Dental school interview preparation is your chance to show that you are more than your ATAR and UCAT score. Interviewers want to see why you have chosen dentistry, how you communicate and how you would treat patients.
This guide covers what dental interviewers look for, common dentistry interview questions, how to answer “Why dentistry?”, and how to practise effectively so you can walk into your interview feeling confident and prepared.
How dental school interviews differ from medicine interviews
Dentistry and medicine interviews often use similar formats, such as Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). The main difference is focus. Dentistry interviewers expect you to understand the specific role of a dentist: working closely with patients, using fine manual skills, running a practice and promoting oral health in the community.
What dentistry interviewers look for
Motivation for dentistry: a clear, personal reason backed by real experience.
Communication: explaining things simply and listening to patients' concerns.
Ethics and professionalism: honesty, consent, confidentiality and fairness.
Awareness of the profession: the realities of dental work, including its challenges.
Manual dexterity awareness: an understanding of why fine motor skills matter, and examples of activities that use them.
Common dental interview questions
Why dentistry? Why not medicine?
What do you know about the role of a dentist?
How would you manage a patient who is anxious about treatment?
Ethical scenarios, such as a colleague making a mistake.
Questions about oral health issues in the community.
Example scenario
A nervous patient arrives for treatment and says they want to leave before you start. What would you do?
A strong answer stays calm and patient-centred. It acknowledges the patient's fear, asks what is worrying them, explains the procedure simply, and offers options such as taking breaks or rescheduling. It respects the patient's right to decide, while making sure they understand any risks of delaying treatment.
Answering "Why dentistry and not medicine?"
This is one of the most common questions. Avoid answers that suggest dentistry is a back-up. Instead, talk about what draws you to dentistry specifically: long-term relationships with patients, practical hands-on work, the visible difference treatment makes to people's health and confidence, and any experiences that confirmed your choice.
Dental school interview preparation: how to practise
Practise answering out loud and under time limits.
Do mock interviews with people who can give honest feedback.
Learn about current oral health issues in Australia.
Reflect on your own experiences so you can give real examples.
Dental school interview training, such as a structured dentistry interview course with mock stations, gives you realistic practice and specific feedback before the real day.
Mistakes to avoid in dentistry interviews
Saying you chose dentistry for lifestyle or income alone.
Giving memorised answers that do not fit the question.
Not knowing what a dentist's day actually involves.
Dental school interview preparation FAQs
Do all dental schools interview?
No. Some select on ATAR and UCAT, and some use a written application. Check each university's process.
Are interviews online or in person?
It varies by university and year. Practise both so you are comfortable either way.
How long should my dental school interview preparation take?
Start a few weeks before invitations are released, so you are not rushed.
How do I show manual dexterity in an interview?
Talk about activities that use fine hand skills, such as playing an instrument, drawing, model-making or sewing, and what they taught you about precision and patience.
Is a dentistry interview course worth it?
A good course gives you realistic mock interviews and feedback, which is hard to get on your own and helps you improve quickly.
What should I wear to a dentistry interview?
Neat, professional clothing, the same as for any formal interview. It shows you take the opportunity seriously.
Dental school interview training with MedEssentials
Our tutors help with dental school interview preparation through realistic mock interviews and specific feedback. Explore our medicine and dentistry interview training in Adelaide or private 1-1 interview training. Applying to JCU? See our JCU Dentistry written application help.
Read our students' reviews on Google.