ATSU-MOSDOH Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) is known for its mission-driven program and holistic approach to admissions. This guide provides a synthesis of key information to help applicants prepare for interview day. It covers the interview format and style (a relatively low-stress, open-file, panel interview process) studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net, the school’s mission of serving underserved communities and fostering whole-person care atsu.edu, and an overview of MOSDOH’s unique dual-campus program structure and curriculum atsu.edu. It also discusses public health policy issues relevant to Missouri and the broader U.S. dental landscape, the non-academic qualities (like leadership and service) that MOSDOH values in applicants atsu.edu, and common themes from past interview questions studentdoctor.net. Key application timeline milestones for the 2025–2026 cycle are outlined as well, so candidates know what to expect from application to matriculation atsu.edu atsu.edu.

MOSDOH utilizes a traditional interview format rather than an MMI. Interviews are typically about 20–30 minutes long and often involve two interviewers speaking with one applicant studentdoctor.net. The style is generally conversational and low-stress – past candidates have described the atmosphere as friendly and average in stress level studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Most interviews are open-file, meaning the interviewers have access to the applicant’s complete file and may reference your experiences or personal statement during the conversation studentdoctor.net. In recent cycles, many interviews have been conducted virtually (a practice that became common during COVID-19) studentdoctor.net, though the school previously hosted in-person interviews on campus in Kirksville studentdoctor.net. The format is usually one-on-one (one applicant interviewed at a time) with a panel of one or two interviewers, which can include faculty and sometimes a student or administrator. This process is meant to be holistic and conversational – it’s not a rapid-fire questioning but rather a discussion of your background, motivations, and fit for the school.

Because MOSDOH admits only around 60–63 students each year atsu.edu, the interview is a crucial final step in a highly selective process. The school receives well over 1,600 applications for those spots atsu.edu, so earning an interview invitation indicates you are a strong candidate. However, not all interviewees will be accepted – while exact post-interview acceptance rates aren’t published, an estimated one in three (or fewer) interviewed applicants may ultimately matriculate. This means the interview performance can be pivotal. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences and qualifications in depth (since it’s open-file) and to let their personality and alignment with MOSDOH’s values show through. The good news is that the interviewers strive to put applicants at ease studentdoctor.net. The encounter tends to feel supportive and evaluative, not overly aggressive or stressful. Overall, MOSDOH’s interview format allows you to expand on your application and demonstrate how you embody the school’s mission.

ATSU-MOSDOH is founded on a mission of social responsibility and whole-person healthcare. The school explicitly commits to "whole person health, educational excellence, research and scholarly activities, community service, diversity and inclusion, leadership, and technology" atsu.edu. A core goal is to produce dentists who will serve communities in need and continue learning throughout their careers atsu.edu. This mission translates into a strong emphasis on community health and altruism. For example, MOSDOH instills the importance of compassion and service alongside technical training. The program’s guiding values intertwine humanistic qualities – such as compassion, altruism, and community focus – with professional attributes like ethics, integrity, leadership, service, and excellence atsu.edu. Diversity and cultural proficiency are also key values; the school believes in preparing graduates to care for a culturally diverse society and to appreciate each patient’s unique background atsu.edu. Understanding MOSDOH’s mission is vital for interview preparation, as the school will likely seek candidates who align with these values. Interviewers may not quiz you directly on the mission statement, but they will be looking for evidence of your commitment to service, leadership, and caring for the underserved in your answers and demeanor.

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at MOSDOH is a four-year curriculum that is distinctive for its dual-campus model and community-oriented training. The first two years are spent in Kirksville, Missouri, where students focus on biomedical sciences and preclinical dental skills in a new state-of-the-art education building atsu.edu. During this phase, MOSDOH integrates core medical knowledge with dental training – reflecting the school’s philosophy of blending medicine and dentistry atsu.edu. Students learn human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology alongside hands-on simulation exercises in dentistry bestdentalschools.org. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and understanding the connection between oral health and overall health bestdentalschools.org. In the third and fourth years, the program shifts to clinical education primarily in St. Louis. MOSDOH has a partnership with Affinia Healthcare to operate the St. Louis Dental Education and Oral Health Center, an expansive 79,000-square-foot dental clinic where students treat patients under faculty supervision stldentalcenter.org. This urban clinical experience exposes students to diverse patient populations, including underserved groups, and allows them to provide comprehensive care in a community health setting bestdentalschools.org. By rotating through this clinic (and additional community health center sites), students gain extensive real-world experience while fulfilling the school’s mission of service. The curriculum also includes a strong component of public health, leadership, and practice management, ensuring graduates are prepared not only as clinicians but as community leaders and advocates atsu.edu.

Some key facts about MOSDOH’s program: the school welcomed its first class in 2013 and has since grown to an average class size of about 63 students per year atsu.edu. Admission is competitive – for example, the incoming Class of 2024 (graduating 2028) had about 1,636 applicants for those seats atsu.edu. The average GPA of recent entering classes is around 3.5–3.6 atsu.edu, and average DAT scores tend to be in the high teens (around 19–20 for the Academic Average) bestdentalschools.org, indicating that strong academic performance is important. At the same time, MOSDOH weighs holistic factors heavily (consistent with its mission). The program deliberately looks for students with a demonstrated commitment to service and leadership, not just top grades. MOSDOH’s integration of a public health perspective is another distinctive aspect – students take coursework in public health and may even pursue community projects as part of their training. The technology resources are up-to-date, with digital dentistry tools and simulation labs used in early training (given the emphasis on technological proficiency in the mission). All of these features make MOSDOH’s program unique and innovative, blending clinical excellence with community health.

Because of these unique elements, there are plenty of great topics you can ask about during your interview to show your interest in MOSDOH. Demonstrating that you’ve done your homework on the program can set you apart. Consider asking thoughtful questions that delve into the program’s strengths or your own areas of interest. For example, you might want to learn more about how the dual-campus system works in practice, or what opportunities students have for outreach or research.

• How does the dual-campus model (Kirksville for preclinical training and St. Louis for clinical experience) enhance the educational experience at MOSDOH?
• What has been the impact of MOSDOH’s partnership with community health centers like the St. Louis Dental Center on student clinical training and local patient care?
• In what ways can students at MOSDOH engage in public health initiatives or research during their four years?
• How does MOSDOH integrate interprofessional education – do dental students collaborate with medical or other health profession students as part of the curriculum?
• What kind of support and resources does MOSDOH provide to students interested in practicing in underserved areas after graduation?

Given MOSDOH’s focus on community dentistry and serving the underserved, certain health policy topics are particularly pertinent to its program and region. Access to dental care is a central issue: Missouri has historically faced shortages of dentists in rural and low-income areas, and relatively low utilization of dental services. (For instance, only about 28% of Missouri children on Medicaid received any dental service in one recent statistic atsu.edu, and only around 62% of Missouri residents visit a dentist annually atsu.edu, indicating large gaps in care). MOSDOH itself was established in part to address these gaps – a significant grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health helped launch the school atsu.edu, underscoring a policy-level commitment to improving oral health infrastructure. Workforce distribution and incentivizing dentists to practice in underserved areas remain key policy challenges. Applicants should be aware of initiatives like loan repayment programs or state incentives for dentists working in rural Missouri, as well as the role of community health centers (FQHCs) in delivering dental care. Another relevant topic is the integration of oral health into broader healthcare systems. MOSDOH’s "whole person health" approach aligns with national trends to increase interprofessional collaboration – for example, integrating dental care with primary medical care to better manage patients’ overall health. Dental coverage policy is also significant: Medicaid expansion in Missouri (which took effect in recent years) and the general lack of Medicare dental coverage for seniors are ongoing discussions that affect oral health access. Additionally, there are public health measures like community water fluoridation (a proven strategy to prevent tooth decay) which sometimes become local policy debates; understanding their importance can be useful, as it ties into MOSDOH’s preventive ethos. On a national level, the profession is also discussing mid-level dental providers (such as dental therapists) as a way to extend care to underserved populations – while Missouri has not yet adopted this model, awareness of the concept and the debate around it could be valuable. Overall, being conversant about these policy and public health topics helps demonstrate a genuine interest in MOSDOH’s mission and the context in which you’ll be training.

MOSDOH takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants. In addition to meeting academic benchmarks (like GPA and DAT scores), the admissions committee looks very closely at non-academic qualities and experiences that align with the school’s values. Notably, leadership, community service, and clinical exposure are high priority factors. The school strongly recommends that applicants have significant hands-on experience in dentistry – roughly 100 hours of dental shadowing or clinical experience is “strongly recommended” prior to applying atsu.edu. This ensures you have a realistic understanding of the profession. Furthermore, ATSU-MOSDOH expects evidence of a substantial service commitment, especially service to the underserved; they also recommend about 100 hours of volunteer or leadership activities in community service (particularly with underserved populations) atsu.edu. This emphasis reflects MOSDOH’s mission to train community-minded clinicians. Applicants who have engaged in activities like volunteering at free clinics, participating in public health initiatives, or taking on leadership roles in clubs or community organizations will stand out. Research experience is not explicitly required, but an interest or background in research and scholarly activity can be a plus, given the school’s commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation. Personal attributes are also key: MOSDOH seeks students who are compassionate, collaborative, culturally competent, and demonstrate integrity and resilience. During the interview and in letters of recommendation, the school will be gauging traits like communication skills, empathy, commitment to learning, and your motivation for dentistry. In summary, beyond strong academics, the ideal MOSDOH candidate is well-rounded and service-oriented – someone who has shown leadership potential and a heart for helping others, which are exactly the traits that mesh with MOSDOH’s mission.

The educational philosophy at MOSDOH aligns with the broader competency frameworks expected of modern dental graduates. As an accredited dental school, MOSDOH ensures that its students meet all the Core Competencies for entry-level general dentists, as defined by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). These competencies cover not only the clinical and technical skills needed to independently practice dentistry, but also areas like critical thinking, ethics, communication, and professionalism adea.org adea.org. In fact, MOSDOH’s own program objectives mirror these domains. The school’s curriculum emphasizes a foundation of critical inquiry and evidence-based practice – students are trained to critically evaluate new research and technologies as part of their decision-making atsu.edu. Interprofessional collaboration is another competency: MOSDOH intentionally incorporates opportunities for students to learn alongside or in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, reflecting the IPEC (Interprofessional Education Collaborative) core competencies in teamwork and communication. The program also stresses cultural proficiency and ethical practice, ensuring graduates can effectively serve diverse populations with integrity atsu.edu. MOSDOH explicitly lists qualities such as ethics, integrity, professionalism, leadership, and service as integral to its educational outcomes atsu.edu – these align with national standards that new dentists should be professional and community-responsive practitioners. By the time of graduation, MOSDOH students are expected to be competent in all aspects of general dentistry (from diagnosis and treatment planning to preventive care and dental procedures), and equally important, to exhibit the professional competencies (like ethical reasoning, patient communication, and practice management) required in today’s healthcare environment. For an applicant, understanding this framework is useful: it means the school is looking for evidence that you possess or can develop these competencies. In the interview, for example, you might indirectly be assessed on your communication skills, ethical judgment, or ability to think critically – all parts of being a competent new dentist in MOSDOH’s eyes.

Over the years, applicants who have interviewed at MOSDOH have reported a wide range of interview questions, which tend to reflect the school’s holistic ethos. While every interview is unique, there are clear recurring themes in the types of questions asked. Broadly speaking, expect questions that explore your motivations, personal experiences, ethical reasoning, and self-reflection. Below are some common themes that have emerged, along with examples of questions that illustrate them:

• Motivation and “Why MOSDOH”: Nearly every interview will include questions about your desire to pursue dentistry and specifically why you are interested in MOSDOH studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Be prepared to articulate why you chose dentistry over other fields and what draws you to MOSDOH’s program (for example, its mission or unique features).
• Academic and Personal Experiences: Interviewers often ask about your background to get to know you. You might be prompted to discuss your favorite and least favorite classes and why studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net, which can reveal your academic interests and how you handle challenges. They’ll likely inquire about your extracurricular and volunteer experiences – for instance, “Tell us about a meaningful volunteer activity” or “What did you learn from your shadowing experiences?” studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. These questions give you a chance to showcase your clinical exposure and service work.
• Ethical Scenarios and Problem-Solving: It’s common for MOSDOH interviews to include an ethical dilemma or scenario-based question studentdoctor.net. You might be asked how you would handle a specific situation, such as witnessing another student perform a procedure incorrectly or facing a conflict between classmates in a clinical setting. The goal is to see your integrity, judgment, and communication skills in action. There may not be a “right” answer – interviewers are more interested in your thought process and ethical reasoning.
• Personal Attributes and Soft Skills: Many questions aim to elicit your personal qualities and self-assessment. For example, you could be asked to describe three values that are important to you studentdoctor.net, or to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. You should also expect questions like “How do you manage stress?” or “Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage your time really well?” studentdoctor.net. These allow you to demonstrate qualities like resilience, time management, empathy, and teamwork – attributes MOSDOH values in future dentists.
• Manual Dexterity and Hobbies: Because dentistry is a hands-on profession, don’t be surprised if you’re asked about your manual dexterity or hobbies that involve working with your hands studentdoctor.net. Interviewers might ask if you have any artistic pursuits, crafts, musical instruments, or other skills requiring fine motor coordination. This helps them gauge your comfort with the kind of hand-eye coordination dentistry demands (and it’s also a way to get to know you beyond academics!).

The dental school application process for MOSDOH follows the standard ADEA AADSAS cycle, with the school observing rolling admissions atsu.edu. This means applications are reviewed and interview offers are made continuously as the cycle progresses, so applying earlier can be advantageous. Below are the key timeline milestones for the 2025–2026 application cycle (for the class entering in fall 2026):

• June 2025: The ADEA AADSAS application opens in mid-May to early June 2025 for the 2025–2026 cycle. You can begin working on and submitting your primary application in June atsu.edu. (It’s wise to apply as early as you can, since MOSDOH fills interview slots on a rolling basis.)
• Secondary Application: After submitting the primary AADSAS application, qualified applicants will be invited to complete ATSU’s secondary application. MOSDOH’s secondary is sent by email to selected applicants and typically includes additional essay questions. It’s recommended to submit the secondary promptly if you receive one atsu.edu, as your application won’t be fully considered until this is complete.
• September 2025 – March 2026: Interview season at MOSDOH. Interviews are conducted monthly (and sometimes biweekly) starting in early fall forums.studentdoctor.net atsu.edu. The first interview dates are usually in September, and the school continues interviewing candidates through the winter and into early spring (often until March). Invitations are extended on a rolling basis, so some applicants will interview in the fall and hear decisions by December, while others might interview in January or February 2026 depending on when they applied and when slots are available.
• December 1, 2025: Application deadline. MOSDOH’s deadline for submitting the AADSAS application is December 1 of the year prior to enrollment atsu.edu. This means all primary applications must be e-submitted by that date (and ideally secondaries completed shortly thereafter). Keep in mind that waiting until the deadline is not ideal due to rolling admissions, but this is the last date to apply for the 2025–2026 cycle.
• December 15, 2025: First acceptance notices (Decision Day). According to ADEA guidelines, December 15 is the first day U.S. dental schools can begin issuing acceptance offers to applicants shemmassianconsulting.com. If you interview in September, October, or November, you may receive a phone call or email with good news on or shortly after this date. MOSDOH, like other schools, typically notifies accepted students around mid-December. (Some candidates may also receive waitlist notices or deferrals at this time if not immediately accepted.)
• January – April 2026: Rolling acceptances continue. After the initial December wave, MOSDOH will continue to make offers to fill the class. As interviews wrap up in early 2026, additional acceptances are sent out in late winter and spring – often up through March or April – as people on waitlists are admitted or spots open. If you interview later in the cycle (e.g. February), you might receive an acceptance in late winter or early spring. Conversely, if you were waitlisted in December, you could get an acceptance notification in the spring if a seat becomes available shemmassianconsulting.com.
• Summer 2026: Matriculation. Accepted students usually need to fulfill contingencies (e.g. completing any prerequisite courses, immunizations, etc.) and will start orientation in the summer. MOSDOH’s new student orientation and first day of classes for the D1 year typically occur in July or early August 2026.

Preparing for an interview at ATSU-MOSDOH means knowing the school and knowing yourself. In this guide, we reviewed how MOSDOH’s interview is structured and what it’s like, the mission and values that drive everything at the school, the unique aspects of the curriculum, and the kind of qualities and knowledge the admissions team is looking for. By understanding MOSDOH’s service-oriented mission atsu.edu and being aware of the broader oral health issues the program aims to address atsu.edu, you can better frame your own experiences during the interview. Remember that the interviewers want to get a sense of who you are beyond your GPA and DAT – they are assessing your fit with a school that values community service, compassion, and leadership. Approach the interview as a professional conversation studentdoctor.net where you can highlight your strengths and motivations for dentistry. Be ready to discuss your journey and respond to questions about ethical scenarios or personal experiences honestly and thoughtfully (as we saw in the common question themes). Finally, keep an eye on the timeline and requirements atsu.edu atsu.edu so that you arrive at interview day confident and well-prepared. With solid knowledge of MOSDOH’s program and a clear sense of how your own values align with theirs, you’ll be equipped to make a great impression.