The interview process is designed to help assess your suitability for a career in dentistry aside from academic excellence so that we can train students to become dentists who will embrace the values of healthcare and will excel in the profession, including respect, compassion, resilience and commitment to quality of care, alongside manual dexterity.
We interview approximately 300 candidates for the BDS course. We use the multiple mini-interview format (MMI), which is made up of five to ten mini interviews lasting five to ten minutes each. This allows you to demonstrate the skills you have which are relevant to studying dentistry, such as (but not limited to); motivation for the career, communication, empathy, self-insight, ethical reasoning, manual dexterity and leadership. You will be interviewed by one or two assessors at each station and you will be given time to prepare for each station.
Whilst it’s not possible to ‘revise’ for MMIs, preparation for interview should include reflecting on relevant work experience, familiarising yourself with the professionalism and ethical standards dentists are held to, and being confident in communicating with a wide variety of people.
Interviews will take place throughout February half term week. Applicants will continue to be invited to interview until all places have been filled. Unsuccessful applicants will hear from us too by mid-January. No alternative interview dates are available and online or telephone interviews are not offered.
Candidates who are interviewed are looked after by and offered a tour of the Dental School by current dental students. If you can, it is a good idea to visit the University prior to application on one of the University Open Days held in June, October and November. Please note that we cannot make arrangements to meet with prospective applicants on an individual basis.