How would you handle a patient that refused an x-ray because they thought they were harmful to their health?
The interviewers want to ensure that you are mentally prepared for any situation that could occur while you are in practice as a dentist. In a situation like this, your interviewers want to hear that you will take an empathetic approach with the patient while also doing your best to educate them on the best path for their care.
Walk your interviewers through your approach to this situation. First, you should take the time to reflectively listen to the patient's concerns, so explain how you would do this with the utmost respect. Explain that you understand that it is your responsibility to make a clear diagnosis, but you must allow the patient to have an autonomous decision in their care. Discuss the ways that you would educate the patient on x-ray safety to provide the best dental care to them possible.
"In a situation like this, it is important to remain empathetic to the patient's wants and concerns, and I would be sure to have a private conversation with them. I'd start by asking what the concerns were from the patient and then hear them out. I would listen for particular conditions like pregnancy, that the radiation could harm. From there, I would educate the patient on the safety of the x-ray process, including wearing the vest and the limited exposure per guidelines. Then I would determine whether or not the x-rays were medically necessary for their care. In the end, the patient has the final call, and I'd be happy knowing that I did my due diligence in educating them."
