University of Bristol Dentistry Interview Questions
This article was updated in September 2024 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
The University of Bristol is a great choice for studying medicine. Why? It has a strong reputation as it consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and renowned for its medical program. Along with their innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities, they can provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for medical students. In this guide we provide an expert insight into past University of Bristol MMI stations, the Bristol Dentistry interview day and tips for converting your University of Bristol interview into an offer!
For some general information about the Bristol Dental School, check out this blog post: Bristol Dental School
2024/25 University of Bristol Dentistry interview in a Nutshell
Pre-Interview Preparation Tasks
(Note: These tasks may change from year to year. These are based on previous pre-interview preparation activities)
Matchbox task: Before your interview, please create a personalised matchbox with maximum dimensions of 12 cm x 6.5 cm x 2.5 cm. Put inside five items you would bring to the University if you joined them in the autumn. Be ready to explain your choices and how you personalised the matchbox during the interview. This is your chance to share a bit about yourself, so the items don’t need to be related to dentistry. If you’re attending the interview some place other than your home (for better Wi-Fi, for example), please don’t include any valuable or sentimental items in the matchbox, as they could be lost or damaged.
“Tell Me How” Task: In your interview, you’ll be asked to explain how to do a simple task of your choice. You can prepare this in advance. Make sure the task can be explained in five minutes without any props. Assume the interviewers know very little about the task (like doing laundry or making a sandwich). Since you will choose the task, don’t discuss it with other interview candidates to avoid overlapping of answers. You can practise with your family if you’d like.
What to do before your Interview?
Familiarise yourself with the Zoom platform – You will be able to join the session using your internet browser (they recommend using Google Chrome). Alternatively, you can download the software to your computer and create a free account to familiarise yourself with the system before the interview. There are some helpful tutorials available here.
Check your internet speed in advance – Do an internet speed test to make sure that your connection is at least 1.5Mbps (up and down) for high quality video. If your internet speed in your preferred location is lower than advised, consider moving to a quieter location, like a room at your school or college, to avoid disruptions.
Bristol has prepared a template Interviewee support letter you might like to use to request interview space at your school or college. We recommend joining your Zoom meeting a few minutes early to check your audio and video settings.
Choose your location – Choose a quiet and comfortable place for your interview where you won’t be interrupted. If you’re not using a desktop computer, make sure you can hold or place your device securely so it doesn’t accidentally fall. Look for a neutral background and make sure that lighting is good (it would be best to sit with a window in front of you and not behind you). Using headphones can help reduce background noise and improve sound quality.
What is the Bristol Interview style?
The 2023-2024 interviews were hosted remotely, via the Zoom platform. The formal interview lasted approximately 20 minutes in a Structured Interview Format, with two assessors. The 2024-2025 interview format hasn’t yet been released.
When will the Interview take place?
Their interviews run on various dates between December to March.
What are the common topics covered at the Bristol Dentistry interview?
- Motivation for Dentistry
- Manual dexterity
- Role play
- Dental technology advancements
- Data interpretation
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Book a session with one of our expert Bristol tutors to boost your chances of getting into medical school! Call us on +44 (0) 203 305 9593 for a free consultation.
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How many interviewed applicants received an offer from Bristol?
Out of 245 people interviewed, 178 received offers, meaning approximately 1 in every 1.5 candidates got an offer.
At Medic Mind we’ve helped many students secure offers from Bristol and other medical schools. If you’re applying to Bristol, we can do a high quality 1-1 mock with you with an Bristol tutor and realistic stations uniquely for Bristol.
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List of Recent University of Bristol Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | Bristol Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Dentistry | Why Dentistry? How would you suit the course? |
| Work Experience | What you learned Can speak about any placement |
| Communication & Role-Play | Actor, might be medical or non-medical One observer present |
| Personality & Skills | Listening skills Manual dexterity Data interpretation |
| NHS Hot Topics | Knowledge of current technologies and advancements |
| Medical Ethics | GDC guidelines 4 pillars (do not need to know either of these in depth but it’s good to use them in answers) |
| Other | Why Bristol? |
If you wish to practice Bristol MMI mocks, here are some sample questions:
- Practice “Matchbox Task” used in online interviews (information above).
- Practice “Tell me How Task” used in online interviews (information above)
- What were the 2 most important things you learned from your work experience and why are they important?
- Speak to your friend about their recent car crash.
- What would you do if you caught a colleague drunk at work?
- Why do you think that you are suited to Dentistry?
- Why do you want to live and study in Bristol?
- How are you suited to this particular course?
- Chat to this patient about his worries about the operation that you will be performing on her tomorrow.
- Which advancement in dental technology has interested you the most recently? Tell me more about it.
- How have you developed manual dexterity skills?
To learn more about Bristol university and it’s Dentistry course, read through the official course page: Official Page
Insider Guide: University of Bristol Dentistry Interview Day
How did the Bristol Interview day work?
I joined the Bristol interview via Zoom 5 minutes before the start time. One of the assessors admitted me when they were ready. It started with an internet connection and sound checks and then checked my photo ID. There was a welcome session where we introduced ourselves and they explained the schedule. We had individual interviews which consisted of several mini-interviews that explored my motivations, experiences, and understanding of the field. There were also role play scenarios that included practical tasks to showcase manual dexterity or relevant skills. We also had a chance to ask questions. Once the interview was finished, the assessors let me know before they ended the call. No feedback was given at this stage.
What did you wear to the Interview?
I wore something smart, but comfortable. They informed us to avoid patterned clothes as these can make visibility difficult on screen.
What do you have to bring for the Bristol Dentistry Interview?
They asked to show my photo ID at the beginning of my interview. We were told they needed this to confirm that I was the invited candidate and that if I do not have a photo ID, I won’t be allowed to participate in the interview.
What were the University of Bristol MMI interviewers like?
Overall, the examiners were quite friendly. Some even prompted me and guided me towards answers that they were looking for. They spoke encouragingly rather than putting me under pressure.
Did the University of Bristol MMI interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
Examiners mainly stuck to the list of questions in the instructions. In a station where I answered all the relevant questions and there was time to spare, the examiner engaged in friendly chat to fill time.
How long was the Interview?
My interview lasted for about an hour.
How long did it take you to hear back after your Bristol interview?
I received the outcome of my interview within three weeks.
Top Tips for the University of Bristol Dentistry Interview
1. Learn about the course structure and teaching style at the Dental School.
The examiners could expect you to explain why you would be suited to Dentistry or tell them why you have chosen to apply to this particular course.
2. Research the city of Bristol so that you are able to tell the examiners why you would like to live there for the next 5 years!
3. Use the preparation time wisely
Use any given reading and preparation time to think about possible topics for your answers.
4. Learn the GDC guidelines and 4 pillars because it will be really impressive if you can incorporate these into your answer, if relevant.
5. Look into dental technologies and news in general, as you may be asked to discuss a topic related to this. For some example answers to NHS questions, have a look at this page: NHS Questions (It’s not all about Dentistry but these answer formats could still be really useful for you!)
6. Participate in a Dentistry MMI Circuit. Gain first-hand experience of a dentistry MMI, with individual feedback and improvement tips. Buy them here now.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What are the admission requirements for the University of Bristol Dentistry programme?
To be considered for the University of Bristol Dentistry programme, applicants must have achieved certain academic qualifications such as an AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience, voluntary work, or other extracurricular activities that showcase their motivation and commitment to the profession. Please see here for more detailed information.
→Do I need to respond to my interview invitation?
You must respond to your interview invitation within two weeks of receiving your invitation by email. The University will know you have responded if you:
register to attend an event;
add your details to the ‘I cannot attend’ option;
or contact the university at [email protected] to discuss options if neither of the above is appropriate.
If you have not responded to your invitation within two weeks, they will assume you no longer wish to pursue your application at Bristol, and your application will be made unsuccessful.
→What if I can’t attend the interview date?
If you’re unable to attend an interview on any of the available dates, please select “I cannot attend these dates” on the registration form so Bristol can reach out to you. They have limited dates for interviews and they will try their best to offer you another slot, but it is not guaranteed.
If you can’t make any of the provided interview dates, please note that this will result in your application being unsuccessful, as attending an interview is a required part of the selection process.
→What happens if I encounter internet issues during the interview?
If you experience any connection issues during the interview, you will not be penalised. The university will do its best to reconnect with you to continue the interview. If they cannot overcome these problems at the time, the interview may need to be rescheduled to a later date.
→What career prospects are available to graduates of the University of Bristol Dentistry program?
Graduates of the University of Bristol Dentistry programme have various career options, such as working in general dental practice, hospital dentistry, or academic and research roles. They can also pursue further specialisation through postgraduate training in different areas of dentistry.
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