mock mmi questions

Why should we accept you over another dentistry student with the same qualifications?

"I believe I am the strongest student for your dentistry program because I am incredibly dedicated to my professional and personal development. Since beginning my undergraduate program I have committed to taking a personal development workshop twice per year. The topics have included communication, person-ability, multi-tasking, organization, and even persuasive writing. I plan to take these skills and apply them to my graduate studies as well." Put yourself in the position of the interviewers. You are looking at multiple talented candidates, all have stellar grades, all have drive, and all have potential to be renowned alumni of their university. What would be the primary reason to choose YOU over everyone else?Some things that make you a stand out candidate:- Recent volunteer work- An existing connection to the faculty or facility- A memorable and personal story of struggle and triumph- An unusual skill such as speaking multiple languages, or knowing sign language- An additional degree, diploma, or certification- Proof that you continually focus on personal and professional development

What is your favorite quote? Discuss the quote and what it means to you with the interviewer inside the room.

"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." - Socrates?

Describe your dental philosophy

1. It is my firm belief that everyone has a right to good oral hygiene no matter where they come from. In my 15 years as a dentist, I always plan my schedules out thoroughly so that I can see as many patients as possible over any given day. I also work with individuals who would ordinarily have trouble paying for their treatments. If someone comes in without insurance, then I work diligently to set up a payment plan so that any dental pain can get treated promptly.

What is the one detail in your application you would like us to overlook?

1. The best way to tackle this question is to have a response prepared ahead of time; you may not get this specific question, but this kind of question is extremely common. While preparing for your interview, look through your application materials critically to identify the lower-than-desired grades, or the lack of experience with patient interaction, or the place where you fell short of developing the skills you were expected to acquire. Whatever that low-point might be, ask yourself, how did this happen? What were the circumstances surrounding that low Calculus mark? What were you doing other than developing your extra-curriculars? We aren't suggesting you make excuses - quite the opposite, you need to learn to own your mistakes or missteps. Instead, consider the ways such experiences helped bring you to where you are today. What did you learn? How have you grown? Why are you a better person now for having gone through such an experience? Then, prepare your response. You shouldn't be memorizing a script, but you do want to establish some plot points, so that your narrative is smooth and reflective. First, you'll want to provide the context of the experience. Remember though, offer only the necessary information so the interviewers understand the circumstance. For instance, "I really struggled with first-year Calculus. I was at the top of my high school class and assumed I could continue with the same skills and approach I once used to the same effect. Sadly, this wasn't the case." Enough said. The interviewers now understand the context of the situation. It's time to move on to consider the strategies you used to overcome the difficulty you faced. "Once I realized that my high school skill set and time management strategies would not be sufficient for university Calculus (and other courses), I used a number of strategies to get back on track. I adopted a time management system, attended peer tutoring sessions, and tackled the curriculum with a do-or-die attitude. In fact, the peer support I received was so helpful I now volunteer and help out first-years in a similar predicament." Show how you took ownership of your issue and how the experience has influenced your behavior or choices now. The third, and arguably the most important, step is to discuss what you have learned. This should not simply be what you learned about the strategies to overcome your issue, but what you learned about yourself, the way you learn, the way you manage conflict and disappointment, and so on. So here, we might say, "I'm grateful I had this difficulty early in my undergraduate career, because I learned how to overcome academic adversity by accessing external resources and building internal resources like resiliency." You can then add some details to your response. Critical to this approach is the lack of recourse to excuses. What has been stated so far is quite simple, but incredibly important: I entered a situation with some unfortunate assumptions, and these assumptions led me to make bad choices in how I structured my time and approach to coursework. I realized where I was slipping, made some different choices, and learned a lot about myself in the process. Now, I'm able to help others who go through this common undergrad experience. Finally, let's apply this learning to the dental profession. "After going through this experience, I now know that I'm able to dig deep and firm my own resolve, and I know when to reach out to more knowledgeable others for support if I need it. This self-knowledge will be beneficial moving forward, as I work to keep up with the quickly changing technologies and procedures central to a career in dentistry. I know that I can never simply rest on what I already know and assume that will be sufficient. Rather, I need to actively explore such advances and seek out those with specialized knowledge, so that I can always serve my patients as effectively as possible."

Describe any inconsistencies or weaknesses in your record or application.

Cell Bio? Biochem?

Why do you want to be a dentist?

I think it is so cool how oral health plays a vital role in the overall health of an individual, and I would love to be a servant who contributes to a patient's overall health. In addition, I have always enjoyed going to my dentist and became extremely passionate for the field when I had the opportunity to shadow and see the big picture of what they do, from all of the procedures they can perform to running a successful clinic. Also, I have strong leadership skills and want to have a leadership role as a part of my career. Lastly, I want to be a dentist because I believe I have the perfect characteristics for the career based on the personalities of successful dentists, such as being kind, humble-hearted, and a hard worker.

Do you think Dental students should get more scholarship money from the government at the expense of other professions such as engineering and law schools?

I think it should vary based on how many dentists the area "needs." If the area needed more engineers, then more scholarship money should go there to incentivize students to take that route.

Define self-awareness.

Self-awareness involves being "in-touch" with different aspects of yourself including traits, behaviors, and feelings. Essentially, it is a psychological state in which oneself becomes the focus of attention.

Biggest weakness?

Tend to underestimate my ability. I wouldn't describe it as lack of confidence. I believe in myself, but I seem to not give myself the credit when it should be awarded. I am my worst critic. I have realized this and have realized that I need to give myself a break at times. However, this is partially why I do as well as I do, for fear of failing.

What issues do the elderly face in terms of oral health care?

The elderly face many obstacles to both preventative oral health care and treatment of dental conditions. These include dealing with ageism, financial obstacles, mobility obstacles, cognitive limitations, communication and issues of consent, and complications with treatment due to medications and medical conditions, to name only some. In addition, the face of dental care for the aging population is changing. In the past, much of dental care for this segment of the population involved taking care of dentures; however, as life expectancy increases and as a result of a lifetime of good oral healthcare, many people are retaining most of their teeth until the end of life. This asks dentists to be educated on the illnesses and conditions, including the effects of significant health episodes, elderly patients may face in order to understand the implications on oral health and dental treatment. Changes in insurance coverage affect the elderly. While many people relied on their dental benefits as employees, this coverage often ends in retirement, especially as pensions become less common. Dental care may be seen as a discretionary expense, until the patient experiences pain and discomfort. As a dentist, there are a number of things I can do to support my patients as they transition from employment to retirement. My administrative team can make suggestions for forward planning to avoid a gap in care by asking questions about the patient's plan for insurance coverage after retirement. The technical team can remind the patient of the importance of preventative care, as well as the link between oral and systemic concerns. Finally, as the patient ages and if cognitive issues become apparent, my team will support the patient and their family by liaising with insurance providers on their behalf. An additional issue the elderly may face involves physical limitations and mobility. Common conditions such as arthritis may make the simple act of holding a toothbrush difficult and flossing impossible. As an individual ages, driving restrictions may come into play, making the autonomous act of taking oneself to the dentist—a task that involves co-ordination, planning, and expense—more difficult. In addition, maneuvering in and out of a chair, sitting up, and lying down are movements that may require physical support and a helping hand, and could diminish the confidence and cause embarrassment for the aging. Again, my team and I have a responsibility to provide tools and strategies to ease any discomfort involved in daily oral hygiene, such as wide-handled toothbrushes. My team will be certain to be patient, supportive, and unobtrusive in offering physical help as our patients move about the office space. In addition, depending on the community where I practice, I can co-ordinate shuttle transportation for my patients who are unable to arrange their own transportation. Finally, I will connect with nursing homes and retirement facilities to attend to the needs of those who are not mobile or are without insurance as part of my code of ethics. The team, everyone in the practice from the administrative staff, to technicians, hygienists and myself, must be aware of the vulnerability and fluctuating autonomy of the elderly. We must all be trained and aware not to treat the elderly as children, but to support them on an individual basis, reassessing needs and abilities of the whole person on each visit to offer the most empathetic, professional care that addresses the connection between oral health and physical well-being.

Explain what is dental caries?

Dental caries also known as cavity or tooth decay, which is caused due to bacterial infection. It causes the destruction of hard tissue of the teeth and results in demineralization of the teeth.

what is the most important leadership role you have played in your life?

FLIP? Blue and Gold? Mentor for bball girls? FLORENTINE CLUB????

If you are accepted into two dental schools of your top choice, what would you do to make up your mind?

For me, location is the first major factor. I would definitely be attending the one closest to home. Closest to my family and friends...my support system.

Your patient, Sally, had a stroke and is now on life-support. Your patient's best friend has been at her side for the past several days at the hospital and shares with you that it is Sally's wish not to be kept alive by machines. Sally does not have a living will, or a written Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, but the friend is insistent. Please discuss how you will approach this situation with the interviewer.

For people lacking decision-making capacity, their authorized surrogates can act on their behalf.

What is an extracurricular activity that shaped who you are today and how?

The extracurricular that shaped me the most was Track and Field. It taught me so much about the real world. I learned how to efficiently manage my time due to fitting in 10 to 20 hours of track a week. I learned how to stay focused on the task at hand, such as me focusing on clearing the high jump bar even though I have a grueling Physiology exam the next morning. I learned how to take care of my body physically which results in better performance mentally. And most importantly, I learned how to be not just a teammate, but a team leader. I learned how to lead by example and teach the younger athletes how to improve to be the best they can be.

which aspect of human rights is most important to you and why?

The most important aspect of human rights to me is free speech. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs about certain things, but at the end of the day, I think we can all agree that we appreciate being able to express them accordingly. Free speech is the right to freedom of opinion and expression. We don't have to be scared of being silenced because we don't all think the same, and I think that's amazing.

would you rather be the catcher or the pitcher?

The pitcher because I could handle the strategy decisions and my shoulders are big enough to take the brunt of any fallout that comes from those decisions. The catcher would be like the employees. Keeping an eye on everything. Glueing everything together.

In 10 years, if you were a successful dentist, how would you define successful?

With two words: relationship and trust. I aspire to be a dentist who shows commitment to my patients in a way that they grow to trust me and my team. I want to grow lasting relationships by providing excellent service that keeps my patients coming back to my team for their oral care. That's how I would describe a successful dentist.

do you think there should be an honor code?

there absolutely should be an honor code. with an honor code, it establishes a standard, or a common starting line, for everyone to be on. of course, everyone learns and applies the knowledge they learned differently, but you shouldn't be able to have a leg up because you didn't get to put in as many study hours as the next person. i feel like honor codes do a good job of discouraging cheating and promoting academic integrity.

Is dentistry a right or a privilege?

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Life is made of small efforts. how do you live your life based on this quote? and how does it help you in your career?

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Looking back on your shadowing experience, what was your favorite procedure?

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Name a situation where you had to make an ethical decision. What did you do?

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Name one meaningful leadership experience you've had and explain what you learned from it?

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Name two organizations that you would like to start as a dental student.

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One day, a dental school classmate gives you a sheet containing questions for an upcoming exam. How would you handle the situation and what issues would you consider important in coming to a decision about what to do?

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Pick 3 people you would choose to have dinner with, and explain why you chose them.

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Rank intelligence, compassion, and integrity in the order of importance to you.

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Should gambling be legal even though addictions arise because of it?

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Should non-smoking be a requirement for allowing dental students into dental schools?

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Should the government be able to regulate people's energy conservation?

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So you like helping others...why not be a social worker?

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Take us through your personal statement.

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Tell me about a disappointment you have experienced.

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Tell me about a mistake you have made.

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Tell me about a stressful situation you dealt with and how did you overcome it?

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Tell me about a time conflict arose between you and a supervisor or peer and how you handled it.

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Tell me about a time there you witnessed dishonesty and what did you do?

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Tell me about an experience you have had working on a team. What role do you tend to play when working on a team?

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Tell me about your clinical volunteering experiences.

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Tell me about your hobbies.

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Tell me about your research.

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Tell me about your shadowing experiences.

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Tell me about your work experience. What have you learned from your experience?

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Tell us about a caring role or volunteering position that you took on.

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Tell us about a challenging situation you have observed during your shadowing.

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Tell us about a time when you dealt with an angry friend or colleague.

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Tell us about a time when you had to lead a team to success.

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Tell us about a time when you showed compassion to someone.

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The apartment next door is for rent. The previous tenants were nothing but trouble and have been evicted. Your landlord tells you about a new tenant he has found with more promising credentials. As he tells you about him, you realize that he is one of the drug addicts who was in treatment at a halfway house you volunteer at. You know that this person has a history of relapsing and may not have been completely honest on the application form.Do you warn your landlord about the person's history or do you keep your knowledge confidential?

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The school is on a break, you are on campus and have nothing to do, what would you do with your time?

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Three companies are vying for a piece of land in the downtown area: a car company, a call center, and a group of doctors. Describe how you would advise the mayor of the town and what company you would choose.

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Under what circumstances, if any, would it be okay for you to steal a loaf of bread?

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What accomplishment are you most proud of?

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What are the responsibilities of a dentist to a patient?

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What are three things you want to change about yourself?

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What are you looking for in a dental school?

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What branch of dentistry do you think would interest you? Why?

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What course was the most academically challenging for you and why?

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What dental procedures have you seen?

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What did you do to prepare for the DAT?

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What did you like/dislike about the dental offices you have observed?

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What do you feel are the most important qualities in being a good dentist?

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What do you know about our curriculum?

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What do you see as the greatest problem facing the health care delivery system today?

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What do you think the role of a dentist is in the community, with patients, and in the profession?

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What do you think the term empathy means? What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

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What do you think will be the most challenging part of your dental training and career?

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What do you think you will like least about dentistry?

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What do you think you will like the most about dentistry?

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What does being a dentist entail, apart from treating patients?

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What does it mean to be an ambassador?

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What event has impacted your life the most?

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What extracurricular activity have you found the most rewarding?

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What have you done that shows initiative? What did you gain from that experience?

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What have you read recently?

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What interests you outside of dentistry and getting into dental school?

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What is a professional attitude?

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What is dependability? Are you dependable? Is there ever a time you should not be dependable?

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What is something you always procrastinate on?

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What is the biggest challenge facing dentistry today?

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What is the future of dentistry?

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What is the mission of [this school]?

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What is the worst job you've ever had? What is the best job you've ever had?

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What is your definition of the dental profession?

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What is your major and how did you choose it?

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What is your most important experience that did not involve dentistry or academics?

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What is your opinion about the salary differences of teachers, doctors, and professional athletes? What (if anything) should be/could be done about this?

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What kinds of activities should pre-dental students be involved in?

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What life experiences have prepared you for dental school?

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What made you choose dentistry, and why not another profession in the health field?

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What makes a good dentist?

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What motivates you?

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What other dental schools have you applied to?

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What other team members were present during your shadowing, beyond dentists or student dentists?​

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What sets you apart from other applicants?

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What skills or qualities did you note in the dentists that you observed during your shadowing experience?

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What steps have you taken to confirm that you want to be a dentist?

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What was your most valuable course in college?

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What were your DAT scores?

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What will you do after completing this program?

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What will you do in dental school if you can't handle a certain class?

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What would you change at the practice you shadowed at?

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When did you decide dentistry was a good career choice for you?

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Where do you see yourself in five/ten years?

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Where do you want to open your practice and why?

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Who are the three most influential people in your life?

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Why LECOM?

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Why UMMC?

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Why UT?

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Why dentistry?

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Why did you choose the undergraduate school you attend? Would you change your decision?

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Why do you think being a good communicator is so important to being a good dentist?

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Why not medicine?

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You are a dentist who has been in practice for a number of years but are starting to feel a sense of isolation. You feel it's difficult to establish close personal relationships as you sense nobody wants to see you or come back to see you, because either they come in pain or you cause them pain. What do you do?

1. I may have noticed that my experience of being stressed has been magnifying, and that it may be manifesting as feelings of isolation. My concern is that my sense of isolation is a precursor to something more serious, namely burn-out or depression. It is likely I have numerous stressors including an existing dentistry school debt, start-up debt, practice management and patient care concerns. My vocation involves helping others, and so I may be embarrassed that I might need professional help myself. However, in order to maintain my standard of professional care and to ensure my personal relationships remain positive and healthy, it is my responsibility to care for myself. I will need to find resources to help me understand this isolation and to develop an action plan to inhibit more serious mental health concerns. First, I will reflect on both my personal and professional life to try to determine the causes of stress. For the sake of this scenario, let's assume my personal life is stable and a source of comfort. By way of honest inventory, I come to understand that I'm also experiencing a loss of self-confidence and exhaustion By reaching out to the Canadian or American Dental Associations, I can access support groups, stress management workshops, and counselling to begin to understand the source of my feelings, and to put into effect any number of measures to balance my life. In the short term, daily exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce stress and improve my mood. Such changes have been shown to help mitigate such feelings, and making positive changes like this in my own life will not only help me manage my mental health, it will help me be at my best for my patients. In the workplace, I might vary the hours I see patients, offering convenient evening or weekend appointments so I can walk my child to school, or have lunch with a friend in order to lessen the feeling of routine. As I grow my practice, paying special attention to hiring team members with whom I have an easy rapport can help us all build our tolerance to stress. I will try to ensure we build a strong core team, and I will schedule regular teambuilding activities several times each year, so that we are able to come together and forge strong collegial bonds. While my primary concern in this scenario is my own well-being, a strong support system within the workplace will benefit all of us. To build confidence and professional acuity, I might consider teaching positions at dental schools, or leadership positions within professional organizations. Hosting research reading groups with other oral health professionals would give us all an opportunity to share experience and support continuous learning. I may have been so intent on providing exceptional care to my patients and loved ones that I forgot to care for myself. With these measures in place, and with the support of mental health professionals and purposeful attention to my own health and well-being, I will be able to mitigate the unavoidable stressors inherent in a dental practice.

How do you define success?

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How do you handle conflict?

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How do you respond to criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized.

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How do you see the field of dentistry changing in the next ten years? How do you see yourself fitting into those changes?

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How do you spend your free time?

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How do you think the dental profession have changed over the last 25 years?

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How do you want to be remembered?

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How would you describe dentistry in one sentence to a child?

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How would you describe the relationship between science and dentistry?

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How would you handle a situation with an employee whose dress standards make patients uncomfortable?

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How would your friends describe you?

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If someone won a $250,000 lottery, how would you advise him to spend it?

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If you could make a movie to change the world, what would you make it on and why?

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If you could pick any profession, one that isn't dentistry, what would you pick and why?

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If you were in a dental practice that was billing for procedures that were not actually performed, what would be the steps you would take?

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If your friend had a gambling addiction, lost all of his money, and then asked to borrow some money to pay for rent, food, and a little more money so that he could win back the money that they lost, what would you do to help him?

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How do you handle unhappy or difficult patients?

1. I try to avoid any difficulty right from the get-go. I explain whatever is going to be happening in clear, easy-to-understand language before starting anything so the patients are not caught off-guard. If patients are experiencing extreme anxiety, then I will suggest nitrous oxide or oral sedation to try to calm them down.

In 2007 the Journal of Dental Education surveyed over 1000 dental students and found that 74.7% admitted to some form of cheating during their undergraduate career. The university has asked you to be part of a student focus group to determine how to reduce the incidence of cheating. You are well aware of this behavior as you have observed the reusing of old assignments on many occasions. What suggestions would you make to help reduce the incidence of cheating and improve the academic integrity of students?

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In healthcare professions like dental care, you will be required to establish good working relationships with people from all walks of life. Talk about what you think will be your strengths and challenges in establishing these relationships with your future clients.Will you have more success or challenges in relation to: · young versus old clients · clients from different cultures · clients at different levels of health

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In your opinion, what are the most important traits for a dental program?

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In your opinion, what is the most important invention in the last 50 years?

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Is amalgam safe to use in dentistry?

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1. Of these five extracurriculars (Research, Working in a medical field, Service in hard to reach populations, Sports, None Medical Work) which do you think is the best to do during undergrad to prepare for dental school?

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A town is voting on a yes/no referendum for building a multi-million dollar casino in the center of downtown, which has a very poor demographic. Discuss.

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Are the arts an important aspect of schooling? What would you say if someone was suggesting adding art to a dental curriculum?

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As a dentist would you prefer the respect of your patients or your colleagues?

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As an employee of a company, you are in charge of donating to a "worthy" charity. How would you describe a worthy charity and where would you donate to?

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Can you convince me that you can cope with the workload in dental school?

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Define and exemplify ethics.

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Describe a situation where you had to act quickly with little information.

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Describe an injustice you have experienced.

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Describe your experience in small groups.

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Describe your experience with diversity.

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Describe your greatest accomplishment.

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Describe your method of learning. How does this fit with this dental school?

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Did you enjoy your experience at [school name] today?

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Do companies like Walmart help or hurt small towns?

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Do you consider yourself an empathetic person?

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Do you find that you work better independently or as part of a team?

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Do you have any questions for me?

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Explain your leadership/research/volunteer experiences.

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From your shadowing experience, what have you seen that you would like to emulate and what have you seen that you would like to avoid?

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Give evidence that you relate well with others.

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Give me three strengths.

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Give me three weaknesses.

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Give your thoughts on Edison's quote of the future of medicine being in prevention of disease rather than curing it. Relate that to dentistry.

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How can you add to the diversity of this school?

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You are a dentist expecting a patient you haven't seen in a few years. This low-income individual does not have dental insurance and makes appointments only when significant treatment is needed. The last time you saw them, they were unable to pay for their dental services. What do you do?

As the dentist in this scenario, my primary concern is for the well-being of my patient, but I must also be certain to provide equitable care to all my patients and make decisions that allow for the viability of my practice. I would greet my patient in a friendly, open, empathetic manner without judgment for not maintaining regular appointments, and without assuming the patient will be unable to pay for their treatment, despite our previous experience. It has been awhile since I last saw the patient, and any number of things may have changed in that time. After consulting with the patient and doing an initial oral examination, it may be that I determine that a regular cleaning and perhaps X-rays for preventative measures are all that is required. In that case, my office will continue with treatment if time allows, or have another appointment scheduled in the near future. If, however, the consultation and initial oral examination reveal significant decay, I will inform the patient that extensive work is required and offer a variety of treatment options. I will ask the patient if they have insurance coverage in order to offset the cost. If the patient informs me that none of the treatment plans are financially manageable for them, even with a payment plan, my office will contact social service agencies to determine if my patient qualifies for government funding at some level. I can also suggest my patient contact a nearby dental school for treatment, as patients are often seen at low-or-no cost as part of dental student training. If none of these options offer a solution for my patient in a timely manner, I will provide the most suitable and cost-effective treatment to resolve the most immediate issue(s) without charge. Throughout our entire interaction, I will be certain that the patient is treated with the same respect, care, and empathy by my entire staff as every other patient we treat. There are two levels of prevention necessary in this scenario. The first is for the patient's own oral healthcare. The patient must be educated that regular dental cleanings and topical fluoride, as well as daily brushing and flossing, are mandatory for maintaining oral health. This will ultimately reduce, if not eliminate, the necessity of such drastic interventions. In addition, I will provide my patient with the names and addresses of free or reduced-cost dental clinics, and encourage them to make regular appointments. Finally, as part of my own social responsibility and to do justice to the code of ethics, I will volunteer my time and expertise at free clinics on a regular basis. In addition, I will advocate for low-income earners and the precariously employed by lobbying all levels of government for better access to dental healthcare funding.

Describe a time you were involved in a conflict and had to resolve it.

At the end of my sophomore year of high school, I was on the basketball team. We had had the same coach since I was a 7th grader, and he really got the team bonded to the point where we enjoyed playing with each other on the court and off the court. We were winning games and setting records. Then, our school administration was doing a little spring cleaning, and they were going to fire our coach. I rallied up all the girls (without the coach's knowledge), and we all wrote papers about why our team needed him to function well, and we all went to the next school board meeting and presented our agenda. They were so moved that every single team member showed up to speak on his behalf that they completely dropped the matter of his termination. He was beyond thankful for our expression of compassion toward him.

We believe in the continual development of our students, both professionally and personally. What is your self-development plan?

Having a self-development plan is incredibly important for anyone. If this university is going to invest in you, they need to know that you have a plan in place for investing in yourself also.Some ideas for self-development:- Listening to an inspiring podcaster- Attending personal development workshops- Spending time volunteering in a capacity related to your career goals- Utilizing a mentor- Hiring a tutor- Learning another language- Reading books associated with success "I agree that self-development is crucial for continual growth and achievement. I am committed to investing in myself and some of the ways I do this is by attending personal development workshops, and meeting with my mentor once per month."

Did you ever consider medical school?

Honestly, no I did not. I've been so fascinated with teeth since I was 6, so I never really dwelled too much on the medical school idea. I've compared some things because I was curious and I have friends who are geared that way, but it's always been a no-brainer for me.

A YouTube video of a group of junior high-school boys verbally abusing bus monitor Karen Klein went viral this July. The abuse included taunts, profanity, physical ridicule, and even threats to Karen's person and home, ultimately resulting in her breaking down and crying. The video prompted an investigation on the part of school officials and local police. They were suspended from school and given 50 hours of community service. Klein stated that she would not press charges, partly because of the flood of criticism aimed at the boys.Do you believe the boys' punishments were just, or what could have been done differently?

I admire Ms. Klein's concern for the boys' sakes, when they obviously had no respect for her, while they were verbally abusing her. I do not believe that the boys received enough punishment for their actions. They are middle schoolers and old enough to know that what they did was wrong. I think a learning experience could come from this situation. If I had a say in the discipline, I would suggest that the boys, rather than be suspended, because it's almost a treat to miss school for boys that age, have to do a research paper on the correlation between bullying and academic grades, dropout rates, increased depression, and even suicide in some cases. They would definitely be writing genuine apology letters to Ms. Klein. I think it best that she be removed from their route, though. I think the bullies themselves should have to report to one-on-one counseling, because oftentimes the bully is experiencing something that they don't know how to cope with other than taking it out on others. Hopefully, with these boundaries in place, it would discourage other students from wanting to engage in that sort of behavior.

What is something quirky about yourself?

I am a Dave Ramsey Superfan. I own all of his books and enjoy listening to his podcasts daily. Family and friends tease that "my Dave is showing" when I start passionately talking about finances.

Tell me something that is not on your resume that you would like us to know.

I am an optimist. I always find the good in people and I try to uplift others everyday. I've learned that words of affirmation really lift me up, so I try to do the same for other people.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

I am super grateful to have received this interview and I look forward to calling LECOM my home for the next several years.

How do you deal with stress? How will you handle the stress of dental school?

I find that various mundane activities help me deal with stress. I love reading. I also enjoy cleaning, which I typically reserve for Saturday mornings, and I love doing laundry. Playing old pieces of music on the piano help relieve some stress. Trying to learn new pieces can sometimes add to it. But the biggest way I cope with stress is by hanging out with my family. We're all very close, and they're always a great way to get my mind off of pressing issues. They're always so understanding and supportive, and they're a big factor in why I would like to remain in Mississippi.

Dentists require a great deal of hand coordination. Do you play any instruments or do any work with your hands?

I have played the piano since I was in first grade, so I'm coming up on 15 years. It's also a really good stress reliever, I just don't know that my roommate would appreciate a keyboard in our dorm room. I played the violin briefly during 5th and 6th grade, but my instructor quit instructing. I was played basketball for 6 years and still play intramurally and tennis for 4 years. I paint when I feel a random burst of motivation to. It's usually something that I plan on using as wall decoration or that someone else requested I handle for them. Most recently, I have been involved in a ceramics class, and I'm really enjoying that. It works your hands, but in a different way than what I'm used to. We're still early in the semester, but I'm actually finishing up my first project. It's a coil pot, and we basically just roll out a bunch of clay into coils, pile them on top of each other, smooth everything out, and then fire it. I'm excited to see how it turns out!

Explain something you witnessed a dentist do or any incident in a dental clinic you would do differently.

I once witnessed an endodontist yell at a kid for screaming. The doctor was trying to give the child a local anesthetic but the child screamed and jerked his head. I'm sure the doctor was stressed out because he yelled at that kid, saying if he does it again he's going to make him and his mother leave. The child continued to scream, but thankfully the doctor was able to perform the injection. What I would have done is de escalate the situation. I would have taken the time to calm the child and provide an analogy for the shot, such as "you're going to feel just a small mosquito bite, and this will make your teeth tingly which will take away all the pain."

If you could do anything different in your education, what would you do?

I probably would've gone ahead and double majored in business administration along with my chemistry major. I've enjoyed all of those classes I've taken, and I think they'll prove to be very beneficial when I'm having to review financial documents in the future.

name a time when you were put on the spot and had to think quickly on your feet

I run into this a good bit when I'm in research lab. Back when I was just learning the ropes of some of the equipment we use in these, my research advisor left me alone for a few minutes, while my product was on the Rotovap, which is a piece of equipment that evaporates solvent off of the product. We were using a pretty DCM, a volatile solvent, and when the water bath warmed up, the DCM started popping, and it popped some of my product into the neck of the machine. I had to think quickly before I lost more of my product, so I had to figure out how to disassemble what my professor had assembled before it was too late. I think these experiences have really sharpened my problem-solving skills.

what are some current issues in the dental field?

I think it's pretty obvious that COVID-19 has definitely put a damper on the dental field. It is well known that the mouth and throat are the best place for the virus to multiply and transfer, which is exactly were those in the dental field work. The patient's mouth has to be open during a procedure, and particles flying could potential expose anyone else in the room to the virus. Dentists are now having to stay very aware of how clean and disinfected their offices are, how far apart appointments are scheduled, and making sure everything stays sterile. All of this can lead to a lower number of patients, which itself brings issues like lower income and higher expenses. Then there's health issues pertaining to dentists, which is nothing new, but I wish there would be a bigger push to resolve some of these issues. It is no secret that dentists deal with a lot of mental and physical health issues. For example, the majority of dentists experience serious back, shoulder, and leg issues. All of this is caused by the extended seated position which comprises unnatural body placement and long-term steadiness during work. Furthermore, a lot of dentists deal with mental health issues as well. The stress of maintaining financial stability, managing time, and clients can take a toll on one's mental health. Dentists deal with a lot of emotional buildup, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Dentists are the most suicidal medical professionals as well. Not to mention that dentists are always at risk of contracting an infectious disease coming from the patients. Some of the diseases, alongside coronavirus, include HIV, Hepatitis B virus, M. tuberculosis, etc. Another issue I think we're facing more of is population diversity. The requirements and needs of a diverse patient population play a crucial role in critical dental trends. It's estimated that 45% of Hispanics lack private dental coverage and are dependent on community dental clinics. 18% have not visited a dentist in the past two years. I think this is partly due to the fact that we don't have many Spanish-speaking dentists. I've actually witnessed a language barrier during my shadowing. They handled it well, but it would've been much easier on everyone, if they had known a minimal amount of Spanish.

Do you see education as a right or a privilege?

I think this is something that we, as Americans, take for granted. Alot of people see education as a right, but it's really only a right as far as states draw the lines. In the grand scheme of things, education is a privilege, and we should be proud that we're experiencing something that some countries don't have the opportunity to have.

What questions do you have for us?

I understand that LECOM is a new facility with state of the art technology. Could you tell me some of the specifics on the technology that most other dental schools don't have? In what sorts of ways will this modern technology make me a better dentist?As a student, I want to be sure I'm receiving an excellent all-around education. So besides the latest technology, what else does LECOM implement into its program to assure evidence-based teaching.With me wanting to return to the rural area I grew up in, in what ways will LECOM prepare me for a life of service to other people with little to no education in oral health and hygiene.

Did you have a mentoring role at school? If so, how did you get that role and what did you learn from it?

I was a Blue and Gold mentor my sophomore year of college, which is essentially a mentor for freshman to ensure that their transition from high school to college goes smoothly. I had 10 in my group, and it was really awesome to see them bond with each other, even outside of our small group time. I think this program is an awesome opportunity for freshmen. I've also been a tutor, which I consider to be a kind of mentoring position. My door is always open for students struggling in classes that I've taken. I'm always happy to help them understand concepts that aren't clicking.

A coworker approaches you and says that you are always late and not doing a good job at your work you disagree what is your response?

I would ask said coworker if they could provide me with examples/documentation of these instances. I would express that I strive to give my best effort in all circumstances. I would inform my coworker that, while I appreciate their input and concern, I assure them that I am taking no short cuts. Once this interaction is over, I would consult my supervisor, to ensure that I am indeed fulfilling my duties to their desired specifications, since they are the one providing me with financial compensation and not my coworker. I would make changes accordingly from there.

Let's say you are a practicing dentist and a mother comes in with her daughter and says she doesn't want to use fluoride on her daughter. What would your response be to this? What do you know about the pros and cons of fluoride?

I would first talk with the mother in private and find out why she does not want her daughter to have fluoride. I would ask her if her daughter has had a bad experience in the past or if she has any issues that raise concern. If there are issues, i would use the knowledge I have to make a decision. But if there are no issues, I would tell her based on my education, knowledge, and experience, and in my expert opinion, I recommend your daughter uses fluoride to strengthen the enamel on her teeth. However, in the end, it is ultimately up to you as the parent, and I will uphold whatever decision you make as long as it does not contradict my practice mission. The pros that I know about fluoride are that it strengthens enamel which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. The cons I know of are that it can stain some people's teeth and it can cause stomach problems for some people. That is the extent that I know.

What is something non-academic that you would highlight and something you would white out.

I would highlight the work I've done for a 94 year old lady named Evelyn Hutchins. Every summer for the last 6 years I have helped her out with yard work and any favors she needs done. I truly feel I have made a positive impact on her life. Something I would white out is receiving parking tickets for trying to park for free at Grand Valley and at state parks.

How would you handle a situation, where one of your patients has AIDS?

I would make sure that the upmost importance is on making sure everyone involved with handling this patient is appropriately prepared. If one of my employees is uncomfortable with assisting, I would ask another one. We would wear two pairs of gloves. Eye protection would be a necessity. And other than that, I would just take extra precaution in making sure to pay attention if a glove snags, if anyone gets cut in anyway, or if the patient starts bleeding.

what characteristics do you possess that will allow you to succeed at UMMC?

One characteristic that I possess that will allow me to succeed at UMMC is coachability, which allows me to continuously integrate feedback to drive growth and change within myself. I'm also very focused on details, which would correlate with accuracy and precision when executing tasks. I've got a thirst for knowledge. I've always loved learning and how many of the classes I've taken have carried over content to the next class. I'm very inquisitive, and I think college has brought that out even more, since some of the topics we cover are more in-depth. And, the most important characteristic is my motivation. I've had my heart set on attending here for 10 years, and I know my attitude of being grateful for the opportunity would carry over into my studies and drive me to be a better student.

Tell me about yourself.

I've lived in the same house in the small town of Florence, Mississippi, for my entire life. I grew up the oldest of three, so life has always been chaotic for us, but I think they have made life much more interesting. Having grown up in one, small towns have always been on my heart, and I have a strong desire to practice in one because of the community aspect that can be brought into those practices. I have been involved in my community and my church throughout my life, and I love the slower pace that the rural life provides. There's a community club Florence has called the Florentine Evening Club, and it's basically a group open to all women in the community (though, it's mostly retired ladies...I'm the youngest), and we meet monthly to discuss things we can do to better not only our community, but also our surrounding communities. We've been involved in a variety of service projects like collecting items for foster kids, taking baked goods to our local first responders, and cleaning up and landscaping around our city hall, to name a few. Those ladies have been such a blessing to me, and I've learned a lot about how to interact with their age group. They have taught me a lot of valuable life lessons. I grew up on hard work, faith, and love thanks to my parents, and I aspire to implement those characteristics into my profession as a dentist.

Empathy vs. Sympathy

In empathy, we understand the feelings of others. In sympathy, we feel the feelings of others.

You are a dentist with a patient who has come to see you because of moderate dental pain. After examination you cannot determine the cause of the pain and suggest an X-ray. The patient believes X-rays are harmful and refuses. In fact, you have no X-rays in the patient's file to consult as she has never consented to X-rays in the several years you have been caring for her. What do you do?

It is important to remain non-judgmental and empathetic to the patient's concerns. A private conversation is necessary, so I will ask the dental technician to give us a few minutes alone. Sitting so we can see each other, I will ask the patient what her concerns about X-rays are. I will ask if she has a condition I'm unaware of that contraindicates the use of radiation, or if she is pregnant or nursing. I will ask when her last X-ray was outside of dental care. I will ask if she feels the dental pain she is experiencing justifies further exploration by means other than an oral examination. I will follow up these questions with a discussion of the risks and benefits of dental x-rays, as well as inform my patient of the guidelines provided by the American and Canadian Dental Associations. Both of these associations do suggest limiting exposure to X-rays to every 24 to 36 months, and since my patient has not had dental X-rays within that timeframe, frequency is not a concern, based on the best research and evidence we currently have. In addition, I may discuss the ALARA protocol (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), which is the principle of radiation safety where the least amount of radiation necessary is used. I must advise my patient that there is a very small potential risk of cancer with exposure to radiation, though we will take care to cover all exposed areas of her body with a lead apron. The benefit of the X-ray is the ability to develop a treatment plan without resorting to invasive measures to diagnose the area of concern. Depending on her responses to what I've said so far, I may also let my patient know that a single X-ray exposes us to a mere fraction of the total environmental radiation we are exposed to in a year. When I am sure my patient is aware of the potential risks and benefits, I will ask her what course of action she would like to take. In other words, I will ask for her informed consent and demonstrate my willingness to respect her own bodily autonomy. If my patient agrees to the X-ray, I will be certain to ask her again whether she is pregnant or nursing, cover her with a lead apron, and inform her of exactly how many X-rays are necessary and why. If my patient tells me she will live with the pain, that any exposure to radiation is too much exposure, then I must honour her autonomy. However, I will provide her guidelines for the care of the area of concern as well as a list of symptoms to watch for. In addition, I will ask her to schedule a follow-up appointment within a few days. If the symptoms disappear, then there is no need for a follow-up unless the patient feels it is necessary. I will advise my patient that if the symptoms continue or worsen, then she must keep the follow-up appointment, and I will perform a clinical examination. We will re-evaluate the potential risks and benefits of an X-ray in order to develop a treatment plan. I will provide her any written literature I may have on X-ray safety, ensuring she has access to the best scientific evidence and consensus, in case she would like to reconsider in the future. In summary, my patient was apprehensive about her exposure to dental X-rays as a method to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for the dental pain she was experiencing. In order to honour patient autonomy, we discussed the potential risks and benefits of the X-rays, leaving the decision to her informed consent. As the pain she was experiencing was not debilitating, nor did I see any great cause for concern upon examination, I did not make any further recommendations with respect to the X-rays. Rather, I provided the patient with suggestions for follow-up.

How do you study?

It varies depending on the class. For my math classes, I worked problems until I understood the concepts. For my chemistry classes, it was a combination of understanding how the concepts we were learning affected the problems we were working. For my biology classes, I made sure to write and rewrite notes to the point where I could teach the concepts to other people. I do most of my studying alone (up until the teaching part), and also because I find that if I'm studying in a common area, I'll find myself people watching.

What is your greatest disappointment in life (non academic).

It would have to be my sophomore year of track. We had a conference meet and I was coming off of winning a national championship, set to do well in my high jump event which would give us the points we needed to place 2nd. Instead, I lost my focus and missed 3 attempts at what should have been an easy height, and our team placed 3rd by just a few points.

Describe a time you didn't have enough time to complete something in your life.

Just recently at my job, we are supposed to sample the materials within 2 days of Amway receiving them, and I remember there was this one day where I ran into a lot of issues that slowed me down and was not able to get everything done. I felt bad because I always try to show I'm a good worker, but I ended up working some overtime that week to try and catch up. Thankfully my boss is a very understanding person.

Why LECOM?

LECOM is a school I desire to go to for several reasons. A. it holds a Problem Based Learning curriculum which is the way I learn best along with hands on learning. B. it is extremely cost effective thanks to it being a private school. My wife and I are very frugal about our finances, and we want to make sure I am getting a valuable degree without overpaying for it. C. LECOM Dental School was built in 2012, so the entire facility is very up to date. I think learning with the latest advances in technology will give me the most efficient and abundant education I can ask for. D. LECOM's curriculum involves about 3,500 clock hours of clinical experience which is nearly double that of other dental schools. I believe clinical experience is the best way to prepare a student for work in a dental practice. And finally, E. I am from Michigan and could really use a break from the snow.

What is a fear you have about dentistry?

My biggest fear would be to lose a patient's trust and for them to view me negatively. I will always try to perform my best, but that doesn't mean I won't make mistakes. I just fear certain people will not be forgiving and criticize my profession as a dentist.

Describe a PBL course you've taken.

My classes were all mainly lecture-based in undergrad, but my microbiology class was partially problem-based. We went through many case-studies in lecture to help us learn about different diseases. Lab was structured in a way where we were given unknown bacteria and we had to perform many tests, such as the common Graham staining, starch hydrolysis test, and oxidase test, to figure out which bacteria was our unknown.

If you could go out to dinner with three people from past or present, who would they be and why?

One of the three would be my grandmother 15 years ago, prior to her Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. I was much younger then, and I've got a million questions I've thought of since then that I won't ever get the privilege of receiving answers for. Another person would be Philo Farnsworth. He was an incredibly bright teenager, plowing potato fields, when he thought about how he could create something that would transmit horizontal lines to create an image on a screen. He created the first all-electric television system when he was 21 years old, but he ran into patent wars with RCA, which ran him ragged. He became depressed and started drinking, and he developed an ulcer and died of pneumonia at 64. I would like to have dinner with him to get his side of the story on the court wars and to thank him for the ability to have so much of our lives documented now. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to watch the moon landing, or get live natural disaster coverage, or stay up to date on SEC college football. The last person I would invite would be Joseph Priestley. He was a famous chemist from England that isolated and characterized 10 gases, and no one else has ever done that. He's most known for his discovery of "dephlogisticated" air, which is oxygen. He had publications in everything like grammar, government, theology, chemistry, and electricity. I think he would be interesting to talk to because he had such rare insight and talent, and his interests were always adapting.

Do you know someone you believe is particularly responsible? What particular attributes does that person have?

PAPPAW

How do you feel about PBL (problem based learning)?

PBL is one of the main reasons I want to attend LECOM. I am a problem based learner and hands on learner, through and through. The classes that I learned the most and performed the best in during undergrad were ones that included case studies, problem based lab tests, and hands on lab work. I can certainly learn a lot by reading a text book and listening to lectures, but there's something about applying realistic problems that helps me learn the information in a way that I will retain it instead of just memorize it for an exam. I also love to work in teams and I learn a lot when listening to what other students in my group have to say, and that is a huge benefit to PBL. So I would really look forward to a PBL curriculum.

Tell us a quality a dentist must have.

Patience. It takes a long time and a lot of work to complete dental school and build a successful career. It is important to be patient and listen to the needs of your clients and serve them to the best of your ability. It takes patience to form a lasting team of successful dental caretakers.

Are you scared of the cost of our school?

Personally, I'm not so concerned with the cost of attendance. I view it as an investment in my future.

Tell us about an area of weakness that you would like to improve on while attending dental school.

Pick a weakness that is not a core skill for your success as a dentistry student. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community centre. We are all human with our own weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours! "I believe I could improve on my written and verbal communication skills as I tend to be more blunt than I would like to be at times. I have enrolled myself in a week long workshop this summer with the goal of becoming a more eloquent communicator. I hope to gain skills in this workshop that I can continue to utilize during my university career."

Explain what is the role of fluoride in tooth?

Prevents de-mineralization: In bacterial infection, bacteria combines with sugar and produces acid that damages the outer covering of tooth or enamel and starts de-mineralization of tooth. Fluoride stop acid from damaging enamel. Re-mineralization: If there is already some damage due to acid, fluoride will deposits in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel; a process called re-mineralization

why do you think ms is ranked at the bottom when considering health care?

Primarily, it probably has to do with the percentage of Mississippians that don't have health insurance. So they don't go to the doctor because they can't afford it. I think it could also probably have something to do with our medical and dental school tuition being cheaper than schools out of state. It's easy to come spend less money here, spend less on living expenses here, and then move out of state once you've graduated and double your income. We just lack retention when it comes to those graduates, which is why I think the Rural Scholars programs would be a greater help with this issue, if they could grow some.

Describe professionalism. What does it mean to you?

Professionalism is dependable polite patient good business skills good communicator maturity and authoritative, in the sense that they know how to draw the line with relationship boundaries.

Describe a situation in which you felt like a fish out of water.

Recruitment 2018. I came into Mississippi College as a freshman, and I chose to go through the rush process to make friends because I used to be much more introverted than I am now. I felt like I was drowning most nights. I didn't feel like I fit in, and then I met the girls in Laguna Social Tribe, and felt at home with them. I chose them, and I'm incredibly thankful I did because they have been so supportive of me these past few years. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is what college should do. I've gotten to be involved with a number of events, but my favorite ones are when we get to promote our philanthropy, The Hard Places Community, which is basically an organization geared to creating safe spaces for victims of human trafficking in places like Cambodia, Greece, India, and Madagascar. They've done some pretty amazing things in the past few years, and I'm happy to say that I helped, even if it was a small amount, in comparison. And while I felt like a fish out of water for awhile, I feel like I'm swimming with the big fish now.

1. What role do social determinants of health play in the practice of medicine?

The social determinants of health (SDH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems. The SDH have an important influence on health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries. In countries at all levels of income, health and illness follow a social gradient: the lower the socioeconomic position, the worse the health. The following list provides examples of the social determinants of health, which can influence health equity in positive and negative ways: Income and social protection Education Unemployment and job insecurity Working life conditions Food insecurity Housing, basic amenities and the environment Early childhood development Social inclusion and non-discrimination Structural conflict Access to affordable health services of decent quality. Research shows that the social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. For example, numerous studies suggest that SDH account for between 30-55% of health outcomes. In addition, estimates show that the contribution of sectors outside health to population health outcomes exceeds the contribution from the health sector. Addressing SDH appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities in health, which requires action by all sectors and civil society.

What would your best friend say is your flaw?

They would definitely say I sometimes get too uptight about my performance, whether it's doing well in track or on an exam. They have helped me to learn to relax a little and trust that I'll naturally perform well.

If don't ever get into a dental school, what will you do?

This is a question I don't like to think about too much, and before I started college, I had no idea what else I would do, but I made it a priority to find that plan B, and I think I could do a host of different things. The only catch is I don't know how much I would enjoy them. With the experience I've had in a law office and with the business classes I've taken, I could work for a lawyer, but that's a field I wanted to avoid entirely, since I've seen my mom work first-hand as a lawyer. I've actually really loved my undergraduate research, so I could go that route and work in a professional lab. I could also get my masters and phd in chemistry and be a professor. Pouring into the next generation of students would be a reasonable alternative. But nothing compares to my desire to be a dentist. I would be comfortable in those careers, but with dentistry, I would be challenged and dedicated and that's what would make it enjoyable to come to work.

What would you suggest to a patient who wants to prevent tooth decay?

Tooth decay can be prevented in many ways like• Brushing twice a day with floss.• Maintenance of the gum margin• Timely detection and prevention of gum disease• Regular visit to a dental care facilities• Teeth whitening and bleaching

Tell us a time when you had to make a tough decision.

When I was on my service learning trip in the Dominican Republic, we were specifically told before the trip not to give any personal belongings to the residents of the village we would be staying in called El Llano. One night, however, I was wearing my favorite pair of Nike athletic shorts and one of the residents pointed to them and asked what they were. I translated in Spanish that they were basketball shorts, and he lit up. The residents there would play basketball with a hoop on a tree. He had never seen a nice pair of shorts, and I could not make myself keep the shorts from him. The people there had dirty, ripped, old clothes. It's a harder way of life in that place. I went to my room and changed, and I gave him my favorite pair of shorts right there even though I wanted to keep them. It may seem like a small decision, but it truly had a major impact in my life, and hopefully in his.

Does your family support your decision to become a dentist?

Wholeheartedly. They've been behind me every step of the way. Especially my grandmother. She's always been so encouraging with my academic endeavors, and I cherished every sweet moment with her. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease ten years ago, and her memory went downhill pretty fast. She clung to the idea of me being a dentist though for years. She just recently stopped mentioning it, and it was now I have to remind her, but she's still always grinning about it.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

With a DMD degree from LECOM and in my own private practice after having worked as an associate to get experience. I see myself working and living in a rural under served area similar to where I was raised. I also see myself with ties in my community with the relationships I cultivate as a dentist. Although I desire to be a life-long learner, I will be proud to enjoy my completed education and spend time with my wife and family.

How would you run your practice followed by different scenarios of real life events, such as worker insubordination?

Worker insubordination is a big deal, since employees are so vital to how a practice runs. To settle any issues, I think it's important to have a conversation with that worker alone, at first, and try to see what the issue is. They would be warned, and given another chance, but if it's a repeat occurrence, they would have to be let go. The practice can't crumble because one person can't follow the rules. Now, if it was all of the employees, I might would need to reevaluate the way I'm running things. I think one way to curb these moments, it would be beneficial to have monthly meetings, where we just talk about how the practice itself is running. This would be a time where people could throw in ideas of what they like to see better or a time where the air could be cleared over a dispute some people had, to avoid any future escalation.

What is altruism, and how does it affect the dental field?

altruism is the belief in disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others

What do you think of diversity? why is it important?

can enrich environments

1. A patient's life has changed dramatically after your treatment and they can finally smile with confidence. The patient is immensely grateful. They said they want to add you on Facebook. How would you respond?

do i feel comfortable with this person seeing my holiday photos/family vacations? will not mix business with personal.

what do your parents do?

my mother is a family lawyer. she deals with a lot of youth court and juvenile defendant cases, specifically in Yazoo County and on the Choctaw reservation. my father is an auditor at MDOT during the day and a locksmith 24/7.

what is an ethical dilemma you have faced?

one example of an ethical dilemma i have faced was in my computer science class. it was a pretty difficult class, only because i had no idea how to code, and that's what the class was based around. there were a handful of us in the same boat, and we all handled it different ways. some people utilized the department tutors. i used to internet to teach myself how to understand reading it and form somewhat good code. but we had this one student that was bent on the idea that she didn't understand and would never understand, and she used a family friend that was a computer engineer. instead of him teaching her the material, she just sent him her assignments, and he would complete them. she was getting glowing remarks from the professor, and it was messing with the curve for everyone else in the class. so i sent him a bit of an anonymous tip. i didn't mention names. i just suggested he compare the quality and style of the code to the way he was teaching it in class. suddenly, she was back on par with everyone else because he finally put 2 and 2 together that the code she was submitting was professional and plagiarized.

what do you think of your academic performance?

overall, i have to say that i'm pretty proud of my academic performance, but if you would've asked me that after my freshman year, i would've been so mortified. my grades all the way through high school graduation were stellar, but i had no clue how much of a challenge the transition from high school to college would be. i found out very quickly that i had never learned how to actually study, and i had to learn how to adapt my studying based on which class i was taking. i also had to learn to set realistic goals. i graduated valedictorian of my high school. i had never made less than an A on anything, as far as i can remember. when i got my first B during college, it hurt. but when the first failing grade came my way, that was excruciating. i was so upset with myself. it had me questioning if i was cut out for what i was doing. i was bogged down about it for days, but i finally came to realize, through the help of professors and friends and family, that numbers cannot define me as a person. of course, i always strive to do my best, but at the end of the day, i can be confident in the fact that i put forth everything i could with the resources i had to shoot for the best outcome i could. these revelations did a good job of sharpening my mental toughness.