Creighton SOD Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The Creighton University School of Dentistry offers a faith-based, service-oriented dental program known for extensive clinical experience and a commitment to community health. This guide covers the key aspects prospective students should know when preparing for an interview: the interview format (typically a one-on-one, open-file conversation), the school’s Jesuit mission and values, distinctive program features and statistics, current policy issues in dentistry relevant to Creighton’s context, the non-academic qualities Creighton looks for in applicants, the competency framework that shapes its curriculum, common themes in past interview questions, important application timeline dates for the 2025–2026 cycle, and a concluding summary of these insights. Each section below provides information and context to help applicants understand Creighton’s program and how to discuss it during their interview.

Creighton’s interview process is generally traditional and applicant-friendly. Most interviews are one-on-one conversations (with a single interviewer) and are conducted in an open-file setting, meaning the interviewer has access to the applicant’s file studentdoctor.net. The interviews typically last around 20 minutes studentdoctor.net, and the tone is often low-stress and conversational studentdoctor.net. In many cases, interviewers encourage a dialogue: some past applicants report that rather than asking numerous direct questions, the interviewer mainly invited the applicant to ask questions about Creighton studentdoctor.net. This conversational style allows candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the program and genuine interest. Creighton’s approach appears to put students at ease and assess fit in a holistic way, rather than through rapid-fire questioning. It is not a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format; the majority of candidates have had a single traditional interview (virtual during recent cycles, though on-campus in pre-2020 years) studentdoctor.net. (Some feedback did allude to a structured format with confidentiality requirements studentdoctor.net, but this does not seem to be the norm.)

Because of the open-file format, interviewers are familiar with each applicant’s background and may tailor the conversation accordingly. Creighton invites a limited number of the roughly ~2,000 yearly applicants to interview for about 115 seats in the class forums.studentdoctor.net. While exact post-interview acceptance rates aren’t published, historically Creighton extends offers to roughly double the class size to fill all spots forums.studentdoctor.net. This means that a significant proportion of those who interview (perhaps around half) ultimately receive an acceptance, underscoring that an interview invite is a positive indicator. Overall, applicants have ranked Creighton’s interviews as a positive experience – among the top quartile in terms of impression – and described them as fair and even enjoyable studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net.

Creighton University is a Jesuit, Catholic institution, and the School of Dentistry’s mission and values reflect this heritage. The dental school is guided by the principle of cura personalis, meaning “care for the whole person,” emphasizing compassion and holistic care of patients creighton.edu. The School of Dentistry’s mission statement is to prepare competent and compassionate oral health professionals to improve the health of our diverse society creighton.edu. In line with this mission, the school’s vision is to produce graduates and alumni who are community leaders guided by ethics, professionalism, service, social justice, and Jesuit values creighton.edu. These ideals permeate the program’s culture and expectations.

Creighton’s core values for the School of Dentistry align with both Jesuit educational philosophy and contemporary healthcare priorities. The school stresses providing person-centered, comprehensive oral healthcare and preparing students to practice evidence-based dentistry as lifelong learners creighton.edu. There is a clear emphasis on social responsibility: students are encouraged to embrace their duty to community and profession, and to foster a culture of inquiry and scholarship that advances dentistry creighton.edu. In essence, Creighton values clinical excellence achieved ethically and in service of others. Interviewees should be aware that demonstrating a commitment to these values – such as a desire to serve and an appreciation for treating patients as whole persons – resonates with the school’s mission.

The DDS program at Creighton is characterized by rigorous academics, extensive clinical training, and a strong service orientation. Creighton has a long history (founded in 1905) and a national reach, attracting students from across the country. The curriculum is designed to produce “practice-ready” dentists creighton.edu through early and continuous hands-on experience. A state-of-the-art 200,000-square-foot dental school facility opened in 2018, providing cutting-edge technology and expanded clinical space creighton.edu. Students benefit from modern simulation labs and digital dentistry resources, as well as a busy on-site clinic serving the Omaha community creighton.edu. The program also integrates Jesuit values by encouraging reflection, community engagement, and ethical practice throughout the four years of study. Below are some key facts and features of Creighton’s program (each of which can spark thoughtful questions during an interview):

• Extensive Clinical Experience: Creighton’s dental clinic serves over 14,000 patients each year, accounting for more than 44,000 patient visits annually (including thousands of pediatric visits) creighton.edu creighton.edu. This high patient volume, one of the largest in dental schools, means students treat a wide variety of cases and gain considerable hands-on practice. (Potential question to ask: “How does the program ensure that students manage such a high volume of patients while maintaining quality of care and learning?”)
• Service and Community Outreach: True to its mission, Creighton leads in producing dentists who serve in underserved areas. In fact, more Creighton dental alumni work in rural and underserved communities than those of any other private dental school in the U.S. creighton.edu. All fourth-year students participate in an Extramural Education Program that sends them to rotations at 21 federally qualified health centers, tribal clinics, and rural practices across seven states creighton.edu. These outreach experiences build cultural competence and address regional dental care shortages. (Potential question to ask: “Can you tell me more about the extramural rotations and how they prepare students to work with underserved populations?”)
• Modern Facilities and Technology: Creighton’s new dental building houses advanced training resources. For example, the Wilwerding-DiLorenzo Digital Technology Center allows students to practice with CAD/CAM and the latest dental technologies creighton.edu. There are high-tech simulation stations and digital scanners that enhance preclinical learning creighton.edu. The clinic itself is designed for efficiency and increased capacity to serve patients creighton.edu. (Potential question to ask: “How do students get trained in emerging dental technologies and digital dentistry at Creighton?”)
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Uniquely, the School of Dentistry shares an interdisciplinary approach with Creighton’s other health programs. The building features a Collaborative Care Health Office that unites dental, medical, and nursing services to address patients’ overall health questions in one place creighton.edu. Dental students thus gain experience working alongside other healthcare professionals, reflecting real-world team-based care. (Potential question to ask: “In what ways do dental students collaborate with medical or nursing students during their education?”)
• Student Body and Culture: Each incoming DDS class is around 115 students creighton.edu. Creighton draws students from roughly 30 different states, including many from states without their own dental school (about one-third of each class comes from such states) creighton.edu. This geographic diversity contributes to a rich learning environment where peers share varied perspectives and experiences. The atmosphere is often described as supportive and close-knit, consistent with Creighton’s emphasis on community and Jesuit values. (Potential question to ask: “How does Creighton support students coming from many different states and backgrounds to build a strong sense of community?”)

These program highlights not only distinguish Creighton’s School of Dentistry but also provide great material for discussion during interviews. Being familiar with such details allows applicants to demonstrate genuine interest. For instance, noting the new facilities or the extramural rotations can lead to insightful questions that show you have done your research and are envisioning yourself in the program. Creighton’s interviewers appreciate when candidates engage in a dialogue, so understanding these aspects of the school enables a more meaningful conversation.

Dentistry does not exist in a vacuum, and dental school interviews often touch on broader healthcare issues. For Creighton – given its mission and location – several policy and current-event topics are particularly pertinent. Awareness of these themes can help applicants demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the profession’s context and may inform thoughtful responses or questions during the interview.

• Access to Care in Underserved Communities: Nebraska and many surrounding states face shortages of dental providers in rural and low-income areas. Creighton is actively involved in addressing this issue (for example, through its extramural rotations and by graduating many dentists who go on to serve rural communities) creighton.edu creighton.edu. A discussion about access to oral healthcare – such as barriers for underserved populations or strategies to encourage practice in high-need areas – would be very relevant. As a Jesuit institution, Creighton aligns with policies and initiatives that promote service to marginalized communities, so an applicant might be asked about or choose to discuss ideas for improving dental care access.
• Oral Healthcare Coverage and Public Health Policy: Nationally, there is growing attention on the gap in dental insurance and the impact on public health. Almost 27% of U.S. adults lack dental insurance (compared to under 10% without medical insurance) time.com, leading to untreated dental disease and broader health implications. Interviewers could potentially bring up questions about recent policy developments, such as states expanding Medicaid to include adult dental benefits apnews.com or debates about integrating dental care into general healthcare policy (for instance, proposals to add dental coverage to Medicare or marketplace insurance plans). Demonstrating awareness of how policy changes might improve or challenge oral health outcomes (e.g. funding for community clinics, public fluoridation efforts, etc.) shows your interest in dentistry’s role in society.
• Workforce and Licensure Initiatives: Another relevant topic is the dental workforce distribution and licensure flexibility. Nebraska, for example, has considered joining the new Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (legislation introduced in 2025) to ease licensure reciprocity nebraskalegislature.gov. This kind of policy allows dentists to move across member states more easily, potentially helping areas that lack providers. Being aware of licensure requirements, interstate compacts, or how the dental profession is regulated can be useful in discussion. It ties into Creighton’s geographic reach—since Creighton trains many out-of-state students, interstate practice mobility is meaningful. An interviewer might not directly ask about licensure laws, but a savvy applicant could reference the concept when talking about practicing in different states or serving communities elsewhere.
• Interprofessional and Holistic Care Trends: In line with national healthcare trends, there is an increasing emphasis on integrating oral health with overall health. Creighton’s collaborative approach (working with medical and nursing colleagues) reflects a broader policy push towards interprofessional education and team-based care. Topics like the importance of dentists collaborating with other health professionals, or the role of dentistry in systemic health issues (e.g. recognizing diabetes or heart disease links to oral health), are contemporary and regionally relevant as healthcare systems in Nebraska and beyond strive for a more holistic approach. An applicant prepared to discuss how dentists fit into the wider healthcare landscape – possibly referencing Creighton’s own interprofessional initiatives – will align well with the program’s values.

Staying informed on these issues can help candidates connect their personal goals to Creighton’s environment. For instance, if you have opinions or knowledge about improving rural healthcare or expanding access to the uninsured, you can weave that into your interview (when appropriate) to show that you understand the challenges and missions that schools like Creighton prioritize. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert on policy, but demonstrating curiosity and awareness of key topics in dentistry can set you apart.

Like many dental schools, Creighton uses a holistic admissions process. Beyond strong grades and DAT scores, the School of Dentistry looks for well-rounded individuals who embody values and experiences that predict success as a student and a dentist. The admissions committee explicitly considers an applicant’s leadership experience, community service, and exposure to dentistry (such as shadowing hours) as important factors, among others creighton.edu. In fact, Creighton’s holistic review means they will read your entire application – personal statement, activities, letters – to gauge characteristics like empathy, commitment to service, teamwork, and communication skills in addition to academic ability. Below are some of the key non-academic criteria and qualities that Creighton emphasizes:

• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership ability is valued creighton.edu. This could be through holding offices in clubs, organizing events, mentoring roles, or other experiences where you took initiative and responsibility. Creighton sees leadership as an indicator of strong interpersonal skills and the potential to be a community leader in line with the school’s vision.
• Service and Volunteerism: A commitment to serving others is paramount and aligns with Creighton’s Jesuit mission creighton.edu. Applicants who have significant community service, volunteer work, or mission trips (especially related to healthcare or vulnerable populations) show that they share the school’s dedication to social justice and helping those in need. Service-minded individuals tend to thrive in Creighton’s culture and are likely to continue that ethos in their careers.
• Dental Exposure (Shadowing/Experience): Creighton expects applicants to have explored dentistry directly, typically through shadowing dentists or working in dental settings creighton.edu. Having substantial shadowing hours (and reflecting on those experiences) demonstrates that you understand the profession you’re entering and have genuine motivation. It also often provides material for discussion in interviews (e.g. talking about what you learned from a dentist you shadowed).
• Research and Other Extracurriculars: While not explicitly required, engaging in research or other substantial extracurricular projects can strengthen an application. Research experience shows intellectual curiosity and perseverance, and it ties into Creighton’s value of fostering inquiry to advance the profession. Other activities like artistic talents, sports, or unique hobbies can also paint a picture of a well-rounded person. The key is that Creighton is looking for students who will contribute diverse skills and interests to the class.
• Diversity and Cultural Competence: Creighton believes that a diverse student body enhances everyone’s education and prepares dentists who can serve all segments of society creighton.edu. The school seeks applicants from varied backgrounds (ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, etc.) and values experiences that have increased your cultural awareness. Showing that you can work with people from different walks of life – and that you appreciate diversity – is viewed positively. This is connected to the goal of training culturally competent professionals who will improve access to care for underserved populations creighton.edu.

In an interview, you can expect that some questions or discussions will probe these non-academic areas. Interviewers might ask about your leadership roles or volunteer work, or simply notice them in your file and invite you to elaborate. Be prepared to talk about what you learned from your experiences and how they shaped your desire to pursue dentistry. Creighton, in particular, will be receptive to hearing about instances where you lived out values of service, leadership, teamwork, and compassion, since those directly connect to the kind of community they build on campus.

Dental education is guided by competency frameworks that outline the skills and attributes a graduating dentist must have. Creighton’s program is structured to ensure students achieve all the competencies required for general dentists, while also infusing the school’s unique ethos. By the time they graduate, Creighton students are expected to be proficient across all domains of dental practice: from diagnostics and clinical treatment to patient communication and ethical practice. The curriculum and training experiences at Creighton reflect these competencies.

One way to understand Creighton’s framework is to look at what the program emphasizes you will learn. According to the school, students in the DDS program learn to become excellent diagnosticians and to confidently manage all phases of comprehensive dental care creighton.edu. They are trained in pain management and in exercising a calming, compassionate influence on patients – highlighting the competency of patient-centered care and communication creighton.edu. Effective communication skills are honed both in oral and written forms, reflecting the need for dentists to communicate with patients, colleagues, and health teams creighton.edu. Embracing new technology is another competency: Creighton teaches students to use advanced digital tools (like CAD/CAM) to enhance patient treatment creighton.edu, which aligns with the profession’s growing emphasis on digital dentistry and practice management technology.

Crucially, Creighton integrates ethics and service into its competency framework. The principle of cura personalis and the Jesuit tradition instill in students the value of caring for the whole person creighton.edu, which translates to competencies in professionalism and ethical reasoning in patient care. Students learn how serving others can enrich their professional lives and improve community health creighton.edu – effectively making service a professional competency. By graduation, Creighton expects its students to not only be clinically skilled and scientifically knowledgeable, but also to be compassionate practitioners who can lead in their communities. This combination echoes the competencies outlined by the American Dental Education Association and CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation), which include patient care, communication, professionalism, critical thinking, health promotion, and practice management. Creighton’s unique contribution is framing these within a context of justice and service. An interviewee might not be asked to list competencies, but showing an understanding of these areas – for example, mentioning the importance of evidence-based practice or ethical patient-centered decision-making – will demonstrate that you’re aligned with what Creighton strives to teach.

Over the years, certain themes have consistently appeared in Creighton’s interview questions and prompts. While each interview is different, and Creighton’s conversational style means topics can vary widely, applicants have reported a few common focal points. Understanding these themes can help you reflect on relevant experiences and be ready to discuss them. Importantly, Creighton’s interviews have often emphasized getting to know the applicant and gauging fit with the school, rather than technical or ethical grilling. Here are some prevalent themes from past interview questions:

• “Why Creighton?” – School-specific motivation: Nearly every candidate can expect to address why they want to attend Creighton’s School of Dentistry studentdoctor.net. Interviewers want to know what draws you to Creighton’s program in particular. Successful answers usually incorporate knowledge of Creighton’s unique aspects (mission, curriculum, clinical opportunities) and connect them to the applicant’s own goals or values. Be prepared not just to state affinity, but to provide reasons – perhaps the service orientation or the clinical philosophy – that resonate with you personally.
• Passion for Dentistry – “Why dentistry?” and related inquiries: Creighton interviewers will almost certainly explore your motivation for a career in dentistry. This can take the form of a direct question like “Why do you want to be a dentist?” or more creative prompts. For example, one reported question asked the candidate to list “three things you like about dentistry” studentdoctor.net. The intent is to see if you have thoughtfully considered your career choice and to gauge what aspects of dentistry excite you (helping others, artistic hands-on work, problem-solving, etc.). Reflect on the experiences that confirmed your interest in dentistry – these personal anecdotes often make for compelling responses.
• Personal Background and Traits – “Tell us about yourself”: Many Creighton interviews begin with or include an open-ended prompt about the applicant. This might be phrased as “Tell me about yourself” or could be very informal (some interviewers have essentially said, “So, what would you like us to know?”) studentdoctor.net. This is an opportunity to highlight key aspects of your background in a narrative form – your upbringing, education, significant experiences, and qualities that make you a good fit for Creighton. The open-file format means interviewers know your basic stats and activities, but they want to hear how you tie it together. It’s wise to have a concise personal story or several important points about yourself that you can articulate. Creighton’s focus on the whole person means they are listening for attributes like resilience, empathy, commitment, and how you’ve grown through your experiences.
• Applicant’s Questions – a two-way interview: A distinctive theme in Creighton interviews is that interviewers often turn the tables and invite students to ask questions – sometimes for a substantial part of the interview forums.studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. In some cases, candidates were asked if they had any questions right from the start, leading to an interview that felt like the student was interviewing the faculty forums.studentdoctor.net. This approach tests your curiosity and preparation: thoughtful questions demonstrate your interest in Creighton and your priorities in a dental education. Common wisdom is to always have a few specific questions prepared (for faculty or students) about the program. At Creighton, this is even more crucial given that “What are your questions for us?” has been a primary prompt in multiple interviews studentdoctor.net. Good topics include asking about aspects of the curriculum, clinical experiences, community outreach, research opportunities, or faculty mentorship – ideally things not easily answered by the website and that genuinely interest you.

Notably, Creighton’s interview approach tends not to focus on “stress” questions or ethical dilemmas as some schools do, but it’s still wise to be prepared for anything. On rare occasion, an MMI-style scenario or unconventional question might arise, but the predominant pattern is a friendly conversation about you and your fit for Creighton. Reviewing past interview feedback indicates that as long as you know your application well, understand Creighton’s ethos, and can articulate why you want to be there, you will do well. Themes like those above should guide your preparation: clarify your reasons for pursuing dentistry, know why Creighton appeals to you, be ready to discuss your personal journey, and have insightful questions ready to ask.

For those applying in the 2025–2026 admissions cycle (seeking entry in fall 2026), it’s important to keep track of the application timeline. Creighton follows the typical dental school application cycle with some specific dates and deadlines to note. Meeting early deadlines can improve your chances (enabling you to interview in the fall), so being aware of these milestones is part of good interview prep too – it shows you are organized and serious about the process. Here are the key dates for the 2025–2026 cycle as provided by Creighton’s admissions office creighton.edu creighton.edu:

• May 13, 2025 – AADSAS Application Opens: The ADEA AADSAS (centralized dental school application) opens in mid-May creighton.edu. Creighton’s cycle begins at this time, and applicants can start filling out their application. It’s wise to begin early, as Creighton encourages applying as soon as possible once the cycle opens.
• June 3, 2025 – First Day to Submit AADSAS: Although the application opens in May, submissions aren’t accepted until early June creighton.edu. June 3 is the first day AADSAS will transmit applications. Submitting on or soon after this date means your application will be in the first batch that Creighton (and other schools) receives.
• June 10, 2025 – Creighton Supplemental Invitation: Creighton requires a supplemental application (secondary application). Starting around June 10, 2025, Creighton will invite applicants to complete the supplemental shortly after their AADSAS is received and verified creighton.edu. In practice, this means if your primary application is verified by AADSAS, Creighton emails you a link to the supplemental. The supplemental typically includes additional questions and a fee; completing it promptly is important since your application won’t be reviewed until this is done.
• September – November 2025 – Interview Season: Creighton conducts the majority of its interviews in the fall creighton.edu. Typically, interview invitations are sent out on a rolling basis through late summer and fall. If invited, you’ll attend an interview (in recent times possibly virtual, though check if they return to on-campus interviews) during this window. It’s best to apply early, as interview slots can fill up by mid-to-late fall. Historically, Creighton has sometimes finished most interviews by November, but they have a provision for a later interview round if needed.
• December 15, 2025 – Initial Acceptance Notifications: Creighton, like many schools, adheres to the accepted national first notification date in December. For this cycle, the first round of acceptance offers will be released on December 15, 2025 creighton.edu. If you interview in the fall, you could hear good news on that date. Offers are typically sent via email or through AADSAS portals. Keep in mind, December 15 is a big day nationally when many dental schools inform applicants of acceptances.
• Late December 2025 – Application Deadline: Creighton’s final deadline for submitting the AADSAS application is usually around the end of December. (As a reference, for the previous cycle it was December 31, 2024 creighton.edu, so we anticipate December 31, 2025 for the 2025–26 cycle.) This means all primary applications must be in by that date. However, waiting that long is not recommended, as interview spots could be gone. Aim to have your application in well before this deadline.
• Early January 2026 – Supplemental & Document Deadline: Creighton sets an early January deadline for the supplemental application and all required documents. For the prior cycle this was January 6 creighton.edu. By this date, you must have submitted your Creighton supplemental form, fee, and any other materials (such as a photo, if requested). Your file won’t be considered complete without these, and incomplete files won’t be reviewed after the deadline. creighton.edu
• February 2026 – Possible Second Interview Round: Creighton notes that a Spring interview season may be held in February 2026 if needed creighton.edu. Some years, if all spots aren’t filled or if they are considering waitlist candidates, additional interviews can occur in the winter/early spring. This isn’t guaranteed to happen, but it’s a possibility if you haven’t heard back in the fall. Offers from any such late interviews would be made in March.
• March 2026 – Final Acceptance Notifications: If a spring interview round is conducted, final decisions from those would be released by March 2026 creighton.edu. By the end of March (or earlier), the class is typically full and any remaining waitlist movement would occur in late spring or early summer if spots open up. After interviewing, be sure to send any requested updates or letters of intent promptly, as those can sometimes factor into final admissions decisions.

In summary, the timeline stresses the importance of early application (to secure an interview in the main fall cycle) and awareness of key deadlines. Creighton’s admissions website provides these dates, and it’s a good idea to double-check for any updates when the cycle begins. When talking about timelines during interviews or with current students/faculty, having this knowledge shows that you are proactive and well-prepared. It also helps you plan ahead – for example, knowing when you might hear about acceptance allows you to be mentally prepared and perhaps ask intelligent questions about next steps (like financial aid or housing) if you are accepted.

Preparing for a Creighton School of Dentistry interview involves understanding both the school’s distinctive character and the nuts-and-bolts of its admissions process. We’ve reviewed how Creighton’s interviews are conducted and what they tend to focus on, emphasizing the conversational format and alignment with the school’s Jesuit values. We’ve looked at Creighton’s mission, values, and program highlights — from its community-serving clinical education to its modern facilities — which can inform your discussions and the questions you choose to ask. We also covered broader dental industry topics that resonate with Creighton’s ethos, the personal qualities Creighton seeks beyond academics, and the competencies their curriculum instills. Finally, by knowing the 2025–2026 application timeline, you can appreciate where you are in the process and demonstrate diligence. With this insight into Creighton University’s School of Dentistry, you should be well-equipped to articulate why you and Creighton are a great match. Good luck, and remember that authenticity and knowledge are key – let your genuine passion for dentistry and Creighton shine through in the interview.