Getting an invitation to a dental school interview is exciting but it can also feel intimidating. For many applicants this is the first time they’ll sit across from an admissions committee and explain why they’re ready for dental school.

The good news? Interview questions aren’t meant to trip you up. They’re designed to see how you think, how you communicate, and whether you’d be a good fit for the profession and the school.

Here are the 10 most common dental interview questions you’ll face and tips for answering them with confidence.

1. Tell me about yourself

The trap: Reciting your resume from high school until now.

The strategy: Keep it short and structured. Start with your background, then what sparked your interest in dentistry, and finish with what you’re doing now. Tie it back to dental school so the story feels complete.

💡 Example: “I grew up in [city], studied biology at [school], and while shadowing Dr. X, I saw how dentistry combined science, artistry, and patient care. Since then I’ve worked as a dental assistant and tutored science students which confirmed my commitment. Now I’m excited to bring those experiences to dental school.”

2. Why dentistry

The trap: Saying “I want to help people” (too generic).

The strategy: Use a personal story plus shadowing or patient exposure plus future vision. Show that you understand the realities of the profession and aren’t choosing it lightly.

3. Why this school

The trap: Saying “I like the location.”

The strategy: Mention specific programs, faculty, or opportunities unique to the school. Maybe they emphasize community outreach, research in biomaterials, or early clinical exposure. Show them you’ve done your homework.

4. What are your strengths

The trap: Listing every positive adjective you can think of.

The strategy: Choose 2–3 strengths that matter in dentistry—like attention to detail, resilience, or teamworkand back them up with concrete examples.

5. What are your weaknesses

The trap: Fake weaknesses (“I work too hard”).

The strategy: Pick a real area you’ve improved on. Show self-awareness and growth.
💡 Example: “I used to be uncomfortable delegating tasks in group projects but I’ve learned that sharing responsibility actually builds trust and better results.”

6. Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge

The strategy: Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result. Pick an example that highlights perseverance, problem-solving, and maturity.

7. Tell me about a time you worked in a team or resolved a conflict

The strategy: Dentistry is collaborative. Show that you can communicate, listen, and compromise when needed.

8. What will you do if you are not accepted this cycle

The trap: Saying “I’ll just reapply” without a plan.

The strategy: Demonstrate resilience. Share a concrete plan: taking extra coursework, working in a dental setting, doing more service, or improving DAT scores.

9. How do you deal with stress

The strategy: Everyone has stress, it’s how you handle it that matters. Share healthy, sustainable coping strategies: running, journaling, organizing your time, or leaning on a support system.

10. Do you have any questions for us

The trap: Saying “No.”

The strategy: Always ask something thoughtful. Good examples include:

• “How does the school support students during their transition into clinic?”

• “What opportunities are there for mentorship between students and faculty?”

• “What does the admissions committee value most in successful students here?”

Final Thoughts

Your interview isn’t about giving perfect answers, it’s about showing authenticity, maturity, and enthusiasm for dentistry.

Practice your answers out loud (seriously—it makes a difference), but don’t memorize word-for-word. Think of these questions as conversations where you get to share your story.

You’ve already made it this far. Believe in yourself, stay calm, and let your passion for dentistry come through.