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Got an Interview?

Let's prepare

Congrats on your interview!

Congratulations on getting an interview for dental school! This is the moment you've worked hard for, and it’s a clear sign that you’re one step closer to realizing your dream of becoming a dentist. But the journey isn't over yet, your interview will play a key role in determining whether you'll be accepted into dental school. It’s time to prepare and show the admissions team not just your academic achievements, but also your passion for dentistry, your character, and your potential as a future dentist.

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This page is dedicated to helping you prepare effectively for your dental school interview, highlight your strengths, and handle any curveballs that might come your way. You’ve got this!

Understand the basics

Most dental school interviews follow one of these formats:

  • Traditional Interviews: One-on-one or panel interview with faculty members.

  • Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI): A series of short, structured interviews focused on assessing your decision-making and communication skills. (Aka, NYU and Rosemary Kira assessment)

  • Group Interviews: These often involve problem-solving tasks to see how you interact with others.

What are they looking for?

- Academic Excellence: Strong GPA, DAT scores, and a solid foundation in sciences.

- Motivation for Dentistry: Genuine passion for the field, an understanding of the profession, and dedication to lifelong learning.

- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, empathy, teamwork, and cultural competency.

- Resilience and Problem-Solving: The ability to face challenges head-on and work through difficult situations.

- Community Service & Leadership: Active involvement in volunteer work and leadership roles.

Behavioral & Situational Questions

  • “Tell me about a time when you worked with a team to solve a problem.”

  • “Describe a situation in which you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.”

  • “How would you handle a difficult patient?”

Common Question

  • “Why do you want to be a dentist?”

  • “What excites you about dentistry?”

  • “Tell us about your experience shadowing a dentist or working in the dental field.”

  • “What is your greatest strength and weakness?”

  • “How do you handle stress?”

  • “Why did you choose this dental school?”

How to Frame Your Answers

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STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering behavioral questions and reflect on your experiences.​

Researching the Dental School

Dental schools want to know why you're interested in their specific program. 

  • Program Values: Understand the school’s mission and values.

  • Faculty & Research: Learn about the faculty’s specialties and ongoing research projects.

  • Unique Features of the Program: Talk about unique aspects of the program (e.g., early clinical exposure, community outreach programs, research opportunities).

Behavioral and Ethical Questions

Many dental school interviews include questions about ethics. For example:

“What would you do if you observed a classmate making an error in a patient’s treatment?”

“How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses treatment for financial reasons?”

Pro Tip: You should understand that when it comes to answering these questions, you are advised to link ethical decision-making, balancing patient care, professionalism, and integrity.

Personal Presentation Tips

What to Wear: Offer guidance on professional attire. Typically, business casual is acceptable unless otherwise specified. Ensure the outfit is neat, comfortable, and appropriate.'

Make sure your hair,nails,smell are acceptable. 

Pro Tip: Body language is a strong factor as well, Make sure that you are watching your moves and EYES!!!!! 

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Mock Interviews and Practice

I really encourage you to practice mock interviews with friends, advisors, or professors. This helps you get comfortable and makes your answers sound more natural. You can also use websites like Pramp or InterviewBuddy, where you can practice with real people and get helpful feedback. Another great tip is to record yourself answering questions. Watching the video will help you see how you come across and improve things like your body language and speaking style. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time for the real interview!

Mental & Emotional Preparation

Handling nerves is completely normal, and there are some simple ways to stay calm. Try deep breathing exercises or use apps like Headspace for meditation, which can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety. You can also practice visualization, imagining yourself succeeding in the interview and feeling confident. Remember, nerves are normal, so just focus on staying present and taking it one step at a time. Also, remind yourself that you’ve already made it this far getting an interview is a big achievement! Take a moment to reflect on why you’re a strong candidate, and trust that you have the skills and experiences to succeed. Believe in yourself, you’ve got this!

Post-Interview Tips

Sending a personalized thank-you note or email to your interviewers is a great way to show gratitude and leave a lasting impression. It’s your chance to thank them for their time, reiterate your excitement about the program, and briefly highlight a key point from the interview that makes you a great fit. After the interview, take some time to reflect on the experience. Think about what went well and what you could improve for next time. This reflection will help you grow and be even more prepared for future interviews. It’s all about learning, improving, and staying positive!

Additional Resources

The Dental Admission Guide by ADA 

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The medical school interview: Strategies from an admissions officer

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What Is Your Weakness?

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Winning Strategies From Admissions Faculty

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Multiple Mini Interview

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Getting Into Dental School

Last Update: 08/30/2025

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