Birmingham Dentistry Interview Questions
This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
The University of Birmingham Dental School interviewed 300 applicants in 2020/2021 and gave out about 177 offers. This means you have a 1 in 1.7 chance of receiving an offer after your Birmingham Dentistry interview.
For more general information about the Birmingham Dental School, check out this page: Birmingham Dental School
The University of Birmingham Dentistry interview has an MMI set up, with each station lasting for 5 – 10 minutes. In this guide we provide an expert insight into past Birmingham interview stations, the Birmingham MMI day and tips for converting your Birmingham Dentistry interview into an offer!
2023/24 Birmingham Dentistry Interview in a Nutshell
What is the Birmingham Interview style?
For 2023/24 entry Birmingham hasn’t explicitly stated whether interviews will be online or in-person but it’s currently implied that they will be in-person. There are about 5 – 10 MMI stations.
You are given 8 minutes to answer each question, with a break between stations for reading.
What are the Birmingham MMI Dates?
February half-term week.
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What are the common topics covered at the Birmingham Dentistry Interview?
- Work experience
- Commitment and Motivation for Dentistry
- Manual dexterity
- Problem solving
- Empathy and self-insight
- Communication
- Resilience and leadership
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from UoB and other Dental schools. If you’re applying to UoB, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a UoB tutor and realistic stations uniquely for UoB.
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List of Recent Birmingham Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | Birmingham (Dentistry) Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Dentistry | Commitment to the career |
| Work Experience | Reflect on experiences Volunteering |
| Communication & Role-Play | Actor may be in a dental setting Show empathy and compassion Helping someone feel better Dealing with frustrated people |
| Personality & Skills | Hobbies Extra curricular activities When have you showed good leadership skills Personal strengths and weaknesses |
| NHS Hot Topics | Could mention in other stations to show relevant knowledge |
| Medical Ethics | Discuss ethical scenarios e.g. colleagues breach guidelines |
| Other | Manual dexterity |
If you wish to practice Birmingham MMI mocks, here are some sample questions:
- Speak to your friend who has lost their family pet.
- What was the most important thing you learned during a work experience placement and why?
- How do you know you are committed to Dentistry?
- Tell me about your volunteering.
- Some patients in your surgery are complaining about the waiting time. Manage the situation.
- What do you do in your spare time to relax?
- A fellow dental student has cheated on an exam. How would you react and why?
Check out the official Birmingham School of Dental Sciences course page here, so that you know what to expect from this course: Official Page
Insider Guide: Birmingham Dentistry Interview Day
How did the Birmingham Interview day work?
We arrived at our scheduled time and waited in the reception of the Dental Hospital. After a 10 minute wait, we were taken to a classroom where we were registered and a talk was given to us about the course, university and interview by a member of staff.
After this talk, we were split into two groups; one would have the interview first and the tour afterwards. The other group would have the reverse of this. After both parts were finished, we could leave.
What do you have to wear for the Birmingham Dentistry Interview?
The dress code is ‘smart’, so I would advise wearing what you might wear for a job interview.
What is the setting for the Birmingham MMI?
The Birmingham interview took place within a teaching clinic and each of the stations were in a separate area; this allowed for some isolation and allowed us to focus on our own stations.
How do you receive information for the Birmingham MMI questions?
The instructions were given to us before the station, where we would have a few minutes of reading time to prepare for the question.
I would say that you should use this time to come up with a solid answer, or think about possible topics to speak about, so that you are well prepared for the upcoming station. Also, use the period to take deep breaths and recollect yourself during the interview.
What were the Birmingham MMI interviewers like?
All of the examiners in this interview were very friendly which helped us stay calm. They engaged in conversation and were easy to talk to.
Did the Birmingham MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
The follow up questions that examiners asked were not listed on the instruction sheets, however, they weren’t surprising as the questions fitted into the corresponding station. Sometimes they were from a predetermined list but in other stations, extra questions were asked based on what you had said.
How long is the actual Birmingham interview?
The interview itself was about 40-50 minutes, however the exact duration for 2023/24 entry interviews hasn’t yet been released by Birmingham.
What do you advise for the day? (Accommodation, Travelling)
Leave plenty of time for your journey and make sure that your navigation system takes you to the new Dental Hospital and not the old building, which is a long way away from campus.
How long did it take you to hear back after your Birmingham interview?
It took two to three weeks for me to hear back but this varies by candidate.
Top Tips for the Birmingham Dentistry Interview
- Practise talking for longer periods of time.
The stations last for 8 minutes, which is quite long in comparison to other interviews, so make sure you get used to speaking for a long time and giving extensive answers.
2. Relax before the interview starts. If you have a tour before your interview, use this as your time to calm your mind and prepare for the upcoming interview. If you have your interview first, make sure you stay calm beforehand.
3. Go through some ethical scenarios.
You need to be able to discuss both sides of an argument and come to an informed conclusion, so the more you practise, the better. UCAT SJTs are a good place to start for these.
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Frequently Asked Question
→How Should I Prepare for Birmingham Dentistry Interview?
To prepare for Birmingham Dentistry Interview, you should familiarize yourself with the BDS program curriculum, develop an understanding of current dental issues, and practice your communication and critical thinking skills. It is also advisable to seek guidance from current dental students or professionals and undertake mock interviews.
→What is Birmingham Dentistry Interview and What Does It Entail?
Birmingham Dentistry Interview is an assessment process used by the University of Birmingham to evaluate the suitability of candidates seeking admission into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program. The interview usually involves a series of questions about dentistry, medical ethics, communication, and general aptitude.
→What Types of Questions Can I Expect in Birmingham Dentistry Interview?
The interview questions are designed to assess your knowledge of dentistry, medical ethics, communication, and critical thinking skills. You may be asked about your motivations for studying dentistry, ethical dilemmas in dentistry, communication skills, and your understanding of dental procedures.
→What Are the Interviewers Looking for in Birmingham Dentistry Interview?
The interviewers are looking for candidates who possess excellent communication skills, critical thinking skills, and ethical awareness. They are also interested in candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of dentistry and its challenges and have a genuine passion for the profession.
→What are the Entry Requirements for Birmingham Dentistry Program?
The entry requirements for Birmingham Dentistry Program include a minimum of AAA at A-level or equivalent, including biology and chemistry. You must also achieve a minimum of 700 in the UKCAT and demonstrate good communication skills, work experience in the healthcare sector, and a genuine passion for the profession.
→How Competitive is Admission into Birmingham Dentistry Program?
Admission into Birmingham Dentistry Program is highly competitive, with the university receiving a high number of applications annually. However, meeting the entry requirements and performing well in the Birmingham Dentistry Interview increases your chances of admission.
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