Preparing for Your Dental School Interview
Stand Out and Secure Your Spot
The Interview
Dental school interviews are crucial for showcasing your qualities and determining if the school is the right fit for you. Here’s how to prepare and shine during your interview.
Preparation Tips
Craft Your Personal Story:
- Be ready to present yourself in 3-4 minutes, highlighting your interests and experiences.
Know Your Motivation:
- Clearly articulate why you want to pursue a career in dentistry with sincerity and passion.
Research the School:
- Understand why this school is the best fit for you by researching its programs, faculty, and culture.
Stay Informed:
- Keep up-to-date with key issues in dentistry by reading relevant publications.
During the Interview
Express Your Uniqueness:
- Go beyond your application details. Highlight your impressive qualities with concrete examples.
Common Questions to Expect:
- What was your most meaningful experience with dentistry?
- What differentiates you from other applicants?
- What are your plans after graduation?
Dress Professionally:
- Wear business professional attire to make a good impression.
Ask Insightful Questions:
- Use this opportunity to ask questions and understand if the school aligns with your goals.
Types of Interview Formats
Open File Interview
- The interviewer has reviewed your application and may focus on discussing your experiences and qualifications in detail.
Closed File Interview
- The interviewer has not seen your application and will use the interview to explore your background and interests.
Traditional One-on-One Interview
- A single evaluator interviews you for about 30 minutes, allowing for an in-depth conversation.
Panel Interview
- A panel of two or three evaluators questions you, often mixing open and closed file formats.
Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)
- You rotate between stations, answering different questions at each, typically with 7-10 minutes per station.
Handling Awkward Questions
Stay Composed:
- Be prepared for unexpected or invasive questions. Respond tactfully without revealing personal information.
Example Responses:
- When asked about other schools, focus on your passion: “I applied to schools with strong community involvement. Your program’s urban outreach is particularly impressive.”
Decline if Uncomfortable:
- If you prefer not to answer a question, it’s okay to politely decline.
Report Concerns:
- If an inappropriate question arises, inform the admissions dean so they can address the issue.
Questions to Consider for the interview
- Share some details about yourself. (Consider including your background, strengths, and qualities that may not be obvious in your application.)
- What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?
- What do you see as your strengths? What areas do you want to improve in the future?
- What experiences have you had in research, volunteering, or leadership roles?
- What is your vision for yourself in the next five or ten years?
- Why did you decide to apply to this specific dental school?
- Who has been the most influential person (or people) in your life?
- Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma. How did you handle the situation?
- How would you approach interacting with someone who has a serious, possibly contagious, disease?
- Share your experiences shadowing or observing in a dental setting. What did you like or dislike most?