To align treatment goals with upstream stakeholders, dental students should prioritize active listening, adaptability, and ethical considerations in patient care. Research by Morgan and Shah (2020) emphasizes the importance of understanding stakeholder expectations while balancing them with the clinical needs of the patient. Students should engage in goal-setting meetings with mentors and senior staff to clarify expectations and address any potential misalignments in treatment priorities early. This proactive alignment allows stakeholders to provide better support and resources while ensuring that student training remains patient-centered and compliant with hospital protocols (Singh & Jacobson, 2018).