Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview Questions
This article was updated in September 2024 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) School of Dental Sciences is a highly competitive school, with only 45 places available for Dentistry. Limited places can lead to anxiety, but don’t worry! In this guide we provide an expert insight into past Queen’s University Belfast interview stations, the Belfast Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) day and tips to help you turn your Dentistry interview at Queen’s University Belfast into an offer!
For more general information about the Belfast Dental School, check out this page: Belfast Dental School
2024/25 Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview in a Nutshell
What is the Belfast Interview style?
For 2024/25 entry, applicants chosen for the second stage of the admissions process will be invited to participate in an in person multi mini interview (MMI) to assess the applicants’ non-cognitive skills. The exact number of stations hasn’t been released but they mentioned that the number may change every year. Normally, there are 4 MMI stations with 2 questions each. You are given 4-6 minutes to answer each question and there are 2 assessors in each station. There is a 2 minute break between each station.
How many places are available for applicants? How are they evaluated?
There are 45 places available for applicants from the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI). Belfast ranks applicants based on academic ability and performance in University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), and a proportion selected for interview. Offers are made solely on the outcome of the interview. There are 15 places available for International and European Union (not ROI) students. They are ranked solely on academic ability and a proportion selected for interview. Again, offers are made solely on the outcome of the interview.
This is the Admissions Policy Statement for Dentistry for 2025 entry. We recommend that prospective applicants read the guidance under Selection Criteria on ‘How we choose our students’ section prior to submitting a UCAS application. This document contains more detailed information on the admission process for Dentistry.
What are the Belfast MMI Dates?
Applicants who meet the criteria for interview may expect their interviews to take place anytime from mid-December to March.
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What are the common topics covered at the Belfast Dentistry Interview?
These interviews have been designed to test the following which have been identified by both patients and academic staff as key non-cognitive competencies for medicine:
- Empathy
- Problem-solving
- Moral and ethical reasoning
- Communication skills
Prepare for role play scenarios based on these competencies.
How can I prepare for these non-cognitive tests?
Look at the non-cognitive competencies that they are testing such as problem solving, ethical reasoning and communication, and reflect on your own background to see how you could demonstrate these qualities.
Before you go into the interview station consider what the scenario entails. You will have 1 minute to do this. Ask yourself which competencies the scenario might be evaluating. If it is a problem you’re dealing with, think about the steps you would take to resolve it and what are your options. Discuss these with the assessor so they can understand your decision-making process.
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from QUB and other medical schools. If you’re applying to QUB, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a QUB tutor and realistic stations uniquely for QUB.
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from QUB and other medical schools. If you’re applying to QUB, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with a QUB tutor and realistic stations uniquely for QUB.
Book a University Specific Mock
Meet our Tutors from QUB
List of Recent Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | QUB Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | What you learned Why you chose that placement |
| Communication & Role-Play | SJT based role play with actors e.g. talk to a student who cheated on their final exams |
| Personality & Skills | Data interpretation from articles – need to read quite quickly and may need to give own opinions as well |
| NHS Hot Topics | Knowledge about Dentistry in the NHS Questions may be based on articles |
| Medical Ethics | Scenarios given in the style of UCAT SJT questions Some knowledge required, e.g. organ donation for Medicine or Science |
If you wish to practice Belfast MMI mocks, here are some sample questions:
- How did your work experience motivate you to apply for Dentistry?
- Talk to your fellow colleague who came to work drunk this morning.
- Read an article relevant to Dentistry and discuss your opinions on the topic.
- What were the 3 key things you learned from your work experience?
- Why did you choose your work experience placement?
- What was most interesting about your placement?
- Tell me how NHS banding works.
- What are your opinions on organ donation?
- Discuss the GDC ethical values.
Check out the official Queen’s University Belfast School of Dental Sciences course page here, so that you know what to expect from this course: QUB Official Page
Insider Guide: Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview Day
How did the Belfast Interview day work?
I was taken to the Dental Sciences building where I had to sign in. I was guided to a room upstairs where I was given a brief introduction into how the MMI will work and any questions from candidates were answered. There wasn’t much waiting time as there were only 4 of us in this session and everything happened very quickly. There were role play scenarios that simulated real-life situations in dental practice and normal day-to-day life. After the interview, I was given a feedback form on the interview process to fill in.
What do you have to bring for the Belfast Dentistry Interview?
I dressed smartly but comfortably. Photo ID is needed for registration.
How do you receive information for the Belfast MMI questions?
The assessors would ask one question each or provide instructions on role play scenarios, and I was given a chance to ask them to repeat the question if necessary.
What were the Queen’s University Belfast MMI interviewers like?
Most of the interviewers were very friendly and warm. The assessors had positive body language and it was easy to answer the question confidently. However, other examiners were cold and difficult to talk to; one examiner even looked out of the window when asking the question.
Did the Queen’s University Belfast MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
No, they asked the question once (unless you asked them to repeat it). When I finished answering the questions, I would sit in silence until the next question or until the bell rang.
When the time was almost up, a stopwatch would beep when there was a minute remaining for the question. When I didn’t stop on time, I was cut off and they asked the next question.
How long is the actual Belfast interview?
The interview itself lasts about 40 minutes in total. However, for the 2024/25 entry, Belfast hasn’t released their exact timings for the MMI.
How long did it take you to hear back after your Belfast interview?
Around 1 month, but this varies between candidates.
Have a look at the official application page for Dentistry at Belfast, to get some more ideas of what to expect on interview day: Dentistry at Belfast
Top Tips for the Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview
1. Listen carefully to each question and take 30 seconds to formulate a balanced, well structured answer if needed. Don’t rush into an answer out of panic, because you could end up rambling.
2. Don’t be discouraged by anything; the examiners may act cold on purpose, so stay confident in your answer, as this is part of the test.
3. Think about your work experience in depth before the interview, as they’ll expect you to elaborate on this topic and demonstrate what you learned from your placement.
4. Increase your knowledge of NHS guidelines, particularly those related to Dentistry, and stay informed about current NHS events relevant to the field.
Have a look at our blog post on NHS questions for some extra help: NHS Hot Topics
5. Practise UCAT SJT situations to prepare for potential role-play situations, and practise with friends or family, as this may be a new experience for you.
Book a University Specific Mock
Meet our Tutors from QUB
Frequently Asked Question
→ What is the best way to prepare for the dentistry interview at Queen's University Belfast?
To prepare for the Dentistry interview at Queen’s University Belfast, it’s important to understand the format and types of questions you might face. Practise responding to scenario-based questions and ethical dilemmas, and focus on enhancing your interpersonal and communication skills. Conducting mock interviews with a friend or mentor can also be helpful.
→ How are applicants assessed during the dentistry interview at Queen's University Belfast?
Applicants are assessed during the dentistry interview at Queen’s University Belfast using a predetermined scoring rubric that outlines the skills and attributes being assessed at each station. Interviewers rate each applicant’s performance on each station on a scale, and the scores are tallied to determine the applicant’s overall performance. Remember that each station carries equal marks. If you feel you have not performed well in one station, you have other stations to make up marks in.
→ Am I required to take the UCAT for my application?
All applicants from Northern Ireland (NI), Great Britain (GB), or the European Union – Republic of Ireland (EU (ROI)) must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the year they apply. The results will be considered in the selection process before interviews. For more information on UCAT, visit: http://www.ucat.ac.uk
→ What should I do if I’m not feeling well enough to participate in the Belfast interview?
If you’re feeling too unwell to participate in your Belfast interview, contact the Centre for Dentistry School Office as soon as possible.
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