How UK dentistry interviews work

The formats you might meet

The Dental Schools Council's 2027-entry guide lists the interview method for 15 UK standard-entry dental courses. Nine use multiple mini interviews (MMIs), five a panel or structured interview, and one had not confirmed. Formats change, so always check each school's own page.

• MMI: a circuit of short stations, each scored separately. Birmingham runs four to ten stations of five to ten minutes, with one or two assessors at each.
• Panel: usually two or more interviewers for about 20 to 30 minutes, often academics, clinicians or senior students.
• Panel plus group test: Sheffield (2027) pairs a panel of up to 15 minutes with a group task assessing respect, teamwork and communication.
• Practical task: for 2026 entry, Bristol asked applicants to make a model from dried pasta and give a five-minute presentation on a controversial dental topic.

Online or in person

There is no single rule. Leeds runs its 2027 MMI online, Sheffield's 2027 selection days are in person only, and Birmingham does not offer online dental interviews. The Dental Schools Council (January 2026) says online interviews have the same content and standards as in person, so prepare in exactly the same way.

• Online: test the platform early, be alone in a quiet room, have photo ID ready and join about 10 minutes early.
• Online: no script or notes on screen. A short list of key points kept off camera is acceptable.
• Practical tasks may be set in advance, so check your emails in the days before.
• In person: plan the journey, arrive early and bring the ID you were asked for.

Who you meet and what they test

Assessors may be dentists, academics, other clinicians or senior dental students, and role plays use an actor. Birmingham says its stations assess motivation for the career, communication, empathy, self-insight, ethical reasoning, manual dexterity and leadership.

• Motivation: why dentistry, and whether you understand the job, including its hard parts.
• Communication and empathy: often a role play, such as calming an anxious patient or explaining something simply.
• Ethics and professionalism: a dilemma where you reach a safe, reasoned decision.
• Dentistry in the news: an informed lay view of issues such as NHS access, not expert detail.
• Teamwork, leadership and insight: real examples, and what you learned from them.
• Manual dexterity: no school's 2027 guide entry lists a test. If a practical task is set, your invitation or emails will explain it.

How your interview score is used

Schools shortlist using UCAT, grades and sometimes the personal statement. Many interviews fall in February: Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield (22 to 26 February 2027) all interview then.

After the interview, schools differ. At Leeds (2027 entry), the offer depends entirely on interview performance. Sheffield says any applicant whose values or behaviours go against GDC and NHS standards, at any point including the selection day, will be rejected.

Your checklist for the day

• The night before: re-read the invitation, and pack your ID, water and anything you were asked to prepare.
• At each station: read the task twice. What exactly is being asked, and who are you in the scenario?
• In the room: greet the assessor, hear the whole question, then answer that question rather than the one you prepared.
• Expect a mix of assessors: some smiley, some poker-faced. A neutral face is not a bad sign.
• If your mind goes blank, take a breath before you answer. A short pause reads as thinking.
• Afterwards: jot down what you were asked, but never share tasks or questions with other applicants.

How this comes up on the day

• "Why do you think we use MMIs?" — several independent samples by different assessors: the reason, one limitation, then your view.
• "Why dentistry?" and "Why this school?" — expect both; Sheffield's panel even scores commitment to Sheffield. Common Questions teaches both.
• "This patient is very nervous about treatment. Talk to them." — slow down, ask what worries them, explain simply and agree a plan.
• "Tell us about your model and what it says about you." — explain your choices, what was hard and what you would change.
• "How do you think today went?" — honest and balanced: one thing that went well and one you would do differently.

The words to use

Multiple mini interview (MMI)

A circuit of short, timed stations. Each has its own task and is scored independently, so several assessors see you instead of one.

Panel interview

Two or more interviewers asking questions, usually for about 20 to 30 minutes. Semi-structured panels follow up your answers rather than sticking to a fixed list.

Practical task

Something you make, do or present as part of the interview, such as Bristol's pasta model for 2026 entry. Schools explain any task in advance.

Dental Schools Council

The body representing UK dental schools. It publishes yearly entry requirements, guidance on core values and rules for online interviews.

Model answer