After impressing with your application to study dentistry and waiting anxiously for a response, you have been invited to an interview. Don’t see this as an obstacle between you and a place on the course, but rather an opportunity to make the interviewer realise that the place already has your name on it.
Your interview will likely take the form of either a traditional face-to-face interview, or Multiple Mini Interviews, in which your ability to cope with various scenarios, role-plays, or relevant skills, is assessed, as you rotate between various stations in a speed-dating format. In this situation, it is important to display composure and strong communication skills, whilst keeping a clear head at each new station.
After asking you questions about why you selected their university, how you would describe yourself, what your goals are and what your interests are, they are likely to hone in on dentistry in more specific terms. A question about why you want to study dentistry, or why you chose it over medicine are common ways for the interviewer to gauge your understanding of what the course entails. In these circumstances, avoid giving clichd answers, such as it has been a lifelong ambition.
Incentive for interview
Similarly, don’t use money as an incentive. It’s a target-driven practice in terms of improving health, not your wallet. When providing an answer for why you have applied for dentistry over medicine, answers referring to your desire to raise awareness of oral health, or the capacity to develop prolonged relationships with patients, due to the regularity of visits, can display an awareness of the differences in practice, whilst also offer justification as to why you wish to pursue dentistry.
Further questions may require you to draw upon a recent issue in the press relating to oral health, and it is therefore important to ensure you are well-researched on any hot topics. Where possible, you should reiterate the importance of team-work and communication, due to the importance of the working relationship between the dentist and the dental nurse. Be prepared, too, to discuss perceived problems or challenges facing dentistry.
When asked about your skills relevant to dental practice, you should offer evidence of good manual dexterity and an ability to work well under pressure. Knowledge of the profession is also important, as you may be asked about the General Dental Council. Research into the relevant governing bodies and professional hierarchies can therefore guide smooth, insightful responses. In addition to this, you may be asked about the various fields of dentistry, and it is therefore an important part of your preparation to familiarise yourself with specialist fields.
As well as questions relating to your perceptions of dentistry as a profession, you are likely to be asked about dental science, for example, the prevention of tooth decay. Revisiting relevant work from your studies can help prepare you for the possibility of such questions. You may also be asked questions of an ethical or controversial nature. In such a situation it is important to see both sides of the argument before offering your opinion.
Researching the vast online resources which provide an insight into the interview format and common questions can help ensure confidence in preparation, and prevent the process from being a toothache.