Getting accepted into dental school is an amazing accomplishment, and the interview is an important step to get you there. The interview provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate that you are more than grades and test scores. The people who interview you want to see your personality, commitment to the profession, and communication skills.
It will be invaluable if you prepare thoughtful answers to questions ahead of time. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some of the best dental school interview tips to help you prepare.
Below are the top 10 most common dental school interview questions, with specific information about how to approach them like a dentist in training.
1. Why do you want to be a Dentist?
What They’re Asking: Essentially, they want to know what incentivizes you.
How to Answer: Be truthful and personal. If you say “I want to help people”, you will have to include specific information. Discuss a dental experience that inspired you, how you like hands-on science, or are good at working through problem-solving.
2. Why this Dental School?
What They’re Asking: They want to know if you’ve done your homework on their program.
How to Answer: Provide details about unique features (research component, special programs, teaching philosophy of the school).
Always personalize your response so they feel and understand it’s their school you’re truly interested in and not just any other dental school.
3. Tell Me About Yourself
What They Are Asking: They want a brief and structured story about you.
How to Answer: Stay within a 2-minute summary that highlights your background, academic interests, and interest in dentistry. Highlight what makes you a strong and desirable candidate. Dental school interview questions, like this one, allow you to voice your personality and ambition.
4. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
What They Are Asking: They are testing your self-awareness.
How to Answer: Choose a legitimate strength related to dentistry (patience, detail-oriented, empathy). When talking about a weakness, make sure to identify how you’re working on it. “I used to struggle with time management, but I started using a planner and that has helped me a lot.”
5. How Do You Handle Stress?
What They Are Asking: Can you handle pressure in a tough profession?
How to Answer: Provide a positive technique like being organized, exercising, or practicing mindfulness. Include a personal presentation from your life, like preparing for 2 or more exams in a week!
6. What Experiences Have Prepared You for Dentistry?
What They’re Asking: They’re checking if you’ve explored the field.
How to Answer: Mention any shadowing, volunteering, or part-time work in dental clinics. Talk about what you observed, learned, and how it confirmed your desire to become a dentist.
7. How Do You Work in a Team Setting?
What They’re Asking: Dentistry involves collaboration- can you handle that?
How to Answer: Share a time when you worked on a group project or sports team. Explain how you listened, contributed, and helped the group succeed.
Knowing how to prepare for dental school interview questions like this will help you feel more confident in your responses.
8. Tell Me About a Time You Faced a Challenge
What They’re Asking: They want to hear about your resilience.
How to Answer: Choose a challenge where you learned something important. For example, struggling in a tough class and improving through hard work. Highlight your problem-solving skills and determination.
9. What Do You Think Are the Biggest Issues Facing Dentistry Today?
What They’re Asking: They want to see if you’re aware of the bigger picture.
How to Answer: Talk about topics like the cost of dental care, access to services in rural areas, or advances in dental technology. Keep it simple but thoughtful. You don’t need to be an expert- just show curiosity and awareness.
10. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
What They’re Asking: They want to know if you care about your future.
How to Answer: Always say yes! Ask about mentorship opportunities, clinical exposure, or how they support student mental health. Avoid questions easily found on their website.
Bonus Tips for Success:
- Practice aloud with a friend or mirror.
- Smile—after all, you’re going into dentistry!
- Keep answers clear and confident, not robotic.
- Dress professionally and arrive early if it’s in person (or check tech beforehand for virtual interviews).
Dreaming of becoming a dentist?
Preparing for your dental school interview can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll walk in ready to leave a lasting impression. Remember, your interviewers are looking for someone passionate, capable, and committed to a future in oral health.
At Future DMD, we’re proud to guide tomorrow’s dental leaders. If you’re searching for a mentor who supports young professionals on their career path, look no further. Our coaching is committed to empowering the next generation with mentorship, exposure, and real-world learning.