MockQuestions

Dental School Mock Interview

40 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Dental School interview, here are 40 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

40 Dental School Interview Questions

20 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently, and a few are sure to come your way during the next four years of attending dental school. Your interviewers ask this question in hopes that you would come to their program with the ability to put your head down and get to work harder when you face a setback or challenging time during your time with them.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Discuss with the interviewers how you typically cope with setbacks in your work. That can include both your classwork and your on-the-job work throughout your past. If you give an example, highlight how you powered through the situation with a positive attitude and came out stronger and better in the end. Reiterate to your interviewers that you are ready to tackle any challenge that will come your way during your time in their dentistry program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen often, and to everyone - despite their level of expertise or years of experience. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to internally debrief, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."

Written by Nisha Yadav

2.   How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

During your four years of dental school, your classwork and clinical rotations will be highly scrutinized. The faculty and mentors at this program won't hesitate to give you constructive criticism on your work. Your interviewers need to know that you can take this feedback constructively and productively.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Not all feedback will be delivered in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner as a dental student. Think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was a bit hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Stress that you were able to take the criticism and learn from it moving forward. Talk about how you successfully implemented change.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"Last year, I received a low grade on a chemistry project. When I approached my professor about the low grade, he said, 'You can do better. I expected more from you.' I was taken aback at first, but once I had time to absorb what was said, I realized that he expected more from me because he had high expectations of what I was capable of doing. It was a compliment and a challenge rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly, and I thanked that professor for holding me to a higher standard."

Written by Nisha Yadav

3.   What achievement are you most proud of so far on your path to dental school?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The dental school you are interviewing with ideally wants to bring high achievers into their program. When they ask about your proudest achievement, they'll be trying to gauge your ability to be driven in pursuit of your dreams and goals to ensure that you will be a hard-working individual during your time with their program.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Perhaps you have maintained an exceptional GPA or excelled in school while working a part-time job. Maybe you finished at the top of your class and received a special award for your achievements. Another great angle would be to discuss any hurdles or roadblocks you had to overcome on your way to a successful undergraduate program, leading to this interview. Speak with passion and confidence as you talk about what you feel has been your greatest achievement.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I consider being a four-year student-athlete and graduating with a 3.8 GPA in four years my greatest achievement. My competitiveness has always been driven by my love of sports. Playing baseball at the collegiate level on scholarship was a dream of mine as a young boy. Over the last four years, I've learned the importance of time management, dedication, and teamwork which I think will all be valuable skills as I enter dental school."

Written by Nisha Yadav

4.   How would you rate your ability to adapt to changing conditions and environments?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Overall, the dental industry is experiencing more rapid changes today than it has over the past 100 years. Your interviewing team has also likely witnessed many incoming dental students to their program struggle with the major life change of jumping to a challenging and in-depth dentistry program. Your ability to handle and adapt to change with ease will be vital as a dental student, and your interviewers want to know that you can embrace change and see it as an opportunity for overall improvement.

Written by Christine Pasqueretta on August 23rd, 2022

How to Answer

Pick an example of a time you faced a change, either in your schooling or the workplace, and responded constructively. Explain how the change impacted you and tell the interviewers how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. No matter what example you use, reiterate that you fully understand that your future success as a dental student and practicing dentist will be reliant on your ability to change with the times to provide the best care possible to your patients.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"With technology constantly improving and changes to regulations always shifting, I know I will have to be open and willing to adapt my work as a dentist. I consider myself a very adaptable person to any environment and tend to look for the positive reasons for why change is happening and run with it. Throughout my later high school years and undergraduate program, I worked for a grocery chain in several different roles. Two years ago, the chain was bought by a regional chain, and with that buy-out came a lot of changes to the work. The biggest change for most of the staff was a new point of sale system, for good reason. The current system was a major part of our workday. Looking back, my ability to handle this change came down to a simple positive attitude and willingness to learn and master the new system. I saw too many colleagues have a poor attitude about the whole situation, and my manager commended me for my positivity."

Written by Christine Pasqueretta on August 23rd, 2022

5.   Talk about a time you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

During your time in dental school training, you will work closely with some faculty who can be difficult at times and potentially with fellow students with conflicting personalities. The interviewers want to know how well you work with others, despite having different personalities. Your ability to adapt to various people as a dental student, regardless of a positive personality match, shows that you are mature and professional even when the situation is not ideal.

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

As you answer, avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or naming people. Also, avoid telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone all the time. Most interviewers will interpret a cliche response like that as dodging the question. Focus on a time your work style was different from another person's, but perhaps you still had to complete a project together. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made it work and how you will bring this same approach as a student in this program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"During my undergraduate program, I worked on a four-person project during my junior year in an Applied Human Psychology course. One member of our team had a very dominant, type-A personality, and they were difficult to work with effectively at first because this is not my type of personality. To work effectively with them, I made sure that all communication was direct and to the point, with little small talk or extra fluff. I also changed my work style a bit to always ensure that I was proving my productivity on the task at hand with them. I learned a lot from this experience that I can bring to dental school to ensure my success in working closely with any personality."

Written by Rachelle Enns

6.   How do you show your student colleagues the importance of communication in the team efforts you take part in?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As a dental student, you will work closely with fellow student colleagues in the program you are interviewing with. The interviewers would like to know that you lead by example when it comes to communication in the educational setting and that you will come to their program ready to be an open communicator with all of your colleagues.

Written by Ryan Brown on August 23rd, 2022

How to Answer

Before your dental school interviews, Think about the specific communications skills you possess that make you a great communicator. Looking back throughout your time in high school and college can give insight into how you effectively communicated with teammates you worked with on various projects. Come to your dental school interview prepared to discuss what makes you a great communicator.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"First and foremost, I show my classmates the importance of communication through my willingness to ask questions if I do not understand the first time. I do not pretend to know something to save face. I am also very respectful in my communications with others and always try to put myself in the shoes of the person I am working with to understand how they want to be treated. I have found that this approach makes others gravitate towards working with me, and I think it will help me as a student with your program."

Written by Ryan Brown on August 23rd, 2022

7.   How well do you think you have performed in this interview today?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is a stress test usually asked near the end of your dental school interview. There is always room for improvement; however, you want to avoid picking your interview apart. This question is an opportunity to clarify anything you would like to further from earlier in your interview, and your interviewers are giving you the chance to do that.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

If you feel the interview has gone well, be open and honest about that, and be sure to ask if your interviewers have any follow-up questions for you. If you feel you could have performed better on any question or in any particular area, be sure to clarify things for your interviewers.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I feel I was well-prepared for the questions you asked me today and am happy with my performance in this interview. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Can I ask if there is anything I can clarify for you or elaborate on from today's conversation?"

Written by Nisha Yadav

8.   Dental school is expensive. Have you made a solid financial plan for tuition costs at our university?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Dental school is an investment in your future, and you need to be sure that you can handle the financial requirements associated with your acceptance before interviewing with any dental school programs. Your interviewers are simply looking to gauge that you have put some thought into this.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Keep your answer brief and to the point. Let the interviewers know that you have a solid financial plan for your schooling and have researched your options before this interview.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I have been making arrangements for many years to afford my attendance at dental school. My finances are in good order, and I'm excited for this opportunity with your program."

Written by Nisha Yadav

9.   What was your DAT score? Are you happy with it?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

You likely took the dental admission test during your junior year of college. The interviewers want to know your DAT score and how you felt about the score.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Discuss your score and your thoughts on how you scored with your interviewers. While you were required to submit your scores with your dental school application, your interviewers want to hear you talk about the process and your score. Keep your answer straightforward and concise.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I was happy with my score of 21 on the DAT last year. I studied hard and was rewarded for my diligence."

Written by Nisha Yadav

10.   What questions do you have for us about our dental school program and university?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

You must come to your interview prepared with questions for the interviewers on the dental school program you are interviewing with and the university itself. Having prepared questions shows the interview panel that you are keenly interested in what they do at this university and how it will prepare you for success in your future in practice.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Remember that people like to talk about what they know! Having insightful questions prepared sets the stage for the interviewers to tell you many important and helpful details about their process and educational facility. Keep the majority of your question academically related. Asking too much about the culture, social life, and extra-curricular activities may cause you to appear unfocused.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I would love to learn more about this university from your perspective. What do you feel is the biggest competitive edge this school has over its competitors? I'd also love to hear about any famed alumni from this program and how your dental school prepared them for future success."

Written by Nisha Yadav

11.   At our university, we seek students with a true passion for dentistry. What appeals to you most about working in the dentistry field?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your core passion will keep you going on the toughest days at school. For the interviewers of the dental program to understand how to motivate you, they need to know what fires you up and will drive you to succeed in their program!

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

It is okay to share a personal story when answering this question. Perhaps you can discuss what initiated your interest in attending dental school. Whatever drives you, make the interviewers feel your passion as they consider you for their program.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"There are several factors that drive my passion for a career in dentistry. If I had to pinpoint one main driver, I would say that creating amazing smiles every day is the most significant for me. Everyone deserves a smile they are proud of."

Written by Nisha Yadav

12.   We believe in the continual development of our students, both professionally and personally. What is your self-development plan?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

A self-development plan is important for anyone, especially an aspiring dental school student. If this university is going to invest in you and your future, they need to know that you have a plan in place for investing in yourself.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Before your dental school interviews, think about how you are working to improve your hard and soft skills to one day become a thriving dentist. Some ideas for self-development that you can consider discussing are listening to an inspiring podcaster, attending personal development workshops, spending time volunteering in a capacity related to your career goals, or reading books associated with success.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I agree that self-development is crucial for continual growth and achievement as a future dentist. I am committed to investing in myself, and I do this by attending personal development workshops and meeting with my mentor monthly. My mentor was my dentist growing up in my hometown, and she helped inspire me on this path."

Written by Nisha Yadav

13.   What do you feel is the single most important quality a dentist should possess?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Growing and thriving one day as a dentist in practice will require many skills and abilities. To show that you have a good feel for what being in practice one day will entail for your success, your interviewers want to hear what you feel is the top quality that a successful dentist needs to possess.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, your interviewers want to hear you speak with convincing passion as you answer this question. This question is an opportunity to give a unique answer that shows a quality you possess, so try to dig deeper than "strong attention to detail" or "strong communication skills." Some ideas you can consider discussing are an unrelenting drive, the desire to continuously grow, patience with patients, or a high degree of integrity.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"While all dentists are very well trained and skilled in their field, I feel that great interpersonal skills set the great dentists apart. Dentists work very closely with patients in very uncomfortable situations, and the ability to put them at ease is a skill that every patient appreciates. I look forward to bringing my great communication skills and empathetic approach to your dental school."

Written by Nisha Yadav

14.   Why should we accept you over another dentistry student with the same qualifications?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Put yourself in the position of the interviewers. You are looking at multiple talented candidates - all have stellar grades and the potential to be renowned alumni of their university. Your interviewers give you the chance to persuade them that you are the best candidate for their dental school program this upcoming academic year.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

This question is your golden opportunity to show why you are the top candidate for this program, so take advantage of the opportunity by pointing out something unique about yourself. Some things to consider discussing that make you a stand-out candidate include your passion for volunteer work, an existing connection to the institution, a skill like being bilingual, or an additional degree you've earned. No matter how you answer, be sure that your answer is memorable.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I believe I am the strongest student for your dentistry program because I am incredibly dedicated to my professional and personal development. Since beginning my undergraduate program, I have committed to taking a personal development workshop twice per year. The topics have included communication, person-ability, multi-tasking, organization, and even persuasive writing. I plan to take these skills and apply them to my graduate studies and a future as a stellar dentist in practice."

Written by Nisha Yadav

15.   Why do you believe it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts as a dental student?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Dental school programs have started embracing diversity and inclusion efforts in the students they accept. In posing this question, your interviewers want to know why you believe this to be important and how you will help put this belief into action as a student with their program.

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

As you consider heading into dental school and future practice as a dentist, think about the fact that you will be working with a very diverse group of students, faculty, future colleagues, and patient base. You want to come to your dental school interview prepared to discuss why you stand by D&I endeavors and what you will specifically do as a student to support the school's diversity and inclusion efforts. These can typically be found on the program's website before your interview.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I love that I will one day be working with a very culturally diverse patient base in practice, and I fully support diversity and inclusion efforts in any dental practice down the road. I also love that your dental school program has a defined D&I plan by bringing aboard a diverse base of students and taking all efforts to be inclusive of everyone here. Equality and inclusion should always be considered fundamental human rights. By supporting your institution's diversity and inclusion efforts as a student, I will bring new perspectives, help increase the diversity of your student base, and positively add to your already innovative team."

Written by Rachelle Enns

16.   Talk to us about your current GPA.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Upon acceptance into any dental school, official transcripts from your undergraduate program will be required, and at that point, the dental school you get accepted into will have your final GPA. Your interviewers want you to discuss your GPA and to hear your thoughts on if you are satisfied with it or if you would take the hypothetical opportunity to go back and change it.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Briefly discuss your undergraduate experience and your current GPA as it stands at the time of your dental school interview. If you were satisfied with your GPA, talk about the hard work and dedication it took to achieve it. Also, discuss any accolades you received along the way. If you are not fully satisfied, talk about what you would go back and change while giving the impression that you still worked hard to get where you are today.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I am set to graduate near the top of my undergraduate program class and am very proud of my accomplishments during my undergraduate studies. My 3.9 GPA was only tarnished by a couple of B grades in general required courses my Freshman year. My undergraduate experience taught me to study hard and set attainable goals for myself, which brought me here in pursuit of a future in dentistry."

Written by Nisha Yadav

17.   Tell us about your overall academic performance through your undergraduate program. Where did you excel and where could you have improved?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Based on your application materials and the fact that your interviewers are likely familiar with the undergraduate program you attended, they have a pretty good feel for your academic path that led you to consider dental school. They want to hear you talk in detail about where you exceeded and where you feel you could have done better. They'll likely receive transcripts, so they'll be able to see your grades firsthand.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

Discuss what interested you most and where you had the biggest challenges while obtaining your undergraduate degree. While attending undergraduate studies, you likely learned some core skills that would be transferable to your time in dental school. You can discuss time management skills, creative thinking, academic research, and self-motivation. Remember that prerequisite science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics should be at the top of your favorites if considering a future in dentistry.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I am very proud of my achievements during my undergrad education. Those courses added so much value that I will bring to my graduate program. My best courses included microbiology and biochemistry. I feel that I excelled in these because I have always had a passion for life sciences. I think I can improve my time management. I overextended myself last semester with volunteer opportunities, and my study time suffered slightly. Now that I have identified the reason behind my time management challenges, I will only see improvement moving forward."

Written by Nisha Yadav

18.   Talk to us about your experience and thoughts on handling blood and saliva. You will be subject to difficult scenarios in your role as a dentist. How do you feel about this?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Having the stomach to perform some of the most routine tasks of a dentist is something that your interviewing team won't take lightly. They pose this question to ensure you've put that to the nuts and bolts of practicing as a dentist and to hear that you are ready to tackle the most challenging patient cases.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

You can keep your answer simple by discussing your ability to handle patient interactions involving blood and other bodily fluids. If you have direct experience, now is a great time to discuss that experience with your interviewing team.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I have never been a queasy individual, and I fully understand the types of cases I will see in my career as a Dentist. Currently, I work part-time at our local drop-in shelter and have seen a wide range of situations involving blood. Instead of thinking about the gore, I think about the fact that it's a human being who needs my help. I believe this mentality will get me through any undesirable situation."

Written by Nisha Yadav

19.   Have you ever had significant dental work? Tell me about your experience as a patient. What made it memorable?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Many aspiring dentists were positively influenced by their own experiences at some point in their childhood or early adult life. Your interviewers are asking you to speak of your positive dental experiences as a patient and how they've inspired you to pursue this career.

Written by Nisha Yadav

How to Answer

To impress your interviews, talk about your positive experiences with dentists throughout your life as a patient. Focus on how you were treated and how that inspired you to desire to provide great care to others down the road. You can discuss your experience with braces as a kid, or maybe even a root canal! If you had a favorite dentist growing up, talk about what made them great. Keep your answer simple and positive.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I had braces as a teenager and remember that the orthodontist I saw was great at keeping my nerves at bay. He had a cool office and let me pick the color of my elastics, which I always liked. This particular dentist showed me the importance of great dental hygiene. I hope to have a similar bedside manner when I am a dentist."

Written by Nisha Yadav

20.   Do you feel that your manual dexterity skills are suitable for a career in dentistry?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

One skill that is vital to the success of any dentist that is very hard for your interviewers to measure during the interview process is manual dexterity. Dentistry involves precise movements and coordination in a very small workspace inside a person's mouth. Since your interviewers can't assess this during the interview process, they may ask a question like this to hear you talk about your dexterity skills and that you understand they are important for a future dentist.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

How to Answer

During your Dental Admission Test, your manual dexterity was likely tested. Your interviewers want to hear how you are fine-tuning your motor skills. You can talk about drawing, painting, carving, knitting, or learning a musical instrument that requires hand-eye coordination. The list of things you can talk about is endless, so talk about the importance of keeping these skills throughout your career as a dentist as your answer.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

Answer Example

"I feel blessed to have been born with great manual dexterity skills, and I'm confident in my ability to work with precision inside of a patient's mouth. Over the last five years, I've continued to hone my skills in this area by taking up sketching and knitting. Knowing that dentistry was my passion and my future, I knew that developing these skills and keeping them sharp would be very important to my success."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 23rd, 2022

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