BUSDM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)
Last updated: September 2025
Table of Contents
Overview
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUSDM) interview process and the key factors applicants should understand when preparing. It outlines the interview format – notably a remote, open-file and conversational interview experience – and highlights BUSDM’s mission emphasizing excellence in dental education, research, patient care, and community service bu.edu studentdoctor.net bu.edu. The guide also describes the DMD program’s standout features, such as early hands-on clinical exposure (starting in the first year via a state-of-the-art simulation lab) and a unique 10-week externship, along with the school’s strong community outreach and rich research opportunities for students bu.edu bu.edu.
In addition, we discuss current policy issues in dentistry that are relevant to BUSDM’s context – from local public health initiatives in Massachusetts to national debates on oral health access – and review the non-academic qualities (like leadership, compassion, and hands-on experience) that BUSDM values in candidates studentdoctor.net bu.edu. The guide explains the competency-based educational framework of the program and identifies common themes from past interview questions, helping applicants understand what topics and scenarios they might encounter bu.edu studentdoctor.net. Finally, it provides timelines and deadlines for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, ensuring candidates are aware of key application dates and the rolling interview/acceptance schedule for BUSDM bu.edu.
Interview Format
The BUSDM interview is typically a personal interview conducted remotely via Zoom bu.edu. The format is traditionally one-on-one (with a faculty or admissions committee member) and is open-file, meaning the interviewer has access to the applicant’s entire application. Interviewers often start by emphasizing that the conversation is meant to be relaxed and conversational, aiming to get to know the applicant rather than to intimidate studentdoctor.net. Indeed, past candidates consistently describe the experience as low-stress and friendly, more like a conversation than an interrogation studentdoctor.net.
Because the interview is open-file, applicants can expect questions drawn from their submitted materials. One common question has been, “Is there anything you want me to tell the admissions committee that isn’t in your application?” studentdoctor.net – a prompt that directly reflects the interviewer’s familiarity with and desire to go beyond the written application. In fact, interviewers often probe details from the personal statement or activities; as one student noted, “since it’s an open file interview, most of the questions are from your own writing” studentdoctor.net. This underscores the importance of knowing one’s application well and being ready to elaborate on any aspect of it during the conversation (without needing to memorize scripted answers).
The interview style at BUSDM is generally traditional and conversational rather than an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) circuit. While the official admissions page describes a single personal interview bu.edu, some student feedback hints that in certain years scenario-based questions (resembling MMI-style prompts) have been included studentdoctor.net. For example, candidates have reported being given an ethical scenario to discuss (under standard interview conditions, possibly with a note that content should not be shared due to reuse) studentdoctor.net. However, on the whole, interviews are reported to feel open-ended and applicant-centered. Interviewers often allow applicants to steer the discussion to some extent, fostering a conversational tone where candidates can showcase their personality and discuss their experiences comfortably.
BUSDM interviews are invite-only; being invited indicates that the admissions committee found the applicant’s credentials and experiences compelling. Although exact post-interview acceptance rates aren’t published, an invitation significantly improves one’s chances. For context, in a recent cycle BUSDM received about 2,585 applications and extended roughly 288 offers of admission to fill a class of around 113–117 students discodent.com. This translates to an overall acceptance rate of ~11% (with about 4–5% of applicants matriculating), meaning those who make it to the interview stage are a much smaller, more competitive pool. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis after interviews: BUSDM starts notifying accepted students in mid-December (the first date national offers are released) and continues to send decisions through the spring bu.edu bu.edu. Thus, performing well in the interview is crucial, as it could very realistically lead to an acceptance in this highly selective process.
School Mission and Values
Understanding the school’s mission and core values is an important part of interview preparation, as it provides insight into what qualities and goals the program prioritizes. BUSDM’s mission is to be "the premier academic dental institution promoting excellence in dental education, research, oral health care, and community service to improve the overall health of the global population" bu.edu. This mission statement reflects a commitment not only to high-quality education and clinical practice, but also to advancing scientific knowledge and serving communities locally and globally. BUSDM explicitly commits to providing outstanding service to a diverse group of students, patients, and colleagues, and to shaping the future of dentistry through research and innovation bu.edu.
Equally important are the core values that BUSDM upholds in its learning environment. The school emphasizes an ethical, supportive atmosphere built on values such as trust, responsibility, respect, fairness, compassion, excellence, service, and effective communication bu.edu. These values inform the school’s Code of Ethics and are meant to guide the behavior of students, faculty, and staff in all their interactions. During an interview, candidates won’t be quizzed directly on the mission statement or asked to recite values, but having an awareness of this ethos can be very useful. It means that when describing your own experiences or motivations, you can naturally highlight elements that resonate with the school’s values – for instance, discussing community service you’ve done (echoing BUSDM’s service mission) or times when you demonstrated integrity and compassion. Showing that your personal values align with BUSDM’s (through the examples you share) can subtly reinforce that you are a good fit for the school’s culture bu.edu bu.edu.
Program Description and Facts
BUSDM’s DMD program is a four-year curriculum renowned for its integration of rigorous academics, advanced technology, and extensive practical experience. Each incoming DMD class is roughly 115 students bu.edu, and the school also enrolls a separate two-year Advanced Standing cohort of internationally-trained dentists (about 100 students) bu.edu, contributing to a diverse student body. A hallmark of the program is early clinical exposure: students begin assisting and interacting with patients in their first year, which is earlier than at many dental schools bu.edu. Foundational skills are developed in a state-of-the-art Simulation Learning Center where students practice procedures on high-tech simulators that mimic real patients, allowing a safe space to build hand skills and confidence. By the time students reach their fourth year, they participate in a unique 10-week externship program, which is a distinguishing feature of BUSDM’s curriculum bu.edu. During these externships, students spend an extended period working in external clinics (often community health centers or other dental care facilities) under supervision, gaining real-world experience in diverse settings.
Beyond its clinical training, BUSDM offers rich opportunities in other domains. The school has a strong tradition of community service and public health outreach. In fact, BUSDM has achieved national recognition for its outreach programs: students engage in over 60 community programs and around 100 events annually, delivering oral health education and services to underserved populations locally and even abroad bu.edu. This not only benefits the community but also instills in students a sense of social responsibility and cultural competence. BUSDM’s location in Boston – a city with a vibrant mix of historic and medical institutions – further enhances these experiences, as students often work with diverse patient populations and learn in an urban healthcare environment. Additionally, being part of a major research university, BUSDM provides ample research opportunities. Students interested in research can work alongside faculty on projects ranging from innovative dental materials and biotechnology to public health studies bu.edu. The emphasis on research is aligned with the school’s vision of “creating and disseminating new knowledge” and attracts students who are curious and driven to improve dentistry through science.
The program’s supportive environment is another point of pride. BUSDM fosters a collaborative, close-knit community within the larger Boston University Medical Campus. Dental students learn not only from dental faculty but also benefit from an interdisciplinary atmosphere – for example, some basic science courses are taught in conjunction with the medical school bu.edu. Students are organized into small Group Practice teams in the clinical years, each led by a dedicated faculty mentor, which simulates a private practice setting and encourages peer learning and teamwork bu.edu. This structure means that by the time of graduation, students have experience working in teams, managing a patient pool, and coordinating comprehensive care, mirroring real-world dental practice. All these program features – early patient care, community engagement, research, and a team-based clinical education – define the BUSDM experience and can serve as excellent talking points during an interview. Demonstrating that you appreciate these facets of the program shows the interviewers that you have done your homework and are genuinely enthusiastic about what BUSDM has to offer.
Suggested Questions to Ask at the Interview
- Could you tell me more about the 10-week externship program and how students are assigned to their externship sites? bu.edu
- What kinds of community outreach opportunities can students participate in, and how does BUSDM support or organize these initiatives? bu.edu
- Are there opportunities for DMD students to engage in research during the program, and how do students typically get involved with faculty projects? bu.edu
- How does BUSDM facilitate early clinical experience for first-year students, and what mentorship or support is in place when students first start treating patients? bu.edu
- Could you elaborate on the Group Practice model in the clinical years – how does it work and what do students gain from that experience? bu.edu
Asking informed questions like these demonstrates to the interviewers that you are familiar with BUSDM’s program and genuinely interested in the specifics of their curriculum and opportunities. It can turn the interview into a two-way dialogue where you also learn more about the school, while showcasing your enthusiasm. Be sure to tailor your questions to what truly interests you about BUSDM – whether that’s their research output, outreach in the community, clinical techniques, or student life in Boston – and avoid asking things that are easily found on the website without first indicating you’ve done that basic research.
Policy Topics Relevant to the Program
Dental school interviews sometimes touch on broader healthcare or policy issues, especially as they relate to the school’s mission or the context in which dentists practice. At BUSDM, with its strong community focus and location in Massachusetts, certain policy-relevant themes can be particularly pertinent. Being aware of these topics can help you engage in thoughtful discussion if they arise, or at least show that you have a well-rounded understanding of the dental profession’s landscape. Below are some policy and industry themes that are relevant to BUSDM’s environment (local and national):
- Access to Care and Insurance: Massachusetts has been a leader in healthcare coverage, yet significant gaps in dental care access remain. Nationally, nearly 27% of adults in the U.S. lack dental insurance (compared to about 9.5% who lack medical insurance) time.com. Medicaid’s adult dental benefits are optional for states and often limited; in times of budget cuts, these benefits can be reduced or eliminated axios.com. BUSDM’s strong emphasis on serving underserved communities bu.edu aligns with efforts to close these gaps. In an interview, you might not be asked to quote statistics, but understanding that improving access to oral healthcare is a major policy challenge (and part of BUSDM’s public health mission) could inform a discussion about why community dentistry matters.
- Preventive Public Health Measures: Community water fluoridation is a classic example of a public policy to prevent tooth decay. Boston and many cities fluoridate their water as a proven, cost-effective means to reduce cavities. However, not all communities agree – recently some regions have debated or even banned fluoridation despite scientific consensus on its benefits time.com. As a future dentist, being aware of these debates is useful. It reflects the ongoing tension between public health initiatives and individual choice. While you likely won’t be asked to take a strong stance on a controversial issue, showing that you’re informed (for example, acknowledging fluoridation’s role in public health) can signal that you understand the broader context of oral health policy.
- Integration of Oral Health and Overall Health: There is a growing recognition that oral health is integral to overall health – an idea that is influencing policy and education. BUSDM itself is situated on Boston University’s medical campus, highlighting an interdisciplinary approach. The school notes that dentistry and medicine are becoming increasingly integrated, and new discoveries (like using saliva diagnostics or genetic markers) are blurring the lines between dental care and general healthcare studentdoctor.net. In practice, this means initiatives like medical-dental collaboration, integrating dental check-ups into primary care for better prevention, and discussions about including dental care in Medicare or comprehensive health reforms time.com. Staying aware of this trend can help you talk about the importance of dentists working alongside other healthcare professionals, and it resonates with BUSDM’s forward-looking curriculum that prepares students for collaborative practice.
- Emerging Trends and Technology: Policy and professional guidelines often evolve in response to technological advancements. For example, teledentistry saw rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to consult with patients remotely. Some states have clear regulations to allow teledentistry, while others (including Massachusetts) do not yet explicitly authorize it in their dental practice laws ncsl.org. Similarly, the advent of digital dentistry (like CAD/CAM digital impressions, 3D printing of dental restorations) and developments in materials or techniques (such as silver diamine fluoride for caries management, or even the concept of dental therapists in other states) are shaping the future of dental practice. Being conversant in these topics is not about being an expert, but about showing curiosity and awareness. If an interviewer brings up, say, “How do you think technology will affect dentistry?” or mentions a trend, you can draw on these examples. BUSDM’s own strategic focus on innovation – from high-tech simulation training to research in salivary diagnostics – means they appreciate students who are thinking about the future of the field studentdoctor.net.
In summary, while you are not expected to be a policy expert, it helps to have a general awareness of issues like healthcare access, public health initiatives, integration of care, and technological changes in dentistry. These topics connect to BUSDM’s values and region (for instance, Massachusetts’ healthcare environment) and may emerge in conversation. If such discussions come up, focus on being thoughtful and balanced in your responses – for example, recognizing pros and cons or acknowledging complexity – rather than taking extreme positions. The goal is to show that you are a well-informed applicant who cares about the broader field of dentistry and the community it serves.
Non-Academic Selection Criteria
Like most dental schools, BUSDM employs a holistic admissions review, meaning the selection committee looks well beyond test scores and GPAs to choose future dental students bu.edu. In their own words, they consider “scholastic achievement, fitness and aptitude for the study of dental medicine, and other personal qualifications, experiences, and non-cognitive achievements” in making admissions decisions bu.edu. So, what are these other qualifications? From various official and student sources, it’s clear that BUSDM highly values applicants who have demonstrated initiative, service, leadership, and a passion for the field of dentistry in real-world ways.
BUSDM tends to seek students who align with its mission and can contribute to the school’s collaborative environment. For example, the school has stated that it looks for students who want to create and apply new knowledge (indicating an interest in research and innovation), who are keen on practical, hands-on experience, and who show compassion through community outreach blackstonetutors.com. They also value those who thrive in a cooperative environment and work well with an “enthusiastic faculty” – in other words, team players who will engage actively with peers and mentors blackstonetutors.com. Moreover, BUSDM prizes appreciation of diversity, seeking individuals who are comfortable working with people from different cultures and viewpoints (a critical trait given the diverse patient population in Boston) blackstonetutors.com. Finally, being academically outstanding with an exceptional work ethic is important blackstonetutors.com – dentistry is demanding, so the committee looks for evidence of diligence and resilience in applicants’ backgrounds.
In practice, these non-academic criteria are assessed through your experiences and how you present them. Your resume of extracurricular activities, personal statement, and secondary application (if any) should ideally reflect some of these dimensions – whether it’s leadership positions in student organizations, volunteering at dental clinics or community health fairs, participating in research projects or publications, or pursuing hobbies that require fine motor skills and perseverance (for instance, art, music, or crafts, which relate to manual dexterity). During the interview, expect that the interviewer may ask about these aspects: “Tell me about your research experience,” “What volunteer work has been most meaningful to you?,” or “How have you demonstrated leadership?”. They might also inquire about how you balance responsibilities or what you learned from a particular experience, which allows you to showcase qualities like teamwork, ethics, or time management. The key is to be ready to discuss the non-academic side of your application confidently – highlighting moments that show you embody the values and strengths BUSDM is looking for, in an authentic way.
Relevant Competency Frameworks
Boston University’s dental curriculum is designed around a competency-based framework, which means that by graduation, students must demonstrate certain core competencies essential for independent dental practice. This approach is aligned with the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and ensures that every graduate has a well-rounded capability in all aspects of general dentistry. At BUSDM, teaching and learning are guided by a comprehensive care model: early on, students build foundational knowledge in biomedical and behavioral sciences, and gradually they integrate those basics with clinical skills as they progress bu.edu. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based decision making, and continuous self-evaluation, in addition to technical dental skills bu.edu.
By the end of the DMD program, BUSDM expects students to be competent in providing comprehensive, patient-centered oral healthcare at the level of a beginning general dentist bu.edu. The school explicitly lists a series of competencies that students must attain. These include the ability to diagnose and treat oral diseases across a range of disciplines, formulate and execute appropriate treatment plans, and provide care in a logical and efficient manner within a team setting bu.edu. Communication is highlighted – graduates should be able to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals. They must also be able to recognize case complexity (knowing their limits and when to refer a patient to a specialist) and understand different models of oral health care delivery (from private practice to public health) bu.edu. Importantly, an ongoing competency is professionalism and ethics: conducting themselves in an ethical, professional manner consistent with the expectations of the profession bu.edu.
For interview preparation, you don’t need to memorize BUSDM’s competency list, but it's helpful to grasp the essence of what skills and attributes the program aims to instill in its students. This can give you insight into what the school might value in discussions. For instance, knowing that effective communication and teamwork are expected competencies bu.edu, you might anticipate that the interview could touch on your experiences working in groups or handling communication challenges. Understanding that ethical conduct is a core competency bu.edu, you won’t be surprised if there’s an ethical scenario question (which is common in many dental interviews). Essentially, the competency framework is the output the school is working towards – and by selecting students who show the potential to develop these competencies, BUSDM ensures its graduates uphold the high standards of the profession. Showing awareness of the holistic skill set needed to be a competent dentist (not just technical prowess, but also communication, critical thinking, ethics, etc.) can subtly signal to your interviewer that you have a mature view of the profession for which you’re training.
Themes among Past Interview Questions
Reviewing past interview questions and common themes can be very insightful when prepping for any professional school interview. At BUSDM, while specific questions vary from person to person, there are clear recurring themes in what is asked. Many candidates report that the interview felt customized to their application, with the interviewer diving into topics the applicant had written about or experiences they’d listed. However, beyond those individualized discussions, most interviews cover a set of familiar domains:
- Motivation for Dentistry and "Why BU": Expect to be asked about your reasons for pursuing dentistry – essentially, your “why dentistry?” story studentdoctor.net. BUSDM interviewers want to know what drives your interest in the dental profession. Along with that, you should be ready for a question about “Why Boston University?” or “Why our program?”. They are gauging how genuinely interested you are in BUSDM specifically, and whether you understand what makes it unique. In responding, successful candidates often tie their motivations to the school’s offerings (for example, appreciating BUSDM’s community service ethos or research opportunities as a reason they are drawn to the program).
- Ethical Scenarios and Behavioral Questions: It’s common for BUSDM interviews to include an ethical or situational question. For instance, one reported question was: “During a test you see that someone pulls out a piece of paper, looks at it, and writes something down on their test. What do you do?” studentdoctor.net. This type of scenario assesses your integrity, honesty, and courage to act in line with ethical principles. Other behavioral questions might involve dealing with a challenging team situation or a time you made a mistake – essentially probing your personal qualities and decision-making. The key with ethics/behavioral questions is to articulate your thought process and demonstrate values like honesty, responsibility, and empathy. BUSDM’s low-stress interview setting means these scenarios are discussed calmly, and often the interviewer is just interested in understanding how you reason through dilemmas, not necessarily looking for one “correct” answer.
- Personal Experiences and Application Highlights: Given the open-file format, a large portion of the interview will likely center on your personal experiences as presented in your application studentdoctor.net. You should anticipate detailed follow-ups on things like your shadowing and dental volunteer work, any research projects you’ve participated in (since BUSDM values research), leadership roles, or unique extracurricular activities. If there are any anomalies in your academic record (like a time gap or a dip in grades), be prepared to address those too – interviewers sometimes ask about “gaps in education” or “a challenge you faced in college” studentdoctor.net. Essentially, think of the interview as a conversation where you get to provide the stories behind your application: what you did, what you learned, and why those experiences were meaningful. For example, if you listed a biology lab research project, you might be asked what you found interesting about it or what the results were; if you volunteered at a dental clinic, you might be asked to describe a memorable patient interaction. Be ready to go deeper into anything you’ve listed, highlighting what each experience taught you or how it solidified your desire to become a dentist studentdoctor.net.
- Strengths, Weaknesses, and Personal Attributes: Interviewers often inquire about personal characteristics to round out their understanding of you. You might hear questions like, “What would you say are your greatest strengths?” or “What is a weakness or area of improvement for you?” (sometimes framed as “How would your friends describe you?” or “What skill are you working to improve?”). BUSDM interview feedback suggests that many students got a chance to talk about their hobbies and interests outside of academics as well – for instance, “What do you do for fun?” was a reported question studentdoctor.net. Don’t be surprised by light-hearted questions of this nature; they’re meant to see a more personal, human side of you and how you balance life. It’s perfectly fine – even welcome – to discuss non-dental passions (music, sports, art, travel, etc.), as these can highlight qualities like creativity, manual dexterity, or stress-relief strategies. When discussing strengths and weaknesses, try to be honest and self-reflective, and for weaknesses, mention steps you are taking to address them. The interview’s conversational style should make this feel like a genuine discussion rather than a grilling.
- “Why Dentistry over Medicine (or another field)?”: An interesting nuance that some BUSDM interviewees have reported is being asked to compare dentistry to other career paths, such as medicine studentdoctor.net. For example, “Why did you choose dentistry instead of medicine?” or “Have you considered other healthcare fields?”. This question aims to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what being a dentist entails and that your passion is truly for dentistry, not just a general interest in healthcare. In responding, successful candidates often point out the aspects of dentistry that excite them – like the blend of art and science, the hands-on clinical work, the opportunity to build long-term patient relationships, or the focus on oral health’s impact on quality of life – distinguishing it from other professions. It’s also a chance to reaffirm your commitment to dentistry and convey that you’ve explored the field thoroughly (through shadowing or other experiences) and are confident it’s the right path for you.
Overall, BUSDM’s interviews tend to be comprehensive yet personable. The themes above cover the typical ground: your motivation and knowledge of the school, ethical judgment, experiences in the field, personal attributes, and commitment to dentistry. Many students describe their BUSDM interview as a conversation where they felt listened to and where even challenging questions were presented in a non-confrontational way studentdoctor.net. As one survey of past interviews noted, most respondents found the interview low in stress and even enjoyable studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. That said, thorough preparation is still key – knowing your own application deeply, reflecting on your experiences and values, and staying current on dental topics will help you navigate these questions smoothly. Rather than rehearsing canned answers, focus on being able to discuss yourself and the profession thoughtfully. If you do that, you’ll be able to adapt to the exact phrasing of questions on the day and engage in an authentic dialogue with your interviewer.
Timelines and Deadlines (2025–2026 Cycle)
Finally, it’s crucial to keep in mind the admissions timeline for BUSDM’s 2025–2026 application cycle, as this can impact your interview scheduling and overall preparation strategy. The application process for those seeking entry in Fall 2026 opens in the spring of 2025. The ADEA AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) typically opens in mid-May 2025 for the 2025–26 cycle bu.edu. Applicants can begin submitting their materials around that time. BUSDM, like many dental schools, operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means early applicants have the advantage of early review and potential earlier interview invitations. BUSDM’s official application deadline is December 15, 2025 for the 2025–26 cycle bu.edu. However, the school strongly recommends submitting by around September (early fall) to ensure your application is complete and reviewed in the first waves bu.edu. In practical terms, aiming to submit your AADSAS application in the summer of 2025 (June, July or August) is wise, because interview slots can start filling up as fall approaches.
BUSDM’s interview season typically runs from early fall through late winter. According to the admissions information, interviews are conducted starting in September 2025 and continuing through March 2026 (with occasional interviews beyond that if needed) bu.edu. Invitations to interview can start going out as soon as late summer, shortly after your application is verified and reviewed. It’s a good idea to be mentally prepared for an interview as early as September, but also know that if you apply later or are on a later review timeline, an interview invite could come as late as February or March. The interviews were virtual (via Zoom) in recent cycles bu.edu, and BUSDM complemented them with optional in-person “Showcase” events on campus for interviewees to visit, typically starting around October bu.edu. Keep an eye on communications from the school – they will provide details on scheduling and any visit opportunities if those continue in this cycle.
As for decision notifications, BUSDM abides by the national protocol where the first batch of acceptances for dental schools are released on December 15 of the application year bu.edu. If you interview in September, October, or November, you won’t receive a final decision until at least that date (though you might get a hint if placed on hold or alternate list). On December 15, 2025, BUSDM will send out a number of acceptance offers via email (and possibly phone) to selected interviewed candidates. If you’re accepted, you’ll be given a deadline to respond and submit a deposit (commonly a few weeks from the offer). For those not accepted in the first wave, BUSDM continues to make offers on a rolling basis from December through the spring as spots open up (e.g., as some accepted students choose other schools). The admissions committee may also notify some applicants of waitlist status or hold status. According to BUSDM, final decisions can be made as late as July 2026 for waitlisted applicants bu.edu. While that timeline can feel drawn out, it’s important to stay patient and in communication – many applicants receive their acceptances in the winter or spring months. If you haven’t heard a rejection or acceptance, it means your application is still under consideration.
Conclusion
Preparing for the BUSDM interview means bringing together knowledge of the school, awareness of oneself, and understanding of the broader dental field. In this guide, we covered how BUSDM conducts its interviews (in a friendly, open-file format) bu.edu studentdoctor.net, the school’s mission of excellence in education, research, patient care, and global community service bu.edu, and the unique aspects of its program from early clinical training to community outreach and research opportunities bu.edu bu.edu. We also touched on relevant dental policy issues and the holistic qualities BUSDM looks for in applicants – such as compassion, teamwork, and a strong work ethic blackstonetutors.com bu.edu. By understanding these elements, you can better appreciate what BUSDM values and frame your interview responses and questions accordingly. Remember, the goal is to convey not only why you are an excellent candidate for dental school, but why you specifically belong at BUSDM. If you can articulate your fit with the program’s values and offerings while being personable and genuine, you will leave a positive and lasting impression on your interviewers. Good luck with your interview, and congratulations on taking this step toward a career in dentistry!