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University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview Questions
This article was updated in December 2023 with the latest information, and we will continue to regularly update it!
The University of Sheffield Dental School interviewed 367 candidates in 2020/2021, and gave out approximately 204 offers. This means that about 1 in 1.8 people who took the Sheffield Dentistry interview received an offer!
For more information about Sheffield Dental School, have a look at our page: Sheffield Dental School
The University of Sheffield interview is a traditional panel interview, with 2 examiners and 1 student, which lasts for about 15 minutes. In this guide we provide an expert insight into past University of Sheffield panel interview questions, the University of Sheffield interview day and tips for converting your University of Sheffield Dentistry interview into an offer!
2023/24 University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview in a Nutshell
What is the Sheffield interview style?
For 2023/24 entry, Sheffield will be continuing with panel interview with 2 examiners and 1 student, which lasts for about 15 minutes.
Before the panel, candidates must complete a short interpersonal skills test.
What are the Sheffield panel interview dates?
For 2023/24 entry the interview dates are from the last two weeks of February and the whole of March.
Interviewees are normally invited to an interview in January.
What are the common topics covered at the Sheffield Dentistry interview?
- Career exploration
- Personal qualities and values
- Communication skills
- Commitment to Sheffield
- Empathy and compassion
- Evidence of independent thought
- Motivation for the course and profession
- Knowledge of current issues
How many people were interviewed in 2020/21 at Sheffield?
367 candidates
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How many interviewed applicants received an offer from Sheffield?
204 offers were given out, out of 367 people interviewed, so around 1 in 1.8 people interviewed received an offer.
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List of Recent University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview Topics
| Theme | Sheffield Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Motivation for Dentistry | Why Dentistry? |
| Work Experience | Reflect on what you have learned |
| Communication & Role-Play | Scenario with actor – could be acting as a patient, friend, colleague, member of public, etc. Person you’re speaking to could be angry/frustrated or calm/fine |
| Personality & Skills | Qualities which make you suited to this course/career Ability to deal with challenges How have you showed the qualities needed to be a dentist |
| NHS Hot Topics | Current/future advancements in Dentistry Be aware of GDC principles |
| Personal Statement | Might link questions to things you’ve mentioned in your personal statement |
| Other | Why Sheffield? Sheffield course questions |
If you wish to practice Sheffield panel interview mocks, here are some sample questions:
- What do you like about the course at Sheffield?
- Why do you want to live and study here in this city?
- You’ve mentioned that you did … in your personal statement.
What did you learn from doing this and how will it help you in the future?
- Have you done any reading on current dental news?
Tell me about something that has interested you relating to this.
- Which qualities does a good dentist need and why?
- Why are you suited to this course?
- What skills would you like to develop and why?
- You have to explain to a patient that you have had to cancel his appointment for tomorrow due to a family emergency, but the patient is angry.
Speak to him and deal with the situation.
- Tell me about a time you have dealt with a challenge.
What did you learn from this?
- What was the most important thing you learned from your work experience and how will you utilise this in the future?
Make sure you read Sheffield’s official course page so that you are prepared for any ‘why Sheffield?’ questions: Sheffield’s Official Page
Insider Guide: University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview Day
What do you have to bring for the University of Sheffield interview?
You need to bring ID documents if any are specifically mentioned in the interview confirmation email.
The dress code is ‘smart’, but it does not have to be a full suit! Wear something comfortable so that you feel at ease but still make sure it is presentable.
What is the setting for the University of Sheffield Dentistry interview?
The online interviews will be taking place via Zoom.
How do you receive information for the University of Sheffield panel interview questions?
I can’t remember receiving any specific instructions regarding the panel interview.
For the acting station, I received the scenario before I went in and had a good amount of reading time to prepare for the station.
For interview information from the University of Sheffield itself, read their official page: Official Page
What were the University of Sheffield panel interviewers like?
The panel at Sheffield for me was a lot more informal compared to what I was expecting and it was a very friendly atmosphere.
I had two tutors and a student in my panel interview and they were all very chatty and approachable. I think a current student being in there made things much more comfortable as well.
They did not introduce any time limits or rush you when speaking, in both the panel and role play sections of this interview.
Did the University of Sheffield panel interviewers ask a lot of follow up questions?
I feel like the examiners might have slightly switched up their questions between candidates based on their responses but I think most questions were predetermined.
How long is the actual University of Sheffield interview?
The panel interview lasted about 15 minutes and the role play station was only around 5 minutes long.
What do you advise for the day? (Accommodation, Travelling)
Make sure you read the email the University sent regarding the interview thoroughly to make sure you don’t forget any key paperwork.
How long did it take you to hear back after your Sheffield interview?
I heard back within 2 weeks, but this varies between candidates. Candidates will receive their outcomes by the end of March.
Top Tips for the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview
1. Get your personality across at Sheffield.
Don’t be too rehearsed and sound like a robot, because personality is really important to the examiners at Sheffield. They want to see that you have interests outside of your academic life and also what kind of a person you are in general.
2. Do lots of practice! Try and practice as many communication based scenarios as possible with family and friends.
Consider how to interact with patients, being empathetic, getting consent etc.
For some question examples to try out, have a look at our interview blog posts: Interview Blogs
3. Look at the 9 GDC principles because that’s what you’ll be expected to comply with as a dental student, and it could be worth bringing it up in your interview when talking about why you’re suited to the course.
4. Do thorough research into the University of Sheffield and the style of teaching at the Dental School.
Make sure you can explain why this appeals to you because at Sheffield, they really want students who will love and commit to the university.
5. Do some relevant courses. If you’re interested, have a look at the FutureLearn ‘Discover Dentistry’ course on the Sheffield website because it would be quite helpful if you did this before your Sheffield interview and can then mention it at your panel.
Covid – 2024 Changes for Sheffield Dentistry Interview
Is the Sheffield panel interview different this year?
Sheffield will be continuing to hold their traditional/panel interviews for 2023/24 entry.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview process like?
The University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview process consists of two stages: the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and a panel interview. The MMI is a series of short interviews at various stations, each with a different interviewer, where you will be asked a series of questions related to dentistry and ethical scenarios. The panel interview is a one-on-one interview with a member of the admissions team.
→What is the requirement for dentistry in Sheffield University?
The University of Sheffield has specific entry requirements for its Dentistry program. These requirements include:
Academic Requirements: Applicants must have achieved AAA in A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) in Chemistry and Biology plus a third subject.
Admissions Test: Applicants must also take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) in the year of application. The score achieved will be used to select applicants for interview.
Work Experience: Applicants are expected to have gained some relevant work experience in a healthcare setting, such as shadowing a dentist or volunteering at a dental clinic.
English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate their proficiency in English by achieving a minimum score of 7.0 in each component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
It’s important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to the program, as the University of Sheffield also considers the results of the Multiple Mini Interview and panel interview in the admissions process.
→How should I prepare for the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview?
To prepare for the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview, you should research the course and the university, read about current issues in dentistry, practice ethical scenario questions, and prepare responses to common interview questions. You can also practice with a friend or family member, and seek guidance from your school’s careers advisor.
→What kind of questions are asked in the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview?
The questions asked in the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview are designed to assess your knowledge of dentistry, your understanding of ethical issues related to healthcare, and your communication skills. Questions may include scenario-based questions, problem-solving questions, ethical dilemmas, and questions related to your personal statement.
→What should I wear to the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview?
You should dress in smart, professional attire for the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview, such as a suit or business dress. It’s important to make a good first impression, so avoid wearing anything too casual or distracting.
→How important is the University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview in the admissions process?
The University of Sheffield Dentistry Interview is an important part of the admissions process as it allows the admissions team to assess your communication skills, knowledge of dentistry, and ethical decision-making abilities. Your performance in the interview will be taken into consideration along with your academic record, personal statement, and references.
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