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Plymouth 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!
Plymouth Dentistry allows students to gain a varied understanding of dental care provision in partnership with the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise across some of the UK’s most beautiful places – Devon, Truro, Cornwall and Exeter.
Plymouth receives around 400 applications annually for their BDS course and invites the top scoring candidates to interview based on a changing UCAT tariff.
For more general information about the Plymouth Dental School, check out this page: Plymouth Dentistry
The Plymouth Dentistry interview has a MMI format. In this guide we provide the latest updates for the 2023/24 interviews, an expert insight into past Plymouth interview stations, the Plymouth interview day and tips for converting your Plymouth Dentistry interview into an offer!
2023/24 Plymouth Dentistry Interview in a Nutshell
What is the Plymouth Dentistry Interview style?
Plymouth will be holding virtual MMIs for the 2023/24 admissions cycle. There will be 4 stations, each assessed by a different assessor. The assessors can be clinical practitioners, existing students or even lay people.
Uniquely, Plymouth MMIs are marked both, subjectively and objectively. Candidates will be marked on a numerical scale based on a pre-made marking scheme as well as subjectively, by the assessor, as to whether or not the candidate would make a good dentist. This echoes the importance of building rapport with each of the assessors.
What are the Plymouth Dentistry MMI Dates?
Exact dates have not been released but applicants will be given suitable dates over a period of weeks when invited.
What are the common topics covered at the Plymouth Dentistry Interview?
- Attitude, namely integrity, voracity and honesty
- Motivation and commitment to Dentistry
- Communication skills, namely empathetic communication
- Insight into the field
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- Problem-solving and working under stress
- Self-reflection
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Plymouth and other Dental schools. If you’re applying to Plymouth, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a Plymouth tutor and realistic stations uniquely for Plymouth.
List of Recent Plymouth Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | Plymouth (Dentistry) Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Dentistry | Commitment to the career |
| Work Experience | Insight into the career from work experience |
| Communication | Communicating in difficult scenarios (eg: angry or anxious patients) |
| Personality & Skills | Demonstrating teamwork Self-reflection on strengths and weaknesses |
| NHS Hot Topics | Role of technology in the future of dentistry |
| University-specific | Knowledge of the course Reasons for wanting to study at Plymouth |
| Other | Knowledge of the General Dental Council (GDC) |
If you wish to practice Plymouth MMI mocks, here are some sample questions:
- What have you learned about the career from your work experience placements?
- What communication skills are necessary to build rapport with patients?
- Tell us about any volunteering experiences you have had.
- How do you think dentistry will change in the next 20-30 years?
- What do you know about the Plymouth dentistry course?
- What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses.
- Do you work well in groups? Discuss a time when you showed good team-working skills.
Check out the official Plymouth School of Dental Sciences course page here, so that you know what to expect from this course: Official Page
Insider Guide: Plymouth Dentistry Interview Day
How does the Plymouth Interview day work?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Plymouth will be holding all BDS MMI interviews virtually for the 2023/24 admissions cycle. The interview itself will have 4 single-assessor stations focusing on values set out in the NHS constitution.
What do you have to wear for the Plymouth 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. For virtual interviews, keep in mind white contrast and camera quality when choosing how to dress. For example, wearing crisp white in front of a light source can disrupt white balance and therefore, lend an unclear picture of yourself to your audience.
Is any pre-reading required for the Plymouth Dentistry MMI?
Yes! Plymouth has specified that the NHS constitution form the basis for their MMI stations so being familiar with this is vital!
Additionally, Plymouth 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 Plymouth MMI interviewers like?
Plymouth 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.
Will the Plymouth MMI test science or medial topics?
No. The Plymouth MMI does not require any science and/or medical knowledge. Much of the skills tested are non-cognitive.
How long is the actual Plymouth interview?
The interview lasts around 50 minutes.
Logistical advice for the day?
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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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.
- Strengthen your problem-solving and analytical skills. The Plymouth interview focusses on problem-solving skills, especially centered around issues affecting dental care provision and the future of dentistry. Consider the future of dentistry and the ways in which it can be further improved.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Question
→How should I prepare for the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
To prepare for the Plymouth Dentistry interview, you should research the course and the university, review your personal statement, and practice answering common interview questions. You should also prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the course and the university.
→What is the format of the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
The Plymouth Dentistry interview is usually conducted as a one-on-one interview, either in person or online. It typically lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, and may include a combination of general and dental-specific questions.
→What are the common questions asked in the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
Common questions asked in the Plymouth Dentistry interview include questions about the candidate’s motivation for studying dentistry, their relevant experience, their knowledge of dental procedures, and their ability to work in a team.
→How important is work experience in the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
Work experience is important in the Plymouth Dentistry interview, as it shows that the candidate has practical experience in the field and has a good understanding of what the profession entails. However, it is not essential and candidates without work experience can still be successful in the interview.
→What should I wear to the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
You should dress professionally for the Plymouth Dentistry interview, as it is a formal event. This typically means wearing a suit or smart dress, with appropriate footwear.
→How can I demonstrate my interest in dentistry during the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
To demonstrate your interest in dentistry during the Plymouth Dentistry interview, you can talk about any relevant experience you have, such as shadowing a dentist or volunteering at a dental clinic. You can also discuss any relevant academic work or research you have done in the field.
→Can I appeal the decision of the Plymouth Dentistry interview?
Yes, you can appeal the decision of the Plymouth Dentistry interview if you believe that the decision was unfair or if there were procedural errors. You should contact the university’s admissions office for more information on the appeals process.
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