Dental School Interview Guide 2026: Formats, Questions, and What Schools Really Look For
Why Dental School Interviews Matter
Dental school interviews are a crucial part of the selection process – they allow universities to assess you beyond grades and test scores. Admissions tutors use interviews to take a “wider view” of each applicant and see if you meet the non-academic criteria expected of a future dentistry student. In practice, this means they’re evaluating your communication skills, empathy, ethics, motivation, and other personal attributes essential for a career in dentistry. As the University of Birmingham explains, the interview helps determine if you will embrace the values of healthcare – such as respect, compassion, resilience, commitment to quality care – and whether you have the necessary manual dexterity to excel as a dentist. In short, admissions panels want to ensure you not only have strong academics, but also the right mindset, professionalism, and people skills to thrive in dental school and beyond.
It’s normal to feel nervous 😅 about these interviews. Remember that interviewers aren’t trying to intimidate you. Often, they’ll be friendly and give you opportunities to discuss your experiences and passion for dentistry. Think of the interview as your chance to show who you are beyond your UCAS form – your enthusiasm for dentistry, your ability to communicate and reflect, and how well you understand what being a dentist is all about. In the sections below, we’ll cover the main interview formats, some common questions and topics, and what qualities schools really look for in applicants (with tips on how to demonstrate them). Let’s dive in! 🏊♂️
Interview Formats in 2026: MMI vs. Panel
In the UK, dental schools typically use one of two interview formats: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) or Panel Interviews. It’s important to understand which format your chosen schools use, because your experience will differ from school to school. Here’s an overview of both:
🔄 Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs): This format involves rotating through a series of short interview stations. For example, Birmingham uses an MMI with about 5 to 10 mini-interviews, each lasting ~5–10 minutes. At each station, you’ll face one or two interviewers and a specific task or question. After the time is up, you move to the next station. MMIs are designed to assess a range of skills and qualities in a time-efficient way. Across the stations, you might encounter different scenarios or questions. For instance, one station may ask about your motivation for dentistry, another might present an ethical dilemma or a role-play, and another could probe your teamwork or communication skills. The key is that each station focuses on a particular attribute or topic. Interviewers score you independently at each station, and those scores are combined at the end. The benefit of MMIs is that one weak station can be offset by stronger performance in others, and you get multiple fresh starts. UK dental schools widely use MMIs because they offer a structured, fair way to evaluate various competencies. Tip: In an MMI, be concise and focused – you often have just ~5–7 minutes per station, so practice getting your ideas across clearly and calmly within a short time frame. ⏱️ Also, don’t worry if one station didn’t go perfectly; just reset and give your best at the next one.
👥 Panel Interviews: This is a more traditional interview format. You sit down with a small panel of interviewers (typically 2 tutors and possibly a senior student) for a single, longer interview. For 2026 entry, the University of Sheffield, for example, is using a 15-minute panel interview with two staff members and one student interviewer, conducted face-to-face on campus. Panel interviews tend to feel more like a regular conversation: interviewers take turns asking questions and following up. They often have a structured list of topics to cover to keep it fair for all candidates (hence, you may hear the term “structured panel interview”). Expect questions that explore multiple areas of your suitability in that one session. Sheffield notes that their panel will ask about motivation for the course and for the profession (including knowledge of current issues), evidence of independent thinking and the ability to apply knowledge, relevant experiences, communication skills, personal qualities, and values. That’s a lot to cover in 15 minutes! Panel interviews are intense in that you have to make a good impression on the whole panel at once, but they also allow you to build some rapport over the course of the discussion. Tip: In a panel interview, remember to engage with all your interviewers – make eye contact, greet them with a smile, and try to address the group when you respond (not just the person who asked the question). This shows good interpersonal skills. Also, take a moment to gather your thoughts after a complex question; it’s perfectly okay to pause briefly or say, “Let me take a second to think,” rather than rushing in with a muddled answer.
🏫 Note: Most UK dental schools use either MMIs or panels. A few may incorporate additional elements. For example, some schools might include a group task on interview day to observe how you interact in a team. In fact, Sheffield’s selection process in 2026 includes a separate group exercise to assess communication, empathy and compassion among applicants. Other schools might have you do a short practical test of manual dexterity or a problem-solving exercise. Always check the instructions provided by each school beforehand – they usually outline the format on their website or in the interview invitation. Knowing the format will help you tailor your preparation and mindset. Whether it’s MMIs or a panel, the goal is the same: to let you demonstrate your strengths in a variety of relevant areas.
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Common Dental School Interview Questions and Topics
No two interviews are identical, but certain question themes come up time and again in dental school interviews. It’s wise to prepare for these core topics so you’re not caught off guard. Below is a rundown of common question areas – with pointers on what the interviewers might be looking for:
🦷 “Why do you want to study dentistry?” – This is almost guaranteed to be asked in some form. Interviewers want to hear your genuine motivation for the course and the profession. Avoid clichés (“I like science and want to help people”) and give a personal, reflective answer. Perhaps you can share the moment or experience that sparked your interest in dentistry, and explain what sustains that interest. Mention specific aspects of dentistry that appeal to you (e.g. blending science and artistry, caring for patients long-term, the hands-on nature of the work). Crucially, demonstrate that you have an informed understanding of what a dental career involves. Schools expect you to have explored the field – through work experience, open days, or even virtual research – so you can explain what attracts you to dentistry and why it suits you. For example, you might say you shadowed a dentist or spoke to dental students, and that gave you insight into the profession’s challenges and rewards. Show enthusiasm, but also awareness (e.g. you know it’s not all glamour – there are routine parts and difficult moments, yet you’re still drawn to it). If relevant, be ready for follow-ups like “Why dentistry and not medicine?” or “What do you find most interesting about dentistry?” Have your honest reasons at the ready.
💭 Personal qualities and strengths: You could be asked directly, “What personal qualities do you have that would make you a good dentist?” or more subtly, “How would your friends describe you?” This is an opening to highlight traits that dental schools value. Key qualities to consider mentioning include communication skills, empathy, teamwork, leadership, resilience, patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. Of course, anyone can claim they are empathetic or hard-working – so back up your claims with brief examples. For instance, don’t just say “I have good communication skills”; you might add, “I developed communication and teamwork skills as captain of my school football team, where I had to resolve conflicts and encourage younger players.” The University of Birmingham notes that successful candidates can demonstrate self-insight – an awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. So it’s even okay to mention a weakness you’re working on, which shows honesty and growth. Remember to keep it relevant to dentistry: if you talk about being creative or having manual dexterity from playing the guitar 🎸, tie it back to how that helps you as a dentist (e.g. “learning guitar trained my hand-eye coordination and discipline, which I believe are useful for dentistry”). Essentially, interviewers are listening for evidence that you possess the values and attributes needed in a healthcare professional – such as integrity, compassion, and teamwork. Think about the NHS core values as well (the NHS Constitution values include working together for patients, respect and dignity, compassion, improving lives, commitment to quality of care, and that everyone counts). Showing that your personal values align with these will definitely earn you points.
📚 Ethical scenarios and professionalism: Dental interviews often include questions to gauge your ethical reasoning and integrity. You might be given a scenario (for example, “What would you do if you caught a fellow student cheating on an exam?” or a patient-related dilemma) or a direct question like “How would you handle a patient who insists on a treatment you feel is not appropriate?” When tackling ethics questions, remember there is rarely one “right” answer. The interviewer is more interested in how you think through the problem and whether your reasoning reflects professional ethics and common sense. A good approach is to outline the factors you’d consider and demonstrate empathy and duty of care. For instance, with a cheating classmate scenario, you might mention the importance of honesty and patient trust, and say you’d encourage the classmate to come clean, or you’d feel obliged to report it after giving them a chance to self-report, because ultimately patient safety could be at stake if unqualified people pass exams. Always consider principles such as confidentiality, informed consent, acting in the patient’s best interest, and honesty. If you’re discussing a contentious issue (say, fluoridation of water or the balance between NHS and private dentistry), the schools don’t expect you to have specialist knowledge on policy – they do expect you to have a layperson’s awareness of current debates and to express your viewpoint logically and calmly. Top tip: avoid extreme or very dogmatic stances; show that you can see multiple sides of an issue. Even if the interviewer presses you with challenging questions, they may be testing whether you remain respectful and thoughtful under pressure.
🗣️ Communication and empathy: Throughout the interview – not just in a specific question – you are demonstrating your communication abilities. However, some questions explicitly target this area. For example, you might be asked how you would explain a complex concept (like oral hygiene instructions) to a nervous patient or to a child. Alternatively, they may ask you to describe a time you helped someone, or how you would handle a fearful patient. In answering these, show that you can communicate clearly and kindly. Use simple language for explanations and emphasise listening. Empathy questions assess your ability to understand others’ feelings. You could mention an experience where you supported someone in difficulty. Importantly, be genuine – don’t recite a scripted answer because interviewers can tell. The University of Manchester explicitly notes that candidates who give spontaneous yet well-thought-out answers are more impressive than those with obviously pre-rehearsed responses. So aim for a natural conversational tone. If you need a moment to think to give a structured answer, it’s fine to take one – it’s better than blurting out something incoherent. Show that you can organise your thoughts and express them in an orderly way. Good communication also involves listening: pay attention to precisely what’s being asked, and if you’re unsure, it’s okay to politely ask for clarification.
🏥 Work experience and insight into dentistry: Interviewers will almost certainly ask about your work experience or volunteering (e.g. “Can you tell us about any work experience you’ve done related to dentistry or healthcare?”). Remember, the focus here is not on the quantity of experience but on what you learned from it. Schools know it’s been difficult at times to get placements in dental practices. The Dental Schools Council even updated guidance to say applicants should demonstrate they’ve made an informed choice by showing knowledge of the profession and what attracted them to it – whether through direct work experience or other forms of exploration. So if you have shadowed a dentist or done voluntary work, talk about specific observations or conversations that deepened your understanding of dentistry. Maybe you saw the importance of patient communication when you observed a dentist calm a nervous patient, or you were impressed by the precision of a procedure you witnessed. If you haven’t had formal dental work experience, be honest but highlight alternatives: perhaps you did online work shadowing, attended a virtual dentistry lecture, worked in a care home, or even had a part-time job where you developed soft skills. The key is reflection. Manchester advises that your interview is an opportunity to describe how your experiences have influenced your career choice. So don’t just list what you did; explain how it confirmed your desire to be a dentist (or, if it showed you some harsh realities, how you are prepared to face them). For example: “Volunteering at the care home taught me how fulfilling yet challenging it can be to care for anxious individuals – it reinforced my commitment to dentistry, knowing I’ll need patience and empathy with nervous patients.” Show insight into the profession: mention current issues you’ve noted (e.g. “I observed a shortage of NHS appointments and realised how important advocacy and resource management are in dentistry”) – this shows maturity and awareness beyond just the technical side.
✋ Manual dexterity and hobbies: Dentistry is a very hands-on career, so many schools will be interested in your manual dexterity – your skill in working with your hands on precise tasks. Some interviews include a direct question like “How do you demonstrate good manual dexterity?” or they may ask about your hobbies. This is your chance to talk about any activities requiring fine motor skills, creativity, or steady hand-eye coordination. Common examples include playing a musical instrument 🎻, drawing or painting, knitting or crafts, model-building, sewing, even cooking or sports that require technique. The University of Sheffield points out that dentists “routinely perform small, intricate tasks for long periods in demanding situations” and you should be confident you’ll enjoy that kind of work. So if you have experience that ties in, mention it enthusiastically. For instance: “I love painting miniatures – it’s taught me how to concentrate on fine detail for an hour at a time, which is very similar to the focus needed when doing a dental filling.” If you don’t have an obvious dexterous hobby, don’t panic – not everyone is a master sculptor! You can express willingness to learn and mention any instances where you’ve had to use steady hands (maybe lab experiments at school or helping younger siblings with crafts – get creative). The key is conveying that you understand manual skills are important and that you’re either already practising them or eager to develop them. A tip here is to also link manual dexterity with patience and perseverance – e.g. “Learning crochet taught me patience and attention to detail, which I believe are valuable when mastering clinical techniques.” This shows you grasp the connection between hobby and profession.
🏫 “Why our dental school?” – Some universities will ask why you applied to their program specifically (for example, Sheffield explicitly assesses “commitment to Sheffield” in their interview scoring). Be prepared to give a thoughtful answer about what appeals to you in that school. You might mention aspects like their curriculum (problem-based learning? early clinical exposure?), facilities (maybe they have a state-of-the-art simulation lab you’re excited about), the community feel, location, or even that you spoke to students and liked what you heard. Avoid generic flattery – be specific so they know you’ve done your research. For example: “I’m drawn to Queen Mary University because of its strong focus on outreach – the fact that students engage in community dental programs is important to me as I want to improve oral health in underserved communities.” Or, “I was impressed by the University of Manchester’s virtual reality dental training suite I read about – it shows the school is forward-thinking with technology.” Also, if you have personal reasons (like it’s near family, or you attended their summer school), it’s okay to mention as part of your answer, though keep the academic reasons front and centre. Showing genuine interest and knowledge about the course demonstrates maturity and sincere motivation. Schools want students who are keen to join them, not just those who blindly applied, so this can subtly boost your impression.
These are just some common themes – interviews can cover anything from your academic interests (favourite subject and why, a science question to test how you think) to current affairs (maybe a healthcare news topic – if something major is in the news like antibiotic resistance or COVID’s impact on dentistry, be ready to discuss it). The best preparation is to practise answering questions aloud on all these topics. Get friends, family or teachers to do mock interviews with you. The more you practise articulating your thoughts, the more confident and fluent you will become. 🙌
What Are Dental Schools Really Looking For?
You might be wondering, “What exactly do they want from me? What are they looking for at the interview?” In a nutshell, UK dental schools are assessing whether you have the potential to be a good dentist and a successful dental student. Below, we break down the key qualities and attributes that interviewers are actively looking for (and provide some guidance on how you can showcase each one):
Communication Skills: Perhaps the most obvious, yet most important. As a dentist, you’ll need to explain complex information in simple terms, listen to patients’ concerns, and work with a dental team. Interviewers will judge your communication skills from the moment you say hello. They expect you to express your ideas clearly and coherently. This doesn’t mean using big words – it means organising your thoughts and speaking in a logical, conversational manner. They also value attentive listening and engaging body language (smiling, nodding, making eye contact). If an interviewer presents an argument or scenario, they’ll see if you can follow the points and respond relevantly. Importantly, authenticity is part of good communication; as mentioned earlier, overly scripted answers can come across as insincere, whereas genuine, thought-out responses make a better impression. To demonstrate strong communication in your interview, be mindful of speaking neither too fast nor too quietly, and be willing to have a dialogue – for instance, if you’re unsure about a question, it’s fine to ask for clarification (it shows you value understanding). All in all, showing that you can connect with people and convey information effectively is huge. As one university put it, communication skills are “essential to the practice of all aspects of dentistry”, so candidates who can articulate ideas and follow a reasoned argument are looked upon favourably.
Empathy and Compassion: Dental schools want empathetic future clinicians. This means being able to put yourself in others’ shoes – understanding patients’ anxieties and needs. In interviews, empathy can be gauged by how you discuss experiences helping others or by how you respond to a scenario involving a nervous patient. They’re looking for a caring attitude. For example, if asked how you’d handle a distressed patient, a strong answer would emphasise listening to the patient’s concerns, reassuring them, and, if appropriate, sharing the steps you’d take to keep them comfortable. If you have volunteering experience (like working with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities), highlight what you learned about compassionate care from it. The University of Birmingham explicitly lists compassion among the values they expect candidates to embrace. Likewise, the NHS values include compassion, and dental schools align with those ideals. To show you have empathy, use humane language – talk about feelings and understanding, not just clinical facts. Also, consider any personal anecdotes about kindness you showed or witnessed in a dental setting. Being kind and respectful in how you interact with your interviewers and other staff on the interview day is also part of demonstrating your character – sometimes informal observations (like how you treated the receptionist or other candidates) can feed back to the admissions committee. So, essentially, be your best, considerate self throughout the process. 😊
Ethical Integrity and Professionalism: Honesty, integrity, and ethical judgment are critical in dentistry – after all, dentists are trusted with patients’ health. Schools will look for signs that you understand right from wrong and can be responsible. They might test this through direct questions (“What would you do if you made a mistake with a patient’s treatment?”) – where a good answer would be to own up to it, apologise, and learn from it – or through scenario questions, as discussed. They also infer your professionalism from how you handle yourself. Did you arrive on time and well-prepared? Are you dressed appropriately (smart yet comfortable, as per any given dress code)? Are you respectful when speaking, not interrupting, and demonstrating good manners? Manchester University mentions they evaluate you against the “values and behaviours expected of a dentistry student”– this includes things like honesty, accountability, and respect for rules/policies. It’s a good idea to be familiar with the General Dental Council (GDC) standards – you don’t need to quote them, but know that the GDC emphasises principles like patient safety, informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, etc. One common question is about teamwork vs. honesty: e.g., “If your best friend in dental school was cheating on coursework, what would you do?” – They want to see that patient safety and integrity come first for you (even if it means making a tough decision about reporting misconduct). In summary, demonstrate a strong moral compass and a sense of responsibility. Little things count too: if COVID-19 precautions are in place, follow them diligently – it signals professionalism in caring for others’ wellbeing.
Teamwork and Leadership: Dentists don’t work in isolation – they are part of a dental team (with nurses, hygienists, technicians) and often lead that team. Plus, during dental school, you’ll be working with peers and staff constantly. Therefore, schools seek students who enjoy teamwork and can communicate in group settings. You might be asked for an example of a team project or a leadership role you held. When you answer, highlight what you did and learned. A common mistake is describing a group activity without mentioning your personal contribution – be sure to include how you helped the team succeed or handled a challenge. If you’ve led a team (captain of a club, head student, project leader in a coursework assignment), mention how you guided others and also what you learned about listening and motivating people. If not, talk about being a good team member – maybe you collaborated on a science project or played and had to compromise or support a teammate. Dental schools love to see evidence of leadership potential, but that can be shown even in small ways (like training a new colleague at your part-time job or organising a charity event). The key is demonstrating that you can work respectfully with others and that you understand the importance of sharing knowledge and supporting peers. Given the high-pressure environment of dental clinics, showing you can remain collegial and calm in a team is a big plus.
Academic Curiosity and Problem-Solving: While interviews generally don’t quiz you on academic content, they do want to see that you are intellectually curious and can think on your feet. You may get an open-ended question like “Tell us about a recent development in dentistry that caught your interest” or a problem-solving question (for example, they could give a hypothetical scientific scenario or even a simple task like interpreting a set of data). To prepare, stay up-to-date with basic dental news or breakthroughs – the NHS dental workforce situation, advances like 3D printing of teeth, or even popular discussions like “DIY dentistry” you might have seen in the news. If something in your A-level studies fascinated you (e.g. a biology topic that relates to dentistry, like stem cells for growing teeth), you could bring that up. The idea is to show you genuinely care about learning and are enthusiastic about the science behind dentistry. When faced with a new question, don’t panic – walk the interviewer through how you approach it. Even if you don’t know the final answer, showing a logical thought process is valuable. In fact, Oxbridge-style questions (though Oxbridge don’t have dentistry courses, some schools mimic that style) are meant to see how you think, not what you already know. So if they ask something like “How many dentists are there in London?” they might be testing your reasoning – you could talk through an estimate (“London has about 9 million people, if one dentist can have say 2000 patients, then…maybe around 4500 dentists?”) – the answer matters less than your method. Curiosity can also be demonstrated by asking your own questions. If appropriate, have a thoughtful question or two to ask at the end of your interview (e.g. about a program detail or research opportunity). It shows you’re thinking ahead about your place in their school.
Resilience and Time Management: Studying dentistry is demanding – it’s a five-year course packed with lectures, clinical sessions, exams, and practicals. Moreover, the career itself can be high-pressure, requiring long hours while balancing patient care. So, schools look for students who are resilient, self-motivated, and manage their time well. They might ask, “How do you cope with stress?” or “What do you do in your free time?” (which is often partly to see if you have a healthy balance and outlets for stress). A strong answer might include strategies such as staying organised with a planner, avoiding procrastination, seeking support from friends/family, and engaging in hobbies or sports to unwind. If you’ve overcome a significant challenge (academic or personal), you can mention what you learned from it about staying resilient. For example, maybe the pandemic disrupted your studies or work experience – you could explain how you adapted (e.g., by taking online courses or doing independent reading on dentistry). Dental schools also value commitment – evidence that you don’t give up easily when things get tough. If you can convey passion for dentistry, that inherently shows you’ll push through difficulties to achieve your goal. Additionally, being aware of mental health and knowing when to ask for help is a mature trait; you could say, for instance, “If I feel overwhelmed, I make sure to talk to someone or take a short break to regroup – I believe maintaining mental well-being is important, especially in a caring profession.” This signals that you have insight into handling the pressures of the course. Lastly, good time management might come through in how you balanced A-levels with extracurriculars; if relevant, mention how you prioritised and stayed disciplined with multiple commitments (it reassures them you can handle the busy schedule of dental school).
In summary, what schools “really look for” is a well-rounded individual who is academically capable, personally competent, and wholeheartedly motivated to study dentistry. They want to see that your values align with those of the dental profession and the NHS (like empathy, respect, and integrity). They also want to gauge that you understand what you’re getting into – that you’ve done your homework about dentistry and are making an informed, realistic career choice. If you can convey all of that in the interview, you will reassure the interviewers that you’re not only a strong applicant on paper, but also the kind of person they’d be happy to teach and eventually see treating patients.
Tips to Ace Your Dental School Interview 🙌
Now that we’ve covered formats, common questions, and sought-after qualities, let’s finish with some practical tips to help you prepare effectively and perform your best on the big day. These tips are aimed at sixth form students interviewing in 2025–2026, but they apply broadly to any professional school interview:
👍 Practise, but don’t memorise answers: It’s a great idea to practice answering questions aloud – do mock interviews with a teacher or friend, or even record yourself. This helps build confidence and clarity. However, avoid memorising scripted answers word-for-word. Interviewers can tell if you’re reciting something, and it will come off as inauthentic. Instead, practice thinking on your feet. One technique is to bullet-point key ideas for common questions and practice delivering them spontaneously in different wording each time. This way, in the actual interview, your answers will sound natural yet structured. Remember, giving “spontaneous yet well-thought-out” answers impresses interviewers more than perfectly rehearsed speeches. So aim for a conversational tone. If you get a question you didn’t anticipate (it happens!), stay calm and apply principles you know – you likely have more knowledge than you think. And don’t be afraid to say “I’m not entirely sure, but I’d approach it like this…” – that shows honesty and reasoning.
📚 Research the school and the course: Make sure you know the basics about each university you interview for. Revisit the course page: how is the course structured? Any unique teaching methods or opportunities? What ethos does the school promote? If it’s in a certain city, be aware of the local NHS context (e.g., some areas have a stronger focus on community dentistry). Also, if the school has provided an interview guide or briefing, read it thoroughly. For instance, Manchester advises applicants to read the Dental Schools Council’s guidance on core values needed for dentistry and reflect on how to demonstrate those in their responses. Taking such advice on board can really pay off. It not only gives you content to talk about (“I noted from the Dental Schools Council guidance that one key attribute is the ability to reflect – I’ve been trying to improve this by keeping a journal of my volunteering experiences...”), but also shows you’re proactive and informed. And as mentioned, know the interview format – if it’s MMI, practice timing yourself; if panel, practice more open discussion style answers.
📰 Stay informed about dentistry news: In the weeks leading up to your interview, keep an eye on dental-related news, especially in the UK. Big topics might include the NHS dental care situation (shortages of NHS dentists, etc.), any new government policies affecting dentistry, public health initiatives (such as the sugar tax and debates over fluoride in water), or technological innovations in dentistry (such as laser dentistry and digital scanners). You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing a couple of current issues or hot topics can be very useful. It will help you answer “knowledge of current issues” questions and also give you conversation material if, say, an interviewer asks, “Is there anything that concerns you about the future of dentistry?” Being informed makes you sound serious about the field. Good sources include BBC Health, the British Dental Association website, or following a couple of dental schools or dentists on social media for news. Just ensure your information is from reputable sources so you form accurate views.
🤝 Practice ethical reasoning and situational judgement: Many candidates find ethical questions the hardest. A good way to prepare is to discuss scenarios with teachers or fellow applicants (even using some UKCAT/UCAT SJT practice questions can help, since they are similar in principle to ethical dilemmas). Think about scenarios like: dealing with plagiarism, handling a difficult team member, a patient refusing treatment, breaking bad news, confidentiality vs. disclosure (e.g. if a patient is unfit to drive but refuses to stop – an actual dentist dilemma), etc. When you practice, structure your answers: identify the stakeholders involved, the principles at stake (e.g. patient safety, honesty, autonomy), and your proposed course of action with justification. Also mention you would seek guidance from a senior or follow protocols if applicable – that shows you know your limits as a trainee. By practising these, you’ll get faster at recognising what the question is really about. Remember, interviewers are not looking for an immediate, correct answer; they prefer a well-reasoned answer after a short pause over a rushed, thoughtless one. So take a breath, then articulate your reasoning step by step. They’ll see you’re someone who can handle tough decisions thoughtfully – a crucial trait for a dentist.
⏳ Prepare examples and anecdotes: It’s one thing to claim you have a quality; it’s stronger to demonstrate it with a real example. Think in advance of a few key experiences you’ve had that you can draw on in different contexts. For example, one experience could be used to illustrate multiple things: say you did DofE (Duke of Edinburgh Award) – that could yield examples of teamwork (expedition group), community service (volunteering section), perseverance (completing the hikes), leadership (maybe you were a team leader), etc. Write down a list of maybe five experiences (could be extracurriculars, projects, challenges overcome, a part-time job, a volunteering stint, a personal achievement, etc.). For each, jot what skills or qualities it demonstrates. During your interview, you can then plug these in where relevant. This prevents the mind blank of “oh no, I can’t think of an example.” You’ll have them at your fingertips. Just ensure you explain the example succinctly and focus on what you did and learned. Interviewers appreciate self-awareness and reflection. If you can show you’ve actively learned from your past experiences (good or bad), you’ll come across as mature and growth-oriented.
✨ Dress and behave professionally: First impressions count. Unless told otherwise, aim for smart attire – typically a shirt/blouse with trousers or a skirt, or a modest dress, and comfortable but polished shoes. A full suit isn’t usually necessary (though you won’t be penalised for wearing one either), but avoid very casual clothes like jeans or trainers. The goal is to look neat and professional – it shows respect for the occasion. That said, be comfortable; if you’re fidgeting with a tight collar or staggering in new high heels, it will distract you. Also, if any school uses virtual interviews (for international candidates, for instance), check your tech and ensure your background is tidy and quiet. The University of Manchester noted they don’t mark you down for your interview setting or whether it’s online/in person. However, it still helps you feel confident if your environment is controlled. During the interview, basic etiquette goes a long way: greet the interviewers, shake hands if offered (or smile and nod in online interviews), and remember to thank them at the end for the opportunity. Politeness and enthusiasm can leave a positive final impression.
😌 Manage your nerves: It’s totally normal to be nervous – interviewers expect it. A few strategies can help. Firstly, preparation itself will boost your confidence; the more you practice, the more you’ll trust that you can handle questions. On the day, give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue or to set up your computer, so you’re not in a last-minute rush. If waiting in a room with other candidates, be friendly – a quick chat can actually calm you down (and remember, everyone is in the same boat, feeling nervous). Try some deep breathing before you enter the interview room: breathe in slowly, hold for a couple of seconds, breathe out slowly. This can physiologically reduce stress. Once the interview starts, focus on one question at a time. If you flub one answer, let it go – the next station or question is a fresh chance. Interviewers understand you’re a 17- or 18-year-old, not a polished public speaker, so a few ums and uhs or moments of pause are okay. If you blank out entirely, it’s OK to ask, “May I have a moment to think?” – better that than blurting nonsense. And remember to smile when appropriate – it not only projects confidence and warmth, it can actually trick you into feeling more relaxed! Lastly, keep perspective: an interview is essential, yes, but it’s not an interrogation. The fact that you’ve been invited means they already like you on paper. Now they genuinely want you to do well in person. Many interviewers recall their own student days and will empathise with you. So walk in with your head high, tell yourself you’re excited to share your story – and no matter what, you’ll gain valuable experience from it.
📋 Logistics and final checks: A few days before, ensure you have any required documents or items ready. Some schools might ask you to bring ID, exam certificates, or a passport photo. (For example, identity checks are routine.) Check the invitation email for any such instructions. Plan your travel – know the train times or parking situation. If it’s an early interview, consider travelling the night before if possible to avoid stress. For online interviews, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection in advance; have a backup device or connection if you can. In the morning, have a good breakfast (brain fuel!) and perhaps do a light warm-up (some people like to review a few question flashcards to get in the zone, others prefer to relax and not overthink by then – do what works for you). Bring a bottle of water to the interview venue. And after the interview, give yourself credit and a treat – regardless of how you feel it went, you’ve accomplished a big milestone in your journey! 🍰
Final Thoughts
Facing a dental school interview in 2026 might feel like a lot of pressure, but with thorough preparation and the right mindset, you can turn it into a positive experience. Remember that interviewers are not your adversaries – they genuinely want to find the qualities in you that would make you a great dentist and a great student to teach. Throughout your interview, let your passion for dentistry shine and be yourself (your most professional, well-prepared self!). If you can communicate clearly, show empathy and ethical thinking, reflect on your experiences, and convey your motivation, you will have shown them what they are looking for.
Finally, keep in mind that an interview is a two-way street. It’s also your chance to learn about the school and decide if it’s the right fit for you. So approach it with curiosity and an open mind. No matter the outcome, going through an interview is valuable practice for your future. Every dentist has been where you are now, and they made it through – you will too! Good luck 🍀, stay calm, and believe in yourself as you take this important step toward your dentistry career. You’ve got this! 😄
References (UK Dental School Interview Resources)
University of Birmingham – Dentistry Interviews (2025 entry guidance) birmingham.ac.uk
University of Manchester – Application Process: BDS Dentistry – Interviews bmh.manchester.ac.uk
University of Sheffield – BDS Dental Surgery Selection Process and Interview (2026 entry) sheffield.ac.uk
Dental Schools Council – Work Experience Update (2024) – Guidance on demonstrating informed career choice dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk
Dental Schools Council – Core Values for Dentistry Students (2023) – Emphasis on professionalism, integrity and NHS values sheffield.ac.uk
