"First and foremost, I would come to your program fully understanding that every patient is different and that some won't comply with recommended treatment plans. In situations like this, I would continue educating the patient about why oral care is important and the benefits that come with compliance. I also wouldn't hesitate to use subtle scare tactics like showing pictures of tooth decay or periodontal disease to get the point across."

When dealing with patients, you should encourage without being demeaning or harsh, but you also need to push them to do what they can for themselves in every situation possible. A weight lifter doesn't bench press 200 pounds overnight but rather adds weight little by little. Each time a patient takes the time to floss or brush twice a day, it adds to their dental health. Describe to your interviewers how you would encourage and empower your patients.