If you’re applying to dental school, preparing thoroughly for the interview is essential. Dental school interview questions can range from straightforward queries about your background to more complex ones that test your critical thinking and motivation. This guide covers some of the most frequently asked questions and offers tips on how to answer them, helping you present yourself confidently and authentically.
You might also consider volunteer programs for aspiring dentists to gain experience that demonstrates your commitment to service and patient care. Participating in these programs can help you build essential skills, expose you to different healthcare environments, and strengthen your application by showing a hands-on dedication to dentistry.
1. “Why do you want to become a dentist?”
This is often one of the first dental school interview questions asked. Interviewers are trying to gauge your motivation and see if you have a genuine interest in dentistry, rather than just a desire for a stable career.
Best Answer: Avoid generic answers like “I want to help people.” Instead, reflect on specific experiences that sparked your interest in dentistry—perhaps a memorable experience shadowing a dentist or your passion for science and hands-on patient care. If applicable, mention any volunteer work that aligns with this goal, such as volunteering with Smiles Movement, as it shows dedication to community service and oral health.
2. “What qualities make a good dentist?”
Interviewers want to understand if you have a realistic sense of what it takes to succeed in the dental profession. They may also be looking to see if you’ve thought about areas for personal growth.
Best Answer: Acknowledge that a good dentist needs more than just technical skills. Highlight qualities like empathy, patience, communication, and a commitment to continual learning. You could mention that you’ve worked to develop these qualities in previous roles, whether through school projects or in prospective dental student opportunities.
3. “How do you handle stress or difficult situations?”
Dental school and the career itself can be demanding. Admissions committees want to ensure you’re prepared for the pressures ahead and have developed strategies to manage stress effectively.
Best Answer: Use examples from past experiences where you successfully managed a stressful situation, whether it was in school, at work, or during a volunteer position. Emphasize strategies such as time management, exercise, or meditation that help you stay centered. You could also discuss how dental school will be challenging, but you’re motivated to succeed because of the four-year journey it takes to complete.
4. “What do you think will be the biggest challenge in dental school?”
This question assesses your self-awareness and whether you’ve thought realistically about the academic and personal demands of dental school.
Best Answer: Mention a specific aspect of dental school you expect to be challenging, such as the heavy coursework or the hands-on clinical training. Then, share how you’ve prepared for these challenges. If you’ve researched which dental schools have virtual interviews, or taken pre-dental courses, mention those as ways you’re actively preparing.
5. “Tell me about a time you failed or faced a setback.”
This question aims to see if you can learn from your mistakes and have the resilience to keep pushing forward, a necessary skill for both dental school and a dental career.
Best Answer: Choose a specific example of a setback that taught you a valuable lesson. Explain the situation, your response, and the changes you made as a result. Show that you’re proactive in turning challenges into growth opportunities. Demonstrating self-awareness and resilience helps paint a picture of your strength as a candidate.
6. “What are your thoughts on the future of dentistry?”
Interviewers use this question to see if you’re knowledgeable about current trends and committed to advancing in the field.
Best Answer: Discuss current advancements in dentistry, like the use of digital imaging, teledentistry, or minimally invasive procedures. Showing interest in areas like these proves that you’re thinking about how to bring value to the profession. Highlighting your awareness of these advancements—especially if you’ve shadowed a dentist or followed industry news—shows a deeper understanding of the evolving field.
7. “Why should we choose you over other candidates?”
This question is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the rest. Consider what makes your background, experiences, or personal strengths unique.
Best Answer: Focus on experiences or qualities that align with the values of the program you’re applying to. Perhaps you’ve volunteered abroad or engaged in other service opportunities that demonstrate your commitment to oral health in underserved communities. By linking your answer to concrete examples, such as volunteering with organizations like Smiles Movement, you can illustrate your readiness for the program.
Tips for Success in Your Dental School Interview
Beyond answering questions confidently, consider these tips:
- Research each school: Look into specific program offerings, faculty interests, and which dental schools have virtual interviews to tailor your responses.
- Showcase communication skills: Dentistry requires you to work closely with patients and colleagues, so speak clearly and confidently.
- Be genuine: Dental schools look for candidates who are sincere about their motivations, so avoid rehearsed or overly generic answers.
- Stay updated on trends: Dental advancements and trends, like digital imaging or teledentistry, can help demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning in the field.
The dental school interview process is a valuable opportunity to express your enthusiasm, preparedness, and commitment. Preparation goes beyond learning answers—it involves reflecting on your journey, experiences, and future goals to ensure your responses are sincere and impactful.
Join the Smiles Movement to Promote Oral Health
Ready to make a difference? Join the Smiles Movement for valuable volunteer experiences that enhance your skills and show your dedication to oral health. Download our brochure to learn how you can get involved and take your first step toward a fulfilling career in dentistry.
