Newcastle Dentistry Interview

Why dentistry, and why Newcastle specifically?

Reference Newcastle Dental School's integrated curriculum, the early clinical contact, the strong reputation in oral surgery, and the North East patient population.

Are you aware of the GDC (General Dental Council)? What is its role?

GDC is the UK regulator for dental professionals. Maintains the register, sets standards (via Standards for the Dental Team), handles fitness-to-practise concerns, accredits courses.

Do you think technology has influenced dentistry over the last 20 years? Will it continue to?

Concrete examples: digital impressions (intra-oral scanners), CAD/CAM crowns, dental implants, laser dentistry, AI-assisted X-ray reading. Acknowledge both benefits and adoption-cost challenges.

Tell us about a time when you worked successfully as part of a team.

STAR framework. Focus on what you contributed and what you learned about collaboration. Dental teams (with hygienists, nurses, technicians) need strong collaborators.

Tell us about a time when your individual skills were crucial to the success of your team.

Concrete example. Distinguish from the previous question — here you're highlighting your individual contribution, not just being a team player.

A patient asks for a treatment that you don't feel is in their best interest. What do you do?

Respect autonomy. Provide accurate information about risks and benefits. Document. Don't pressure. The patient can proceed if informed and consenting.

A colleague is making mistakes that affect patient care. What's your responsibility?

GDC duty to raise concerns. Patient safety paramount. Constructive escalation through proper channels (clinical lead, dental school hierarchy). Document.

Describe a time you received feedback that was hard to hear.

Genuine example, not a humble brag. Reflect on what you changed afterwards.

What dental work experience have you done, and what did you learn?

Pick one specific moment to go deep on. Newcastle values reflection over volume.

A patient is upset about waiting times. (Conversation-style, no actor.)

Acknowledge inconvenience genuinely. Don't over-apologise for systemic issues. Offer concrete next steps and information.

Should the NHS continue to subsidise dental treatment for all UK residents?

Engage with both equity and resource-allocation arguments. Reference current NHS dental charges and exemptions. Acknowledge the workforce crisis.

How do you train your manual dexterity?

Concrete examples — model-making, art, music, sports requiring fine motor control.

How would you explain to a patient that they need a treatment they can't afford?

Listen first. Be honest about cost. Explore NHS routes, payment plans, alternative treatments. Don't pressure or judge.

What concerns you most about a career in dentistry?

Honest concerns + management strategies. NHS contract instability, physical demands, patient anxiety, business pressures.