University of Sheffield Dental School Interview Questions 2026: Format, Example Questions & Expert Tips
1. Introduction: Why Sheffield Dentistry is so Competitive 🎓
The University of Sheffield’s School of Clinical Dentistry is one of the UK’s most established and respected dental schools, regularly ranked in the UK top 10 for dentistry. For the five‑year BDS Dental Surgery programme, the school receives around 1,250 applications each year for just 71 places – so the interview stage is a major hurdle.
This guide focuses on 2026 entry and is especially written for sixth form students. All key facts about the selection process, dates and interview format come directly from the University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry’s official BDS Dental Surgery selection process and entry requirements page, plus the official BDS course page and the Dental Schools Council.
2. How Does Sheffield Decide Who to Call for a Dental School Interview?
Sheffield uses a holistic selection process – meaning they look at several parts of your application together rather than just one score.
2.1 Initial screening (before interview)
According to the official BDS selection process page, your application is screened by trained staff between October and December each year. They consider:
Academic record
Most interviewed applicants have at least six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including English Language, Maths and the Sciences.
Predicted AAA at A level including Chemistry and Biology is expected.
UCAT score (University Clinical Aptitude Test – an admissions test used by many UK medical and dental schools)
Sheffield uses the cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning) to support your predicted grades.
You normally need a total UCAT score in roughly the top 25% of test‑takers, and SJT Band 1 or 2 to be considered.
Admissions data show that recent UCAT cut-offs for interview have been around 2520–2690, with 2690 used in several recent cycles.
Personal statement and reference
Evidence of career exploration – e.g. shadowing dentists, working in healthcare, reading about dentistry and the NHS.
Personal qualities and values that align with the NHS Constitution values (such as compassion, respect, and improving lives) and the General Dental Council (GDC) standards.
Clear motivation for dentistry and understanding of the profession, including how it compares with other healthcare careers.
Career exploration and work experience
Sheffield expects you to show that you’ve made an informed choice – this is usually demonstrated through:
Shadowing in general dental practice
Experience in other healthcare settings
Reflection on what you learned, not just a list of tasks.
Contextual / widening participation (Access Sheffield / Access+)
Sheffield operates widening participation schemes such as Access Sheffield and Access to Dentistry, which may give additional consideration or an alternative offer to eligible applicants, while still using the same selection framework.
In short, you’re likely to be invited if you have:
🟢 Strong GCSEs and A level predictions
🟢 A competitive UCAT with SJT Band 1–2
🟢 Clear evidence of work experience and reflection
🟢 Personal qualities that fit dental and NHS values
3. How Does Sheffield Interview for 2026 Entry?
For 2026 entry, Sheffield has clearly set out what will happen on the selection day. All of this comes from their official School of Clinical Dentistry website.
3.1 In‑person interviews only
All interviews are face‑to‑face at the School of Clinical Dentistry in Sheffield.
Online interviews are not offered for 2026 entry.
3.2 Selection day structure for 2026
On the selection day, applicants who have passed the initial screening:
Attend a semi‑structured panel interview (up to 15 minutes) with:
Two members of academic staff
One senior dental student
Complete a separate interpersonal skills test, run as a group task, assessing:
Communication skills
Empathy
Compassion
You can think of the day as two main assessments:
🔵 Panel interview – “Can you talk about your motivations, experiences and values clearly?”
🟣 Group interpersonal task – “How do you work with others and relate to people?”
Exact running order and extra activities (e.g. talks or tours) can vary year to year, but candidates and student comments suggest that the overall atmosphere of the day is welcoming and informative rather than intimidating.
4. What Is the Sheffield Dentistry Interview Style?
4.1 Semi‑structured panel interview
Sheffield describes the interview as panel‑based and semi‑structured.
Panel interview = you sit with three interviewers (two staff plus a senior dental student) and answer questions in a conversation format rather than moving around stations.
Semi‑structured = there is a set framework and prepared questions, but interviewers can ask sensible follow‑up questions depending on your answers.
For 2026, the panel will last up to 15 minutes and assess three key areas:
Career exploration values – how well you’ve explored dentistry and why it suits you
Personal qualities and communication skills – how you present yourself and interact
Commitment to Sheffield – why this university and course specifically
Student feedback from recent cycles (panel style with a student present) consistently describes the atmosphere as friendly, informal and chatty, which tends to put applicants at ease – but you should still treat it as a professional, formal interview.
4.2 Interpersonal skills group task
Sheffield runs a separate interpersonal skills assessment as part of the selection day. Officially, this is a group task designed to assess:
Communication skills
Empathy (understanding how others feel)
Compassion (showing you care and want to help)
External guides and student reports describe this as a group role‑play or discussion where you respond to a scenario involving a patient, peer or member of the public.
You are not expected to have specialist clinical knowledge. Instead, they look at:
How clearly you express yourself
How well you listen and involve others
How respectfully you manage disagreement
Whether you put patients’ and people’s interests first (in line with GDC and NHS values)
5. When Are Sheffield Dentistry Interviews Held?
For the 2026 entry cycle, the official Sheffield page states:
Screening of applications: October – December
Interview invitations sent: towards the end of January 2026
Interview dates for 2026 entry: 23–27 February 2026 (all in-person at the School of Clinical Dentistry)
Number of applicants interviewed: approximately 300 per year
Here’s a simplified timeline for a typical applicant:
🟡 15 October 2025 – UCAS deadline for Dentistry (A200)
🔵 October–December 2025 – Application screening
🟣 Late January 2026 – Interview invitations sent
🟢 23–27 February 2026 – Interview and interpersonal skills test in Sheffield
✅ By end of March 2026 – Interview outcomes and offers released
6. What Topics Are Covered in a Sheffield Dental School Interview?
The official University of Sheffield selection page explains that the panel interview questions aim to assess:
Motivation for the course (why BDS at Sheffield?)
Motivation for the profession and knowledge of current dental issues
Evidence of independent thought
Ability to apply knowledge (for example, thinking through a scenario logically)
Relevant experience and career exploration
Communication skills and personal qualities
Values aligned with:
The NHS Constitution values (e.g. compassion, respect, improving lives, everyone counts)
The GDC Standards for the Dental Team, including putting patients’ interests first and communicating effectively.
External interview guides focused on Sheffield confirm very similar themes, including: motivation for dentistry, work experience, empathy and compassion, commitment to Sheffield, and understanding of ethical issues and the wider NHS.
Expect questions that let you:
Explain why dentistry and why Sheffield
Reflect on what you learned from work experience
Discuss ethical scenarios (e.g. confidentiality, consent, professionalism) in simple, logical terms
Show awareness of current issues, such as access to NHS dentistry, oral health inequalities, prevention, and digital dentistry developments.
7. How Many Applicants Receive an Interview and an Offer?
Sheffield publishes detailed BDS admissions data on its official website.
7.1 Applicants and interviews
The School reports that it receives about 1,250 applications each year for around 71 places on the BDS programme.
Admissions data for 2018–2024 entry show:
Applicants per year: roughly 860–1,000
Applicants invited to interview: 300–380 per year
That means approximately one in three to one in four applicants is invited to interview – roughly 30–40%.
7.2 Offers after interview
The same official admissions document shows:
Number of offers made: between about 118 and 226 offers per year (2018–2024)
For example, for 2020 entry:
367 applicants interviewed
204 offers made
So historically around half – sometimes slightly more – of interviewees receive an offer. One external guide summarises this as “about 1 in 1.8 interviewed candidates” receiving an offer in that year, which matches the official numbers.
Remember:
Numbers vary each year, depending on applicant quality and government‑controlled intake targets.
Sheffield always makes more offers than places to account for applicants choosing other universities or missing their grades.
8. Example Sheffield Dental School Interview Questions & Group Task Scenarios
Sheffield does not publish exact interview questions, and they change each year. The list below is therefore illustrative, based on:
The official Sheffield selection criteria
Themes highlighted by Sheffield-focused guides (e.g. Medic Mind, UKCAT People, BlackStone Tutors)
Common UK dentistry interview question banks and GDC/NHS values guidance
Use these as practice prompts – not as a guaranteed question list.
8.1 Motivation for Dentistry & the University of Sheffield
Panel-style questions:
“Why do you want to study Dentistry rather than Medicine or another healthcare profession?”
“What first sparked your interest in Dentistry, and how has that interest developed?”
“Why do you feel you would be suited to the practical, hands‑on nature of dentistry?”
“Why have you applied to the University of Sheffield’s BDS course in particular?”
“What do you hope to gain from studying in Sheffield as a city and a university?”
8.2 Career exploration and work experience
“Tell us about a dental work experience placement you undertook. What did you learn from it?”
“Describe a moment from work experience that changed or confirmed your view of Dentistry.”
“Did your work experience show you any downsides of the profession? How do you feel about those now?”
“How has your work experience prepared you for working in an NHS context?”
8.3 Personal qualities & communication
“Describe a time you worked in a team. What was your role and what did you learn about yourself?”
“Tell us about a time you had to communicate something complicated to someone else.”
“What personal qualities do you have that would make you a safe and effective dentist?”
“How do you cope with stress and pressure, especially over long periods of concentration?”
8.4 Ethics, professionalism & GDC / NHS values
These questions often relate to the GDC’s nine principles (e.g. putting patients’ interests first, communicating effectively, maintaining confidentiality) and the NHS Constitution values (e.g. respect and dignity, compassion, improving lives).
“A patient asks you to keep information from their parent or partner. How would you approach this situation?”
“How should a dentist respond if they realise they have made a mistake during treatment?”
“Why is consent important in Dentistry, and what makes consent valid?”
“A colleague regularly arrives late and seems unprepared for clinic. How would you handle this?”
“What does ‘putting patients’ interests first’ mean to you in practice?”
8.5 Knowledge of current dental and NHS issues
“What do you think are the biggest challenges facing NHS dentistry at the moment?”
“How might cost‑of‑living pressures affect patients’ oral health?”
“What role should prevention and public health campaigns play in dentistry?”
“Tell us about a recent news story related to oral health or dentistry that interested you.”
8.6 Evidence of independent thought & application of knowledge
“Do you think access to NHS dentistry should be entirely free at the point of use? Why or why not?”
“How might digital technologies (for example, 3D printing or intra‑oral scanners) change the way dentists work?”
“Is it ever acceptable to refuse to treat a patient? Give an example and explain your reasoning.”
8.7 Example interpersonal skills group task scenarios
The exact task will vary year to year, but based on Sheffield’s official description and external guides, expect group‑based role‑play or discussion, with a focus on communication, empathy and compassion.
Here are invented practice scenarios you can rehearse with friends:
Nervous patient scenario
You are a group of dental students on clinic. A patient is extremely anxious about a local anaesthetic injection.
Task: In your group, plan how you would approach the patient, and then one or two of you role‑play the conversation. Focus on explaining clearly, checking understanding and reassuring them without being dismissive.
Missed appointments scenario
A patient repeatedly misses NHS appointments and blames work and childcare commitments.
Task: Discuss how your team could address this – balancing empathy for the patient’s situation with responsible use of NHS resources.
Team disagreement scenario
Your group must prioritise which community outreach project to fund: school‑based tooth‑brushing, care‑home oral health, or a campaign on sugar‑sweetened drinks.
Task: Agree on a priority as a group. Show that you can listen, compromise and justify your choice logically.
Communication breakdown scenario
A colleague used jargon with a patient, who left confused and upset.
Task: As a group, discuss what went wrong and how you would prevent similar situations in future.
When you practise these, focus less on “being right” and more on listening, being kind, involving everyone and expressing yourself clearly.
9. When Are Offers Released?
The official Sheffield selection page states that offers are normally made at the end of March following interviews.
Applicants are aimed to be informed of the outcome by the end of March.
Some students report hearing back within a couple of weeks of their interview, but the official deadline is late March, so don’t panic if it takes a bit of time.
Offers are typically AAA at A level (or equivalent), with alternative offers for some widening participation applicants.
10. Student Comments on the Sheffield Dentistry Interview & Course 🗣️
Although official interview questions are not published, you can get a feel for the experience from:
University of Sheffield student profiles – BDS students describe Sheffield as a supportive place to study, with excellent teaching and patients who make the course worthwhile.
External interview reviews (e.g. Medic Mind) – candidates often describe the panel as friendly and informal, with a current dental student on the panel helping them feel more relaxed.
The Student Room threads – posts note that the selection day itself feels fairly informal (talks, tours, time to look around), while the interview is structured but “not nerve‑wrecking” if you’ve prepared.
Independent blogs – Sheffield BDS students writing about their journey often highlight the welcoming atmosphere, supportive staff and the mix of clinical and academic training as reasons they are glad they chose Sheffield.
Taken together, these comments suggest that Sheffield expects high standards, but the people you meet on the day are generally supportive and keen for you to do your best.
11. Top Tips for Your Sheffield Dental School Interview 💡
Here are practical, Sheffield‑specific tips to help you stand out.
11.1 Know the official criteria inside‑out
Read the BDS Dental Surgery selection process and entry requirements page slowly and thoroughly.✔
Make a colourful mind‑map of the three panel domains:
Career exploration values
Personal qualities and communication skills
Commitment to Sheffield
For each domain, write 3–4 specific examples from your own experiences that demonstrate those qualities.
11.2 Reflect deeply on work experience
Sheffield places real emphasis on career exploration rather than just ticking boxes.
Try this structure for reflection (you can literally practise in front of a mirror):
Situation – What did you see?
Task – What was happening / what was your role?
Action – What did you do or notice specifically?
Result – What did you learn and how will you apply it as a dental student?
Use vivid but concise explanations – you don’t need clinical detail, just insight.
11.3 Link your answers to GDC and NHS values
Sprinkle in references to:
GDC principles, e.g. “putting patients’ interests first” and “communicating effectively with patients”.
NHS values, such as compassion, everyone counts, and commitment to quality of care.
You don’t need to recite them, but you could say:
“In this situation I’d try to put the patient’s interests first by… and make sure I communicate clearly and check they’ve understood.”
11.4 Stay up to date with dental hot topics
Spend a little time each week before your interview:
Reading short articles or summaries on:
Access to NHS dentistry
Sugar, diet and tooth decay
Fluoridation debates
New technologies like digital scanning and 3D printing
Guides such as national dentistry interview blogs and question banks can help you identify current themes to research further.
You only need simple, balanced explanations – not research‑level detail.
11.5 Practise panel interviews, not just MMI
Because Sheffield uses a semi‑structured panel, practise:
Answering questions in 2–3 minutes, clearly and calmly
Being conversational, not over‑rehearsed
Handling follow‑up questions without panicking
You can use common dentistry interview question lists as practice material.
11.6 Prepare for the group interpersonal task
To get comfortable with group tasks:
Do a few mock group discussions with friends where you:
Take turns chairing the discussion
Encourage quieter people to speak
Summarise the group’s ideas at the end
Practise saying phrases like:
“That’s a good point – maybe we can build on it by…”
“We haven’t heard from X yet – what do you think?”
Remember: they are judging how you work with others, not who “wins” the argument.
11.7 Be specific about why Sheffield
Don’t just say “good rankings” and “nice city”.
Link your reasons to concrete things, for example:
The integration with Charles Clifford Dental Hospital and opportunities for early patient contact
Learning alongside dental hygiene and therapy students as a whole team
Access to modern simulation and VR facilities
The appeal of Sheffield as a student city (green spaces, Peak District, Students’ Union, etc.)
Then tie this to your own goals: “This matters to me because…”
11.8 Look after yourself on the day
It sounds basic, but it makes a big difference:
Plan your travel route and have a backup.
Wear smart but comfortable clothes – you don’t need an expensive suit; think sixth form smart, tidy and neat.
Bring what the email asks for (usually photo ID and any requested documents).
Use a simple grounding strategy just before the interview:
Deep breath in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 4.
Remind yourself: “They invited me because they already think I could do this.”
12. Final Thoughts
The University of Sheffield Dental School interview for 2026 entry is competitive, structured and values‑driven – but it is also designed to be fair and to identify applicants who will thrive as caring, evidence‑based dentists.
If you:
Understand the official selection criteria
Reflect honestly on your experiences and motivations
Link your answers to GDC and NHS values
Practise both panel questions and group discussions
…you will be giving yourself a genuine chance to turn your hard work into an offer.
You’re not expected to be a fully‑formed dentist at interview – just a thoughtful, kind and motivated future professional. 🌟
References & Further Reading
Official University of Sheffield sources
University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry – BDS Dental Surgery selection process and entry requirements (includes 2026 interview format, dates and admissions data). University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield – Dental Surgery BDS 2026–27 course page (entry requirements, UCAT information, student profiles, facilities). University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield – What our students say – School of Clinical Dentistry (student comments on studying at Sheffield). University of Sheffield
Discover Dentistry – Applying (Sheffield outreach site giving general advice on applying to dentistry). discover-dentistry.sites.sheffield.ac.uk
Sector‑wide authoritative sources
Dental Schools Council – “Dental school entry requirements” and 2026 entry booklet (overview of UK dental admissions and widening participation). Dental Schools Council
General Dental Council (GDC) – “Standards for the Dental Team” and 9 core principles. General Dental Council
NHS Constitution for England – NHS values and principles. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield‑focused interview guides and student insights
University of Sheffield BDS Admissions Data PDF (2018–2024). University of Sheffield
UCAS – Dentistry 2026 personal statement guide (including comments about Sheffield’s expectations on career exploration). UCAS
General dentistry interview preparation resources
BluePeanut – UK Dentistry School Interview Questions and 2026 Interview Guide. Blue Peanut Medical
Use the official Sheffield pages as your primary point of truth, and then use external guides and question banks to broaden your practice and confidence.
