Dental School Interview Question Expert Answer #11

When I was choosing my major, I was trying to decide between psychology and biology. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I was going to pursue dentistry or medical school, as I was interested in both. My uncle is a dentist, so I spoke to him a few times about what the career would entail. He majored in kinesiology, but I wasn’t interested as much in the physical fitness aspect of that program.

To get a better idea of which program I would go into, I decided to conduct an experiment. First, I emailed a few psychology clinics in my area to ask if I could spend a day at their office and learn from one or two of the professionals working there. I heard back within a few days and scheduled an appointment to go and speak with a specialist, Dr. Kim, who specializes in treating OCD and anxiety. Before I started my undergraduate program, I volunteered at an outreach centre for young girls. I taught basic human biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physiology to a group of middle school students. When I met with the psychologist, I wasn’t allowed to participate in sessions, but I spoke to him about what the career was like and if he had any advice. He explained that the most difficult part of the job for him was the emotional demand and somewhat erratic schedule.

With that in mind, I volunteered at a biology research clinic over the summer of the year before I submit my undergraduate application. I was able to participate in laboratory meetings, data analyses, and clinical rounds. The process of developing a research question and an experimental design was interesting; I found it particularly satisfying when I got a chance to present the findings of my study to the supervisors and other students. My decision, then, was a result of comparing both of these experiences and the values I have that I think align with both professions. I found that I enjoyed direct exposure to the scientific process more than working in a position where I only dealt with patients.

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