Dental School Interview Guide: Formats, 35 Questions, and Dentistry-Specific Tips

Being invited to dental school interviews is a big achievement! In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and common interview questions to help you prepare for success.

If you have been invited to a dental school interview,  it means that the admissions committee has already seen your academic potential and believes you could succeed in their program. The interview is their chance to evaluate your communication skills, maturity, and genuine passion for dentistry.

It’s also your opportunity to learn more about the program — its teaching style, clinical training, and overall environment — and decide if it feels like the right fit. In this guide, we’ll go over the main dental school interview formats, share dentistry-specific strategies to help you prepare, and review 35 common questions you’ll want to be ready for.

For individualized guidance, visit our Dental School Interview Coaching page to learn how we help applicants practice one-on-one and master their answers.

What Are the Main Dental School Interview Formats?

Dental schools may use one of several different interview formats. Understanding the format ahead of time can help you tailor your preparation to each dental school accordingly. If a school doesn’t specify the format, it’s most likely a traditional one-on-one interview. Nevertheless, we advise applicants to prepare for all different formats.

Traditional Dental School Interview

This is the most common format, usually a one-on-one conversation with a faculty member (often a dentist). You may also be interviewed by a dental student. The traditional interview can follow a clear structure with the interviewer drilling into the specifics of your AADSAS Application or your exposure to dentistry, or it may be more conversational and relaxed.

Tips for Acing the One-on-One Interview

• Listen Actively: Whether you are asked about your dental shadowing or your path to dentistry, focus on active listening so you understand the question fully and give clear, concise answers.
• Know your AADSAS Application:  Review your dental school application before the interview and be prepared to answer questions about all aspects of your pre-dental journey, including your dental experiences.
• Stay Professional with Dental Students: The dental student interview is often more casual and friendly, but it’s still evaluative! Make sure to maintain a professional and respectful tone.

Dental School Panel Interview

Panel interviews involve a group of interviewers (such as dental school faculty, dental students, and admissions directors) interviewing one applicant. The panel will ask you similar questions to those you may encounter in a traditional interview, including why you chose dentistry and your experiences with manual dexterity. Much of the advice for the traditional dental school interview also applies here. One key distinction is to engage with every panelist by rotating eye contact and acknowledging everyone on the panel, including non-dentists.

Dental School Group Interview

Group interviews place several dental school candidates together for a joint interview. The interviewer may ask candidates questions in turn or assign a group discussion or task. Although less focused on personal background, group interviews assess skills such as collaboration and communication, which are essential in dental school and dentistry.

Tips for Acing the Dental School Group Interview

• Balance Leadership and Listening: Step in to organize a plan for completing a task and invite dialogue, but avoid dominating.
• Encourage Participation: Encourage quieter peers to share their thoughts, showing the same collaboration you would use in a dental clinic.
• Contribute Thoughtfully: Be strategic about when you speak, adding ideas that move the discussion forward. Where relevant, draw on your experiences from dental shadowing or manual dexterity, but don’t try to force these topics if they are not directly related.

Dental School Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)

MMIs consist of a series of short, timed interviews (or stations). Each station presents you with a prompt, such as an ethical dilemma or scenario, and you’ll have a few minutes to respond. The MMI format is designed to test your ability to think quickly and critically. Some stations may include role-playing or hypothetical scenarios. Not every prompt will be dentistry-specific, but they all test skills such as problem solving, reasoning, and ethics — qualities essential for a future dentist.

Tips for Acing the Dental School MMI

• Create a Mental Outline: Many dental school MMI interviews will give you the chance to read the prompt and think about it for a minute or two before responding. Use this time wisely to carefully structure your answers and come up with a clear mental outline.
• Show Empathy and Compassion Towards Others: Many MMI prompts will present you with a hypothetical scenario where you have to engage with another person, whether it is a patient in a dental chair refusing to get anesthesia or an unruly neighbor. In all circumstances, show empathy towards the individual.
• Employ the STAR Method: One tool that can help you navigate dental school MMI prompts is the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize responses to behavioral questions.

Dental School Video Interview 

In recent years, some dental schools have incorporated asynchronous video interviews into their admissions process. For example, the NYU College of Dentistry requires each dental school applicant to complete the Kira Talent interview. These interviews involve recording responses to pre-set question prompts. Pre-recorded video interviews like Kira typically don’t replace real-time dental school interviews. They are designed as an additional screening tool to assess each applicant’s candidacy.

Tips for Acing the Video Interview

• Choose the Right Setting: Choose a quiet, well-lit space to record the video.
• Test Your Technology: Test your computer’s video and audio systems ahead of time and ensure your internet connection is stable.
• Treat it Like a Live Interview: Treat the video interview as professionally as you would an in-person dental school interview – make sure to dress professionally.

What is the Difference Between an Open-File and Closed-File Dental School Interview?

• Open-File Dental School Interview: In an open-file interview, the interviewer has full access to your AADSAS application, including your college GPA, DAT scores, and your experiences in dentistry. They may ask you specific questions about different parts of your application such as your volunteer work at a certain dental practice or your performance on a section of the DAT.
• Closed-File Dental School Interview: In a closed-file interview, the interviewer only knows basic details, such as your name. They may still ask about your GPA, DAT scores, or dental experiences, but they won’t have access to these details in your application.

Tips and Common Interview Questions for Dental School Interviews

As with many other types of interviews, dental schools rely on a familiar set of interview questions. Where appropriate, try to tie your answers into your passion for dentistry, but avoid forcing this into every answer. Here we provide a list of common dental school interview questions and tips for answering them. As you prepare for each question, it’s also worth considering why dental school admissions committees would ask this question.

Question 1: Tell Me About Yourself

• Question Purpose: The goal of this question is to learn more about you as a person beyond your time as a pre-dental student. Dental schools want to know more about how your background has shaped your character and values.

• Tips for Answering:
  • Briefly summarize your background, family, and upbringing
  • Focus on experiences and life events that have shaped your character
  • If your parents are dentists, you can mention this here, but avoid shifting the focus of this question to why you want to be a dentist (that’s a separate question!)
  • Mention hobbies and outside interests. If you have hobbies that involve manual dexterity, you can highlight them here. Also, focus on interests and hobbies that may have given you soft skills that are transferable to dentistry.

Question 2: Why Do You Want to Be a Dentist?

• Question Purpose: Dental schools ask this question because they want to understand what motivates you to pursue dentistry. Becoming a dentist requires hard work and dedication. They want to ensure that you have carefully considered your decision and are truly passionate about working with your hands to provide oral healthcare.

• Tips for Answering:
  • Cite several specific features of the dental profession that you like (e.g. working with your hands, building long-term relationships with patients)
  • Discuss your experiences shadowing/working in the dental setting, highlighting what you enjoyed about the profession
  • Draw on non-dental experiences that also connect with your interest in dentistry. For example, if you worked in a research lab where you had to perform delicate experiments requiring fine dexterity skills, mention how this experience allowed you to cultivate an interest in manual dexterity.
  • Avoid making the response too focused on your own experiences receiving dental care

Question 3: Why Do You Want to Attend Our Dental School?

• Question Purpose: Dental schools want to know that you have researched their program and have a specific interest in their curriculum or other opportunities they offer.

• Tips for Answering:
  • Before your interview, review the dental school’s website and social media accounts, read their mission statement, learn about their curriculum, and understand what opportunities are available to dental students.
  • Discuss how the mission of the program resonates with you and tie it into your interests. For example, if the program’s mission emphasizes outreach to underprivileged patients with oral health issues and you worked in a dental clinic that caters specifically to the underserved, draw on that experience to show how you feel a connection with their dental school.
  • List specific features of the dental school, such as the curriculum, dental technologies, or opportunities, such as research in oral biology to highlight your interest.

Question 4: Tell Me About a Challenge You Had to Overcome

• Question Purpose: This question tells dental school admissions committees a lot about your character and your ability to handle difficulties.

• Tips for Answering:
  • Take an organized approach to answer this question. One way to organize your response for this and other problem-solving questions is to use the STAR method:
    • S – Begin your response by describing the Situation or challenge clearly so your interviewer understands
    • T – Describe the Task at hand or the role you had in this challenging situation. Make sure you delineate clearly why this was a challenge
    • A – Explain what Action you took to address the challenge, explaining your rationale for the choices you made
    • R – Share the Result or outcome and what you learned from the process. You don’t need to demonstrate that your actions led to a perfect outcome. What’s more important is demonstrating the lessons you learned (the learning outcome) from the situation!

Question 5: How Do You Handle Stress?

• Question Purpose: Dental school is rigorous and demanding. The people interviewing you want to see if you have any strategies or approaches to deal with the stress you may encounter as a dental student.

• Tips for Answering:
  • Discuss specific techniques you use to manage stress. This could include journaling, creating a to-do list, exercise, or meditation.
  • Discuss how you would use these strategies as a dental student to handle stressors that come your way in dental school.

Question 6: Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

• Question Purpose: This question allows dental schools to see if you have a clear and realistic vision for your future goals in dentistry.

• Tips for Answering:
  • You don’t need to know exactly what your future career will look like, but you want to show that you have thought about it and you have some ideas.
  • Your answer should include what kind of setting you hope to practice in (e.g. private dental office, community oral health clinic, academic dental center)
  • While your first focus should be on practicing dentistry, your answer should also include ideas about how you hope to advance the field on a larger scale. For example, do you plan to teach at a dental school, conduct dental research, or take on a leadership role in improving access to oral health care for underserved populations?

Question 7: What would You Enjoy Least About Being a Dentist? 

• Question Purpose: Dental schools want to make sure that you have a mature and realistic understanding of the dental profession and that you recognize the challenges involved in being a dentist.

• Tips for Answering
  • Start the question on a positive note, acknowledging the many facets of dentistry that you deeply enjoy.
  • Then mention one or two aspects of the profession you expect will be challenging.
  • Be honest and share challenging features of the dental profession, but avoid sounding like you are complaining. For example, you may point to the physically taxing nature of dentistry or the administrative burden of running a dental practice
  • Finish the response by showing that, despite the challenges, you are convinced that this profession is right for you.

Question 8: What Experiences Have You Had with Manual Dexterity? 

• Question Purpose: This question allows dental schools to assess your engagement with and passion for working with your hands. Much of being a dental student is about fine-tuning your manual dexterity; dental schools want to ensure that you don’t find this work tedious.

• Tips for Answering
  • Focus on prior experiences with manual dexterity that required persistence and discipline
  • If you play a musical instrument, paint, or design jewelry, talk about these activities, discussing what approaches you took to improve your skills.
  • If you have not had experience working with your hands, you can discuss the discipline and persistence involved in a sport you play. Be sure to highlight hand-eye coordination if it was required by the sport.
  • The key is to show that you enjoy working with your hands, have developed manual skills through practice, and have the patience to spend hours in the dental lab refining them.

Question 9: How Would You Contribute to Our Incoming Dental School Class?

• Question Purpose: Dental schools want to know if you are capable of reflecting on your own abilities and if you are committed to contributing to the collective learning experience as a dental student.

• Tips for Answering
  • Highlight one or two strengths you possess that will allow you to enhance the collective learning experience of the student body at that dental school.
  • Focus on soft transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication as opposed to technical skills like manual dexterity or knowledge of dentistry.
  • Demonstrate where and how you have acquired these experiences, and explain how they are relevant to dental school. For example, if the dental school uses a problem-based learning curriculum or group-based learning sessions, you may discuss your strengths as a team player or your ability to bring people together to enhance the learning experience.

Question 10: Tell Me About a Dental Procedure You Observed. 

• Question Purpose: This question allows dental schools to gauge whether you have true exposure to the dental field and to assess how engaged you were when you observed or assisted in a dental practice

• Tips for Answering
  • In simple language, explain a basic dental procedure, like a filling or root canal, that you observed while shadowing a dentist
  • You don’t need to memorize every technical step. Instead, provide an overview of the main steps and show that you understand the reasoning behind each key step.
  • The best way to prepare for this question is to review a dental procedure in advance by watching videos online or speaking with a dentist you are shadowing

Question 11: What is the Biggest Challenge Facing Dentistry in the US Today? 

Question 12: Is There a Dental Specialty that Interests You Most? 

Question 13: What Would You Do If You Saw a Dental School Classmate Cheating on an Exam? 

Question 14: Do You Think Dentistry is More of an Art or a Science? 

Question 15: What Would You Do if You Had a Patient Who Could Not Afford a Dental Procedure? 

Question 16: If You Could Not Be a Dentist, What Career Would you Choose Instead? 

Question 17: Why Do You Feel Dentistry is a Better Career for you than Medicine? 

Question 18: What Will be the Impact of AI on Dentistry? 

Question 19: What Are the Three Most Important Qualities a Dentist Must Possess? 

Question 20: What Study Strategies Will You Use to Succeed in Dental School? 

Question 21: What do You Consider to Be Your Greatest Strength?

Question 22: What Do You Consider to Be Your Biggest Weakness, and How Are You Working on It?

Question 23: Tell Us About an Achievement You Are Most Proud Of.

Question 24: Who Has Been the Most Influential Person in Your Life and Why?

Question 25: What Three Words Would Your Friends or Family Use to Describe You?

Question 26: How Do You Handle Criticism or Feedback?

Question 27: What Does Professionalism Mean to You in the Context of Dentistry?

Question 28: What Role Do You See Diversity Playing in the Dental Profession?

Question 29: If You Were Not Accepted to Dental School This Year, What Would You Do?

Question 30: What Do You Think Will Be the Biggest Adjustment for You When Starting Dental School?

Question 31: What Strategies Do You Use to Stay Organized and Manage Your Time?

Question 32: Tell Me About a Time You Had to Resolve a Conflict.

Question 33: What Leadership Experiences Have You Had, and What Did You Learn from Them?

Question 34: How Do You See Technology Shaping the Future of Dentistry?

Question 35: What Role Do You See Dentists Playing in Public Health?

Dental School Interview Tips: How to Prepare for Success

Adequate preparation is essential for standing out during your dental school interview. By familiarizing yourself with the interview format and practicing your responses, you can ensure that you’re ready for any question that comes your way.

1. Research the Dental School Thoroughly

• Take time to research each school. Understand the dental school’s mission, curriculum, and clinical opportunities in dentistry.
• Go beyond the school’s website — check their social media, and if possible, talk to current students to get a fuller picture of the program.
• Look for specifics like specialized research areas, faculty interests, and community outreach so you can reference concrete examples.
• If possible, mention the names of faculty whose research you find interesting. In doing so, you demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are seriously interested in contributing to the school’s community.

2. Know Your Dental School Application Inside and Out

• Review your dental school application carefully before the interview so that you can discuss any aspect of it confidently and in detail.
• Be prepared to explain any gaps in your education or fluctuations in grades.
• Reflect on your dental shadowing experiences, leadership roles, or research activities. Be ready to explain how these experiences have shaped your decision to pursue dentistry.

3. Practice Answering Common Dental School Interview Questions

• You can’t predict every question, but certain topics come up frequently in dental school interviews. Practice answering them out loud so you sound natural, not scripted.
• Conduct a mock interview with a friend or mentor, or record yourself and review the footage.

4. Prepare Your Own Questions

• Interviews are a two-way street. Dental school admissions committees want to see that you’re as invested in finding the right fit as they are in selecting the right candidate.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about their dental school such as:
  • What are the research opportunities available to dental students at your school?
  • How does the program integrate clinical training in dentistry throughout the curriculum?
  • What student support services are in place to help dental students succeed?

5. Stay Informed About Dentistry

• Keeping up with current trends in the field of dentistry is essential, especially if the interviewers ask about your thoughts on ethical issues or the future of the profession.
• Follow reputable organizations like the ADA (American Dental Association) and read dental journals to stay up to date.
• Stay updated on public health issues related to oral health and dental care trends. If the interviewer asks you about a current issue in dentistry, being well-informed will set you apart from other candidates.

Making a Strong Impression 

Your demeanor during the dental school interview is just as important as the content of your answers. Here are some additional tips to help you leave a positive, lasting impression:

1. Be Professional

Whether your dental school interview is in person or virtual, professionalism is key. Dress appropriately, arrive early (or log on early if virtual), and be polite to everyone you meet — including administrative staff. A firm handshake, good posture, and steady eye contact all convey confidence and professionalism — qualities essential in dentistry.

2. Communicate Clearly and Thoughtfully

Effective communication is essential in the field of dentistry. Speak clearly and confidently, taking time to think before answering questions. Dental school interviewers will appreciate thoughtful, concise responses over rushed or rehearsed answers.

3. Show Enthusiasm and Passion

Your passion for dentistry should be apparent throughout the interview. Smile, engage with the interviewer, and maintain positive body language. Showing genuine excitement for dentistry as a profession of service and lifelong learning can make you more memorable to any dental school admissions committee.

4. Be Honest and Authentic

It’s tempting to try to give the “perfect” answer, but interviewers value authenticity over rehearsed responses. Be honest about your experiences, including those in dentistry, your strengths, and areas where you need to improve. Authenticity can set you apart from other dental school candidates who try too hard to give the answers they think the interviewers want to hear.

5. Follow Up with a Thank-You Note

After the interview, send a thank-you email to the dental school. If you have the email of the interviewer, you can contact them directly. If not, you can email the admissions office at the dental school.

Express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in their specific dental school. Mentioning specific points discussed during the interview shows that you were engaged and attentive.

Ready to practice? Book a Mock Dental School Interview with our admissions experts and get one-on-one feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental School Interviews

What is the most common dental school interview format?

The traditional one-on-one interview is still the most common format, though some schools use panel or MMI formats to evaluate different skills.

How can I prepare for my dental school interview?

Review your AADSAS application, practice with mock interviews, and stay updated on current trends in dentistry to answer scenario-based questions effectively.

What questions do dental schools usually ask?

Expect classic questions like “Why dentistry?”, “Tell me about yourself,” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” as well as scenario or ethics-based prompts.

Key Takeaways

1. Your Invitation Signals Confidence: Getting a dental school interview means the admissions committee already believes in your potential. This is your chance to show them you’re ready to become a future dentist.

2. Know the Formats: From one-on-one interviews to MMIs and video assessments, each format highlights different strengths that are essential in dentistry. Prepare for them all so you’re never caught off guard.

3. Expect Core Questions: Classic questions like “Why dentistry?” or “Tell me about a dental procedure you observed” will likely come up. Be ready to connect your experiences to your motivation for pursuing dentistry.

4. Go Beyond Memorization: Instead of rehearsing answers word for word, practice frameworks and strategies that let you respond thoughtfully — especially for scenario-based or ethical questions that test your judgment.