Dental School Interview Guide (2025)

It’s never too soon to start thinking about interviews! In fact, I always say that you should start with the end in mind, and in this case, the end is getting an interview and being accepted to your dream dental school! If you can learn today how to prepare for a dental school interview, it can positively influence how you go about your pre-dental years.

So, whether you’re a freshman in college or getting ready for your actual interview next week, there are a few specific things you can do RIGHT NOW to be fully prepared for that big day!

Read: The Complete Guide to the Dental School Application

1. Learn What Each Dental School is Looking For in Prospective Students

If you know the values and the school’s mission statement of each program you hope to interview with, you can be strategic in the way you answer each question that comes your way. For example, let’s say there’s a dental school that’s very focused on community service, and they ask you to tell about a time that you had to solve a problem. In this particular situation, you might not talk about a time that you were doing research or a time you were the club president. Instead, you could answer the question by sharing how you solved a problem while you were involved in a service project!

You still want to show that you’re a well-rounded candidate, but this is your time to show why you’re a good match with the school! Naturally, you’ll want to tailor your answers to the school’s values. Don’t make anything up. Don’t be disingenuous. Don’t be cheesy. Instead, have multiple answers and experiences ready to share for any question that could be asked. Know which answers to use for each dental school you apply to.

Be authentic, but know your audience!

2. Practice Answering Common Dental School Interview Questions

Doing a role play or having a mock interview is a great way to start getting out those pre-interview jitters, practice looking at a person in the eyes, and of course, practice answering one-on-one common dental school interview questions. These might include prompts like, “Why dentistry?” or, “What’s the greatest challenge you’ve faced in pursuing a dental profession?”

Most pre-health advisors are ready and willing to do mock interviews, especially if you have a pre-dental advisor. You can also find opportunities to do a mock interview at SIM courses hosted by dental schools for pre-dental students. These mock interviews are particularly helpful because they simulate the interview format you might encounter in a real interview, such as group interviews, a panel interview, or a multiple mini-interview (MMI) format. Each interview format often involves multiple interviewers asking questions to gauge your readiness for dental training.

Other than that, don’t hesitate to find a friend or family member willing to read through a list of example questions and let you practice answering them. If you’re asked questions about your extracurricular activities, personal achievements, or challenges with patients, having rehearsed answers can boost your confidence.

No matter how you choose to practice, NOW is your chance to sit down and really think about your answers. Admissions committees ask very similar questions year after year. Even though some questions might be different, they’re ultimately trying to learn basic things about who you are and what you bring to the dental program. So, don’t get too hung up on “knowing the right answer.”

Read: The Most Common Dental School Interview Questions–and How to Answer Them

3. Record Your Extracurricular Experiences in a Journal

Journaling as a pre-dental student is NOT the same as writing in a diary. Journaling is your opportunity to BRIEFLY record what you learn and accomplish while shadowing, doing research, volunteering, etc.!

Once you’ve been accepted for an interview, you should review your journal so you have a wide variety of specific examples of what you’ve done, learned, and felt. These experiences will help you answer questions such as, “What motivated you to pursue dentistry?” or, “How have you handled constructive criticism?”, “How would you pass along bad news to a family?”.

Reviewing your journal before the interview ensures you have the details of these brief stories fresh in your mind. This allows you to be unique and specific in your answers, which will make you a memorable interviewee. For example, instead of simply stating that you shadowed a dentist, explain what you observed and how it solidified your interest in the dental profession.

Questions about self-awareness, handling a difficult patient, or how your friends describe you are also common. Being prepared with thoughtful examples can set you apart from other candidates.

We want to tell stories about people, not just answer the same questions as other candidates. I believe that if you have multiple stories ready for anticipated questions, you’ll be more confident and prepared for your interview.

Take Control of Your Dental School Interview Process

I truly believe if you do these three things—understand the school’s values, practice with mock interviews, and journal your experiences—you can dramatically increase your confidence as you begin interviewing. It worked for me, and it will work for you! You will have done so much to get to the point of receiving an interview. Don’t fall short by failing to prepare! Take control of the process and do all you can to give yourself the greatest chance of being accepted to your dream dental program.

Remember, entering the dental profession is not just about excelling in academics but also showcasing your readiness to work in health care and your passion for the field.

Additional Considerations for Aspiring Dentists

How does dental school compare to medical school?

Many pre-dental and pre-med students wonder or have a second guess about how dental school compares to medical school. While both require rigorous training, the dental school emphasizes hands-on dental training and specialized skills needed for the dental profession. Aspiring dentists should prepare for a curriculum heavily focused on dentistry and patient care, distinct from the broader healthcare focus in medical school.

What makes an ideal candidate for dental school?

Admissions committees from top dental schools are looking for candidates who are well-rounded, passionate about dentistry, and demonstrate qualities such as resilience and self-awareness. Whether you’re discussing your greatest challenge or your proudest accomplishment, show how these experiences have shaped you into the ideal candidate for their program.

Preparing for questions about your typical day as a dentist

In interviews, you might be asked to describe a typical day in your envisioned career as a dentist. Be ready to highlight how you plan to balance patient care, continuing education, and managing a practice. This shows that you have a realistic understanding of the dental profession and its demands.

Reflecting on your journey: biggest regret and greatest challenge

Some interviews delve deeper into personal reflections. Be prepared to discuss your biggest regret or the most challenging part of your journey. These questions are less about the regret itself and more about your growth and how you’ve overcome obstacles. For example, you might share how you decided to pursue dentistry after initially considering medicine or how an experience as a child inspired your commitment to helping others. Additionally, discuss how you’ve learned to spend your time wisely, balancing responsibilities while navigating challenges effectively.

Understanding class size and its importance

When researching dental schools, applicants should consider the class size of the program. Smaller class sizes often mean more personalized attention from faculty, which can significantly enhance your learning experience. Be ready to explain why the class size of a particular school appeals to you.

How an Expert Dental Coach Can Help You Succeed

Navigating the dental school interview process can be overwhelming, but the right advice and resources can make all the difference. A professional dental coach can provide personalized strategies to help you succeed, from mastering your speaking skills to crafting compelling responses for every stage of the process. Whether you're preparing for one-on-one interviews or panel discussions, a coach offers actionable feedback to boost your confidence and ensure you present yourself as a top candidate.

Investing in expert guidance means you’ll have a partner who understands the challenges you face and can help you tackle them with poise. Don’t leave your future to chance—get the advice and support you need to stand out among other candidates.

GOOD LUCK PRE-DENTS!!!

P.S. Book a FREE intro call with Logan R. to learn how you can receive personalized guidance to nail your dental school interview and application.

Read next:

• UCLA Dental School: Application Requirements, Acceptance Rates, and How to Get In
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine–Program and Application Overview
• University of the Pacific Dental School: Application Requirements and How to Get In (2023-2024)
• Writing a Winning Dental School Personal Statement
• Personal Characteristics Essay: Top Examples and Tips for Successful Writing

FAQs

What are your strengths in dental school interviews?

• It is essential you back up your strengths with evidence! I have a passion for working with people and believe I have the skills to show empathy and handle difficult cases. This was reinforced through my time at/my experience with… This is essential to dentistry as it is a very people-orientated career.

What are the best things to say at a school interview?

• Give specific reasons for why you're a good fit. For instance, “I've always been interested in social justice and am excited to take part in your community service program.” Don't say you're applying to a school “because your parents want you to.” And avoid 'bootlicking': “I've heard your school is the best.”

What are the different types of dental school interviews?

• Typically, there are three types of dental school interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), traditional interviews, and panel interviews. Here's everything you need to know about each type, as well as some sample questions and tips for acing your interview.

What is the best answer to "Tell me about yourself"?

• The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

How long are dental school interviews?

• The interview duration does vary depending on the school and type of interview, but you can count on a minimum of 30 minutes for traditional interviews and longer than this for multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), or combined interview types that might include more than one activity

What should I wear to a dental school interview?

• Don't wear more than a watch, wedding ring, and religious necklace. Women should wear a gray, navy blue, or black skirt or pant suit with a white or pastel button-down or pull-over blouse. Neutral-toned stockings and coordinating dark-colored closed-toe shoes that are comfortable are important.