Start by outlining and defining the issue you are being asked about. For example, if you are asked about a patient with dental decay who refuses to use fluoride toothpaste you could discuss what your understanding is of both dental decay and the use of fluoride.
After elaborating on the scenario you could then tackle the question by applying the four pillars of Medical Ethics which applies to dentistry as well.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to ethical scenario questions. Approach the question in a logical manner and make sure that your discussion flows so that it is easy for the interviewer to follow.
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Remember, the goal of ethical scenario questions is not to find a definitive answer, but to assess your ability to think critically, analyse complex situations, and make informed decisions related to patient care.
By approaching these questions with a logical and thoughtful mindset, you can demonstrate your ethical reasoning skills and commitment to ethical practice in dentistry.
There are a couple of common mistakes aspiring dental students make in their Dentistry interviews.
Answering the question with an overly simplistic answer suggests that you have not understood the complexity of the issue.
Additionally, having an overly emotive, one-sided response shows that you have not considered both sides of the argument. As well as that, Dentistry is a patient-centered profession, and candidates should demonstrate empathy and compassion towards patients. Failing to convey empathy during the interview can be a significant mistake, as it is an essential quality for providing quality dental care.
Commonly, candidates jump from one thought to another causing their answer to be incoherent and lack structure – so make sure you’re prepared to talk about both sides of an ethical scenario.
Dentistry interviews often include questions related to ethical scenarios. Candidates may make the mistake of not having a solid understanding of dental ethics, principles, and guidelines. It is important to be familiar with ethical considerations in dentistry and be able to apply them to hypothetical situations.
Failing to adequately prepare for the interview is another common mistake. Candidates should research the dental school or program they are applying to, familiarize themselves with current dental topics and trends, and practice answering common interview questions.
The best way to conclude your answer is with a balanced conclusion that appreciates the complexity of the issue presented. For example, in the case of a patient with dental decay who refuses to use fluoride toothpaste, you may conclude:
“Although the patient has the right to choose whether or not to use fluoride toothpaste, I believe that the dentist should discuss with them the benefits of using fluoride toothpaste to prevent further dental decay.”
Further understanding could be shown by adding, “the dentist should ask why they do not want to use fluoride toothpaste and discuss the clinical evidence that indicates that fluoride at a controlled concentration is safe to use.”
Question 1: A 25 year old woman comes to your dental practice because she is unhappy with the appearance of her teeth as she feels they look crooked. On examination, there is no clinical indication that she needs braces so she does not fit the criteria for braces on the NHS. The woman explains to you that her teeth make her very self-conscious and is causing her to feel depressed. Do you think this woman should be given braces on the NHS?
Question 2: A patient with dental anxiety comes into your practice. They are refusing to have a dental check-up without sedation. Discuss how you would manage this patient.
Question 3: A five year old patient comes in with severe dental decay and requires several teeth to be extracted. On speaking to the child’s mother they refuse to give consent for the child’s teeth to be extracted and do not believe that the child has any dental decay. Discuss how you would deal with this situation.
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