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Liverpool 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!
The University of Liverpool Dental School interviewed 390 applicants in 2020/2021 and gave out about 43 offers. This means you have a 1 in 9.1 chance of receiving an offer after your Liverpool Dentistry interview.
For more general information about the Liverpool Dental School, check out this page: Liverpool Dental School
The University of Liverpool Dentistry interview has an MMI set up, with 12 stations in total. In this guide we provide an expert insight into past Liverpool interview stations, the Liverpool MMI day and tips for converting your Liverpool Dentistry interview into an offer!
2023/24 Liverpool Dentistry Interview in a Nutshell
What is the Liverpool Interview style?
The interview format is usually an MMI held from January to March. There are 12 MMI stations, including 3 rest stations. Each station lasts for 5 minutes and there is a 2 minute break in between stations.
What are the Liverpool MMI Dates?
Late January to March. The exact dates for 2023/24 entry interviews haven’t been released.
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What are the common topics covered at the Liverpool Dentistry Interview?
- Commitment to Dentistry
- Suitability for the course
- NHS values and news
- Personal skills and qualities
- Ethics
- Personal statement
- Knowledge
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Liverpool and other Dental schools. If you’re applying to Liverpool, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a Liverpool tutor and realistic stations uniquely for Liverpool.
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List of Recent Liverpool Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | Liverpool Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Dentistry | Comparison to Medicine Why Dentistry? |
| Work Experience | Reflection What you learned What inspired you |
| Personality & Skills | Random questions asked to see what your values – just be yourself for these! Your skills relevant to the course |
| NHS Hot Topics | NHS values and importance of them |
| Medical Ethics | Discuss your response to difficult scenarios e.g. confronting a colleague, cutting funding, etc. |
| Personal Statement | Could be asked to elaborate on something you mentioned |
| Other | Knowledge based questions e.g. tooth decay |
If you wish to practice Liverpool MMI mocks, here are some sample questions:
- What are the differences between Dentistry and Medicine, and why did you choose Dentistry?
- What inspired you during your work experience and why?
- What 3 things would you rescue if your house was destroyed and why?
- What is the most important NHS value and why?
- You know a friend has cheated on their final exams at Dental school.
What would you do?
- Your dental surgery is struggling financially so you need to cut down on services.
What would you get rid of and why?
- Describe how the patient in this photo may have gotten gum disease.
Check out the official Liverpool School of Dental Sciences course page here, so that you know what to expect from this course: Official Page
Insider Guide: Liverpool Dentistry Interview Day
How did the Liverpool Interview day work?
On the day of the interview, I reached the Dental School Building but at first, it was confusing because the door to the Dental School building wasn’t open. If this situation happens to you, go to the Dental Hospital which is located next-door (with the green doors) and politely ask the receptionist where the Dentistry interviews are taking place.
After doing this, I was guided to a waiting area where a few students were waiting. Liverpool asks for documentation such as your GCSE Certificates and your passport, which you hand in at the beginning for them to check, and at the end of the day, they hand it back to you.
After handing in the documents, we were taken to a small lecture theatre where we waited and chatted. This was relaxing and I really liked talking to the people I met. When everyone had arrived, the head of the Dental School led a welcome presentation on what to expect and how to conduct ourselves.
After the talk, we were split into two groups: one group would have the interview first and the tour afterwards, and the other group would have it the other way around. I got my interview first and then the tour afterwards. Some current dental students guided us to the stations and they were really friendly. After the interview was over, I had my tour and went home.
What do you have to bring for the Liverpool Dentistry Interview?
You have to bring documentation, such as your GCSE Certificates and your passport or another form of identity. There’s also an interview questionnaire to fill in, print off and bring with you on the day. This will all be detailed in an email they send to you.
The dress code is smart, so a blazer, dress, suit etc. is suitable. All the applicants wore smart clothes, so make sure you do too, to make a good impression!
What is the setting for the Liverpool MMI?
The MMI interview was laid out in two separate rooms, over two floors. In each room, there were 4-5 stations that were quite spaced out which was a good thing because even though you could hear the other students, it was spaced out enough for you to focus on what you were saying. The rest stations were located in the corridors and there were water and plastic cups there.
In the interview stations, you have 2 minutes to read some instructions and 5 minutes to answer questions. During the rest stations, some current dental students would sit and talk to us, so it’s a good idea to ask questions and be enthusiastic to show yourself in a good light.
How do you receive information for the Liverpool MMI questions?
Before entering a station, you have 2 minutes to read some (very clear) instructions attached to a whiteboard. My top tip for making the most out of reading time is to be calm. 2 minutes is a generous amount of time and it’s the perfect amount of time to read and form a plan of points in your head before entering the station.
What were the Liverpool MMI interviewers like?
The best thing about the Liverpool interview was how nice the interviewers were! I remember that the very first station I started off with was the hardest station and the interviewer could tell I was finding it slightly difficult but she smiled at me and nodded to encourage me which I was really grateful for! This also helped me to move onto the next stations without overthinking how the previous one went.
All the other interviewers at each station were really friendly and they listened to my ideas. At one station I finished slightly early and I had a conversation with the interviewer which is a good idea, unless you have been specifically instructed at the beginning not to make any conversation.
Did the Liverpool MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
The examiners didn’t ask a lot of follow up questions, unless you had answered all the ones on the instructions. There wasn’t much element of surprise within a station and the instructions contained several questions anyway, so there wasn’t much time for following up.
How long is the actual Liverpool interview?
The interview itself lasted for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total.
What do you advise for the day? (Accommodation, Travelling)
I arrived an hour early and this is something I and other people who had successful interviews would advise. Arriving early might initially seem like a bad idea because it’s thought to make you more nervous but on the contrary, I think it’s a great way to make conversation with other students and realise you are all in the same boat. It also gives you plenty of time to go to the toilet, grab some water and by the time the interview comes, the nerves have died down and you just want to get on with it!
Also, make sure you plan your trip if you’re not staying in the city overnight. Leave plenty of time for travelling, as you’ll thank yourself on the day for being cautious!
Bring food and water with you as well, because you will probably be exhausted after the interview.
When did you hear back after your Liverpool interview?
All offers from Liverpool are given out on a set date, usually at the end of March, regardless of when you have your interview, so I heard back on that date.
Have a look at the official application document for Dentistry at Liverpool in 2019, to get some more ideas of what to expect on interview day: Official Page
Top Tips for the Liverpool Dentistry Interview
1. Do your research and preparation.
This is the most important step! I would recommend signing up to an online course so that you know what to expect. I personally found the MedicMind Dentistry interview course really useful. Also, start forming bullet point ideas to potential questions that could come up, so that you’re not put on the spot in the interview.
2. Learn about dental conditions.
I did not expect this to come up at the interview because usually, interviews don’t expect prior dental knowledge. Liverpool didn’t expect you to have extensive knowledge, but the more you can talk about it, the better, as it reflects your interest in Dentistry.
3. Stay calm and alert.
There are some questions that you just can’t prepare for and the best thing you can do when you’re faced with a difficult station is to stay calm. Usually, you have a better chance of thinking of ideas when you’re not stressed. Take some deep breaths and gather your thoughts before starting an answer if you need to.
4. Smile and be enthusiastic.
The best way to make an impression is to be yourself and look like you want to be there. Of course, it is natural to feel nervous but you will get more comfortable as the stations go on and it’ll all be over before you realise! The interviewers at Liverpool seemed to really value how your personality came across, so keep this in mind.
5. Arrive slightly (or very) early.
I was at Liverpool 1 hour and 30 minutes before the interview and although this might seem extreme, it helped me calm down and become focused. The beginning sets the precedence for the day to follow so getting there early is a great start!
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is Liverpool Dentistry?
Liverpool Dentistry is the dental school at the University of Liverpool, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate dental education programs.
→What are the admission requirements for undergraduate dental degree programs at Liverpool Dentistry?
To be eligible for undergraduate dental degree programs at Liverpool Dentistry, applicants must have a minimum of AAA at A-level (or equivalent), including chemistry and biology. Applicants are also required to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), and to provide references and a personal statement.
→What undergraduate dental degree programs are available at Liverpool Dentistry?
Liverpool Dentistry offers a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program.
→What is the curriculum like for undergraduate dental degree programs at Liverpool Dentistry?
The curriculum for undergraduate dental degree programs at Liverpool Dentistry is designed to be comprehensive and student-centered, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and clinical experience. The program covers all aspects of dental education, including basic science, clinical skills, and patient care.
→What is the interview process like for admission to undergraduate dental degree programs at Liverpool Dentistry?
The interview process for admission to undergraduate dental degree programs at Liverpool Dentistry involves a multiple mini interview (MMI) format, which includes a series of short, timed interviews at different stations. The purpose of the MMI is to assess applicants’ communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, among other qualities.
→How can I prepare for the interview process at Liverpool Dentistry?
To prepare for the interview process at Liverpool Dentistry, it is recommended that applicants research the program thoroughly and practice answering common interview questions. It may also be helpful to review ethical scenarios and to prepare examples of relevant experiences or accomplishments.
→Is University of Liverpool good for dentistry?
Yes, the University of Liverpool is highly regarded for its dental education programs, including the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree program. The dental program at the University of Liverpool is recognized for its innovative and comprehensive curriculum, which includes a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and clinical experience. In addition, the program is known for its world-class research and for producing graduates who are well-prepared for successful careers in dentistry. The University of Liverpool is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world for its dental education programs. Overall, the University of Liverpool is a great choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry.
→What kind of career opportunities are available to graduates of Liverpool Dentistry?
Graduates of Liverpool Dentistry are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities in dentistry, including roles in private practice, hospital dentistry, research, and academic dentistry. Many graduates go on to complete postgraduate training in a specialized area of dentistry, while others pursue careers in public health or healthcare management.
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366 Comments
AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor
10 February 2021
Will MMI questions come up in a panel interview?