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Leeds Dentistry Interview Questions
Note: This interview Q&A is based on pre-Covid in-person interviews (from 2019 and before). All university interviews changed in 2020-2021 to an online format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
A leading School of Dentistry, Leeds is known for their integrated learning that brings together students from a range of dentistry disciplines. Leeds Dentistry School, in partnership with the Leeds Dentistry Institute, boasts early clinical exposure and state-of-the-art facilities.
Leeds receives around 400 applications to their BDS program annually. Roughly 300 of these are invited to interview for about 100 places. This means that 1 in 3 applications interviewed are offered a spot!
For more general information about the Leeds Dental School, check out this page: Leeds Dentistry
Leeds Dentistry interview has a MMI format. In this guide we provide the latest updates for the 2023/24 interviews, an expert insight into past Leeds interview stations, the Leeds interview day and tips for converting your Leeds Dentistry interview into an offer!
2023/24 Leeds Dentistry Interview in a Nutshell
What is the Leeds Dentistry Interview style?
Leeds typically hosts an in-person MMI interview for their BDS applicants. However, students with extenuating circumstances, such as pregnancy, disability or geographical disadvantages secondary to COVID-19 may be interviewed in various other formats (eg: panel, virtual etc).
The Leeds MMI is based on the NHS’ value-based recruitment policies and involves a series of stations, each requiring the candidate to either complete a task or answer a few short questions. Each station is typically 7 minutes long with 1 preceding minute of reading time.
Uniquely, Leeds hosts some MMI stations in clinical areas to allow candidates to be exposed to working environments at the Leeds Dental School.
You can find more information in their admissions policy here – Leeds Dentistry Admissions Policy
What are the Leeds Dentistry MMI Dates?
Interviews will be held in February. The university does not entertain interviews outside of this month.
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What are the common topics covered at the Leeds Dentistry Interview?
- Communication skills, namely empathetic communication
- Analytical skills
- Ethical reasoning
- Attributes mentioned in the NHS’ value-based recruitment policies
- General attitude & suitability to career
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Leeds and other Dental schools. If you’re applying to Leeds, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a Leeds tutor and realistic stations uniquely for Leeds.
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List of Recent Leeds Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | Leeds (Dentistry) Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Dentistry | Commitment to the career |
| Work Experience | Examples of skills gleaned from work experience |
| Communication | Importance of communication in Dentistry Examples of effective communication |
| Personality & Skills | Dealing with academic cheating Proof of leadership and teamwork skills |
| NHS Hot Topics | Free dental treatment Ethical implications of clinical criteria |
| Ethics | Impact of social media on the practice of Dentistry |
| Other | Knowledge of the General Dental Council (GDC) |
If you wish to practice Leeds MMI mocks, here are some sample questions:
- Tell us about a memorable experience during your work experience placements?
- What do you know about patient-centered care? How do you provide patient-centered care?
- How do you know you are committed to Dentistry?
- Can you tell us about a major development in the field in the last decade?
- What impresses you most about our teaching and learning style here at Leeds?
- What will you bring to the university?
- What are they key social issues affecting dental healthcare practice in the UK?
Check out the official Leeds School of Dental Sciences course page here, so that you know what to expect from this course: Official Page
Insider Guide: Leeds Dentistry Interview Day
How do the Leeds Interview day work?
Leeds will be holding their MMIs in-person for the 2023/24 admissions cycle. However, this is subject to change prior to February given the changing situation with COVID-19. Invited applications will be given more up-to-date information in due time.
If held in-person, applicants will spend a morning or afternoon attending their MMI followed by a tour of the facilities and a chance to interact with current students.
What do you have to wear for the Leeds Dentistry Interview?
The dress code is as expected for any interview – smart. Candidates must adhere to this strictly and if confused, you’re better off being dressed more formally than less.
Is any pre-reading required for the Leeds Dentistry MMI?
Yes! Leeds has specified that the value-based recruitment policies of the NHS’ constitution form the basis for their MMI stations so being familiar with this is vital!
Additionally, Leeds do have a strong focus on ethical stations so a strong understanding of ethical concepts and their application is required. It is also a good idea to have a grasp of recent advancements in dentistry as well as popular issues in the field at the moment, such as the pandemic.
What are the Leeds MMI interviewers like?
Leeds assessors are typically quite friendly. However, it is not uncommon for some interviewers to be quite neutral in expression and language. This is often done to test the candidate’s ability to perform and communicate under pressure as well as provide unbiased assessments of the applicant cohort. Don’t be thrown off by their neutrality; instead, keep calm and confident when answering the questions.
How much do you need to know about the university for Leeds Dentistry interviews?
It is vital to know about the university, it’s student body and community, clubs and societies and its location. An understanding of the varied demographics the area serves can help bolster responses to questions about the course and clinical exposure.
How long is the actual Leeds interview?
Applicants should expect to spend a few hours at their in-person interviews; typically the entire morning or afternoon depending on the timing allocated to them. Virtual interviews are typically quicker.
Logistical advice for the day?
For in-person interviews, ensure you arrive ahead of time, leaving plenty of time for last-minuted disruptions such as bad weather or traffic. If you’re arriving from far, staying in the city should suffice but be sure to acclimatize yourself with the routes to the site of the interview to avoid getting lost. The interview process can be quite long due to logistics and the tour so bring a book or other hobby to keep yourself calm and entertained while waiting.
For virtual interviews, ensure you have a quiet and bright space with a strong wifi connection and working camera and microphone. Ensure you will not be disturbed during your interview and avoid sitting in front of a bright light or window to prevent glare. Ideally, set up your interview space prior to the day and practice in that setting a few times to ensure comfort and logistical ease. If the university allows, it is helpful to have water to sip on throughout the interview.
How long does it take to hear back after the Leeds interview?
It can take a few weeks to months to hear back however, delays are to be expected due to the pandemic.
Top Tips for the Leeds Dentistry Interview
- Do as many mock interviews as possible! The interviews can be daunting simply because of the pressures and setting of it, as opposed to the questions themselves. Familiarity breeds confidence so do as many mock MMIs as you can to gain confidence in speaking for lengthy periods of time and reflecting adequately. Sign up to our Dentistry mock MMI circuit here: Dentistry mock MMI
- Familiarize yourself with the NHS’ constitution & values-based recruitment. This is an integral part of the Leeds Dentistry interview and a great place to set yourself apart from other candidates. Learn to link your skills to this document. With regards to preparation, read through this and reflect on your own experiences to find examples of when you’ve shown the qualities that they deem important.
- Read up about the various things impacting dental practice today. You will need a grasp of popular media headlines and NHS hot topics surrounding dentistry for the Leeds interview. For example, read about the impact of COVID-19 on dental care provision.
- Practice non-verbal communication techniques. Tools like appropriate eye-contact and body language can help boost confidence and the examiner’s impressions of you as a candidate. However, this may not come naturally to you at this stage. Therefore, record yourself on camera and watch it back to critique your own verbal and non-verbal communication style.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is the Leeds dentistry interview process like?
The Leeds dentistry interview process consists of multiple mini interviews (MMIs) and a group task. The MMIs are designed to assess your communication skills, empathy, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities. Each MMI station has a different scenario or question, and you will have a few minutes to read and prepare your response before entering the interview room. The group task is designed to evaluate your teamwork and leadership skills.
→What kind of questions can I expect in the Leeds dentistry MMIs?
The questions in the Leeds dentistry MMIs can vary, but they will typically focus on your ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and demonstrate empathy. You may be asked to role-play a scenario, explain a concept, or discuss a current dental issue. Some examples of questions you may encounter include “How would you explain the importance of good oral hygiene to a patient?”, “What steps would you take to address a patient’s anxiety?”, and “What ethical considerations would you keep in mind when treating a patient?”
→How should I prepare for the Leeds dentistry interview?
To prepare for the Leeds dentistry interview, you should research the program and the dental profession, review common interview questions, and practice your communication and problem-solving skills. You may also want to shadow a dentist, volunteer in a dental clinic, or join a pre-dental organization to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
→What should I wear to the Leeds dentistry interview?
You should dress professionally for the Leeds dentistry interview, as you would for a job interview. This means wearing a suit or dress pants and a dress shirt, with polished shoes and minimal accessories. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or distracting, and make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
→What is the selection criteria for Leeds dentistry?
The selection criteria for Leeds dentistry are based on a combination of academic performance, relevant experience, and personal attributes. The admissions committee looks for candidates who demonstrate strong academic achievement, with a particular emphasis on science subjects. They also consider any relevant work or volunteer experience in the healthcare field, as well as extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
In addition to academic and experiential qualifications, Leeds dentistry also evaluates applicants on their personal attributes. They are looking for candidates who demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities. They also value applicants who can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities.
The selection process for Leeds dentistry includes a thorough review of each candidate’s application, as well as multiple mini interviews (MMIs) and a group task. The MMIs are designed to assess the candidate’s communication skills, empathy, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities, while the group task evaluates their teamwork and leadership skills. The admissions committee uses all of this information to make a final decision about each candidate’s suitability for the program.
→How important is the Leeds dentistry interview in the admissions process?
The Leeds dentistry interview is a crucial component of the admissions process and carries a significant weight in the decision-making process. While academic performance and other qualifications are also important, the interview provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess your communication skills, professionalism, and suitability for the program.
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