An extremely common interview question, “Why do you want to be a dentist?” is a relatively simple question that might nevertheless leave you stumped if you’re not ready for it.
Here’s how to tackle this question to perform well in your interview:
The primary focus of your answer should be empathy. When answering this simple question, make sure you hearken back to your education, work experience, and the ethics that drive your day-to-day work standards.
Answering such a simple question might seem easy, but tackling it in an interview setting under pressure isn’t so easy.
The rest of this article will go through five sample answers to the “Why do you want to be a dentist?” question and further discuss how you can prepare yourself for the interview.
Why Do You Want to Be a Dentist Interview Answers
1. example answer
Being compassionate towards others has always been part of my personality, and as I went through my education, that trait never shifted.
Since high school, my passion for the healthcare field has only grown, strengthening my desire to become a dentist to help others learn about oral health and develop healthy oral hygiene practices.
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Caring for patients not only requires the mechanical skill of dentistry, but also the ability to connect and empathize with others, offering them detailed, actionable healthcare recommendations based on my expertise.
My goal is to develop and maintain open lines of communication with my patients and structure the practice around the goals of leadership and patient-centric care, ever cognizant that oral health is an important part of overall health.
2. example answer
From an early age, I excelled in the technological and medical aspects of my education.
I’ve been an enthusiastic part of several research teams, all of which have fueled my passion for dentistry and fostered my leadership skills.
I recognize that the role of a dentist is not only to implement the latest in dental science but also to press forward to discoveries that improve patient care.
I’m always enthusiastic about developing and implementing a holistic approach to oral health as a dynamic part of patients’ overall well-being.
Not only has my participation in dental research inspired me to pursue dentistry as a career, but it’s also kept me sharp in wanting to apply cutting-edge techniques to improve patient care.
3. example answer
Personal growth has always been a significant part of my business goals.
The reason I want to be a dentist revolves largely around the prolific healthcare community that supports and uplifts each other.
There are countless professionals in the dentistry field that I respect, some of whom I’ve had the opportunity to learn from.
In a similar vein, I’ve been able to foster the growing interest of assistant dentists, technicians, and hygienists, all in a bid to improve patient healthcare as a whole.
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Using my interpersonal skills, management expertise, and capacity to grow as a business professional, I’ve continued to pursue my passion for uniting the healthcare community around oral care.
4. example answer
I’m choosing to pursue dentistry largely for educational reasons.
Many Americans have a lax or uneducated approach to good oral hygiene.
My goal is to use my communication skills to apply excellent dentistry practices to patients’ lives, both at home and in the practice.
My passion is twofold: helping repair teeth damaged as a result of the diet and preventing future oral health complications by giving oral hygiene health advice.
My favorite aspect of pursuing dentistry is the capacity to make a difference.
While that’s certainly true of all healthcare professionals, it’s particularly apt about dentistry.
Not only does dentistry have the reactive approach of improving poor oral health conditions, but it can also be proactive, helping patients take charge of their oral health through preventative treatment and solid at-home practices.
The capacity to make a difference through prevention and repair continues to inspire my ongoing studies in dentistry.
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5. example answer
I want to become a dentist to further develop my technological and interpersonal skills in an office setting.
Advancing my career as a dentist will not only allow me to thrive amidst a community of like-minded healthcare professionals, but it also gives me the capacity to make an impact in the world.
I’ve learned a lot about patient care, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment in my studies, and becoming a dentist is the primary pursuit of those educational endeavors.
Right now, I’m a part of a voluntary workshop aimed at teaching prospective students about preventative care methods, which I firmly believe will empower me to make a difference as a dentist.
See also: Associate Dentist Interview Questions and Answers
How to Answer Why Do You Want to Be a Dentist?
Answering an interview question on the spot is always challenging.
If you know what the hiring manager is going to ask, you’re already ahead of the game.
When you answer the question about “Why you want to be a dentist?”, bring your prior education to bear on the matter, discussing how your qualifications have further fostered your desire to be a dentist.
Similarly, consider your prior work or voluntary experience.
Both matter in your interview, since book knowledge isn’t the same as hands-on knowledge, especially in a practice where there are countless moving parts.
As such, be sure to describe your passion for patient care, your capacity to work as a team member, and your willingness to go the extra mile to support the goals of the organization.
Conclusion: Why Do You Want to Be a Dentist Interview Question
Being prepared for the “Why do you want to be a dentist?” question can help you immensely in your interview.
Thinking ahead allows you to prepare a compelling, yet concise answer about your passions, your education, and your work experience regarding your pursuit of dentistry.
Whether you’re interested in the career advancement aspect of dentistry or the ability to make a change in people’s lives, prepare your answer beforehand and review the above sample answers to ace your next interview.
Good luck with your upcoming interview!
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