from a wide array of options. This was a welcome distraction that kept kids attention focused on something other than the procedure they were undergoing. I think this is a great method for handling the kids that are angry and scared."

As you answer this question, you ideally want to highlight your ability to remain patient and rational in the face of conflict. Focus on the positive action you can take to provide a great resolution for kids that are struggling during their visit. Some techniques to keep in mind are playing games to make a cleaning or procedure fun or utilizing a TV show or movie to keep them occupied during your work with them. You also want to assure your interviewer that sedating a child should be the ultimate last measure in any situation that doesn't normally call for it.