The University's mission is: "The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, in the Jesuit and Mercy tradition, through the integration of research, scholarly activity, evidence-based teaching, and service, fosters a forward-thinking, inclusive learning environment committed to developing competent, socially and ethically sensitive healthcare professionals who are committed to patient care and community wellness."

The school's vision is to "be a leader in advancing health in a diverse and global society."

The faculty and staff of the School of Dentistry also adhere to five core intrinsic values. These values are:

- Excellence: We value and reward excellence.
- Service: We are committed to serving our community, students, colleagues, institution, and the profession of dentistry.
- Respect: We promote respect of self and others and value diversity.
- Life-long Learning: We value life-long learning and promote development to achieve our potential.
- Integrity: We embrace integrity in all our daily activities and consider it essential to our identity.

A question like this is an opportunity for you to set yourself apart from other candidates. If you are lucky enough to land an admissions interview at Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, make an effort to research the school and learn about its mission, vision, and values. Once you have identified the school's mission, vision, and values, be prepared to show the Admissions Committee how your values align.