How would you change your communication style if a patient or their family was having trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?

"During a situation in which a patient or their family didn't understand me, I would explain things in a much simpler manner for them and ask questions so I could effectively gauge their understanding. Dental professionals are very fortunate to understand and grasp the complexities of oral issues, but a majority of the general population simply does not. My goal as a dental student is to ensure that my patients are believers in their care plan and ready to move forward with it when they go home."

First, your interviewers want to hear that you would be cognizant of your audience when discussing critical information with patients and their family members. Talk about how you would ensure that your audience fully understands what you tell them and how you would adjust the conversation based on the audience. Then, discuss how poor comprehension comes with poor patient outcomes, increased financial ramifications for patients, and decreased patient satisfaction.