Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry MMI Practice Questions

How does Dalhousie's focus on evidence-based dentistry match your approach to learning and practice?

The Nova Scotia Dental Association has moved under new provincial regulatory legislation (the Regulated Health Professions Act) as of May 2025, changing from the Provincial Dental Board to the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dentistry and Dental Assisting. This regulatory transformation occurs during a period of significant practice pressures from workforce shortages and the CDCP implementation. How might these simultaneous regulatory and practice environment changes impact professional standards and patient safety in Nova Scotia's dental sector?

Tell me about yourself.

Why dentistry?

Why Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry?

What do you do if a colleague has a substance abuse problem?

How do you relate to our mission?

How would you contribute to the collaborative learning environment at Dalhousie's Faculty of Dentistry?

Should there be regulations on dentists' ability to balance privately-paying patients with those covered by provincial or public programs?

Who is your role model?

Dental tourism to other countries for cheaper procedures is increasingly common among Canadians. While the procedures may be less expensive, there are concerns about quality control, follow-up care, and recourse if complications arise. Should Canada regulate or restrict dental tourism? Discuss the implications of this policy with the interviewer.

How does Dalhousie's commitment to Indigenous health and cultural competency resonate with your values?

Should provincial dental coverage guidelines (where they exist) be reformed to consider patient choice more heavily in coverage decisions?

What would you do if a patient refused treatment?

How would living and studying in Halifax contribute to your personal and professional development?

How will you handle burnout and being overwhelmed?

What are dentists' ethical obligations when patients request treatments not covered by their private insurance or provincial dental programs?

A viral blog post asserts that "organic diets cure cancer," citing several testimonials from individuals who claim remission after eliminating processed foods. The post criticizes oncologists for "profiting from chemotherapy" and argues that "pharmaceutical science ignores nature's cures." The author includes references to "a study" without citation, and dismisses contradictory data as "corporate propaganda." Evaluate the strength of the arguments presented. What logical or ethical issues arise in promoting such claims to vulnerable populations?

What is the difference between sympathy and empathy?

If you were a kitchen appliance, which one would you be and why?

What would you do if a teenager confides they're being abused at home but begs you not to tell anyone?

If you could choose one superpower what would it be?

What is your biggest regret?

If animals could talk, which species would be the rudest?

Do you think it's ever ethical to lie to a patient?

What aspects of Dalhousie's commitment to serving Atlantic Canada's oral health needs resonate with you?

A hospital press release promotes its new "AI-assisted triage system," which ranks patients by predicted survival rate to maximize efficiency. The administration reports shorter wait times and fewer administrative errors. However, some staff have noticed that patients from minority backgrounds are systematically ranked lower, potentially due to bias in the training data. Hospital leadership insists that "the algorithm is objective" and that "efficiency is our ethical duty." Critically analyze this justification. What ethical concerns and reasoning flaws might you identify?

What would be the worst superpower to have?

Healthcare students learn procedures on real patients. Is this ethical, given that students are less skilled?

Can compassion be taught?

Describe a situation where you made a mistake that affected others. What did you do?

If you were a soup, what kind would you be?

How would you explain the internet to someone from the 1800s?

What do you do for fun?

How many rubber ducks would it take to fill this room?

Should lifestyle choices (smoking, obesity, non-compliance) affect priority for organ transplants?

You are a dental resident. A patient asks you to prescribe antibiotics for a toothache without coming in for an exam because they can't afford the appointment. What do you do?

What aspects of Dalhousie's research opportunities in oral health align with your career interests?

You are a dental student on outreach. You're treating new immigrants who have limited English proficiency. One patient needs a complex procedure explained, but interpretation services aren't available and their family member is translating. You're not confident the translation is accurate. What do you do?

How would living and studying in the Maritimes enhance your dental education experience?

Should Canada expand private dental insurance options or create a public-private hybrid dental care system?

The Canada Dental Care Plan has created significant concerns among Nova Scotia dental practices about workforce capacity, with estimates suggesting the province needs 40 additional dental hygienists and 70 dental assistants by 2025 to handle increased patient volume. Many dentists are already not accepting new patients, and the Nova Scotia Dental Association has warned about longer wait times for crucial dental care. How should the profession balance the ethical imperative to increase access to care for underserved populations with the practical reality of existing workforce shortages that could compromise care quality for all patients?

Dr. Sharma often prescribes vitamin supplements to patients complaining of low energy. She knows there is no clear evidence of deficiency, but believes "it can't hurt and might make them feel cared for." Consider the ethical issues raised by Dr. Sharma's actions. What professional obligations might conflict here?

Walk me through a period when you were overwhelmed with responsibilities. How did you use to get through it?

Should Nova Scotia implement differential reimbursement rates under the Canada Dental Care Plan to incentivize dental practice participation in underserved areas, even if this creates payment disparities within the province?

What are Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry's values?

What do you know about Dalhousie's community outreach programs and how would you participate?

Do you think pharmaceutical companies should be allowed to advertise drugs to consumers?

You discover a popular local business (a major employer and your organization's biggest donor) is illegally dumping chemicals likely causing elevated cancer rates. You have preliminary but not conclusive data. Going public might cause panic and lawsuits that destroy your organization's funding (affecting 500 families). Waiting for conclusive evidence (2-3 years) means more exposure. What do you do?

What interests you about Dalhousie's interdisciplinary approach to dental education?

Tell me about a time when you were impacted by miscommunication.

Indigenous communities often have distrust of mainstream healthcare. How should the healthcare system address historical harms and build trust?

What would you do if a coworker is taking credit for your work on a group project.

You're leading a student health initiative when you discover that a fellow student leader has been embezzling small amounts of money from the organization's budget over several months (totaling about $2,000). When you confront them, they admit it but explain that their family was evicted and they needed money for food and supplies for their younger siblings. They're the first in their family to attend university and are working two jobs while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. They're devastated and ashamed, offer to pay it back over time, and beg you not to report it because it would mean expulsion and loss of their scholarship. Your organization's constitution requires reporting any financial irregularities to the dean. What do you do?

Rural Nova Scotia communities face significant challenges accessing dental care, and the Canada Dental Care Plan may exacerbate these disparities if urban practices become overwhelmed with new patients while rural areas remain underserved. The province has experience with innovative models like Collaborative Emergency Centres for medical care. Consider the ethical implications of healthcare resource distribution in a province where geographic barriers already limit access. Should Nova Scotia develop specialized rural dental delivery models, and what ethical framework should guide decisions about where to concentrate limited dental resources?

You accidentally receive an email from your supervisor that contains private performance evaluations, including criticism of a close friend. Later that day, your friend mentions feeling anxious about whether management trusts them. What do you do?

Cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and veneers are lucrative but not medically necessary. Some dentists heavily market these services, while others focus primarily on preventive and restorative care. Is it ethically acceptable for dentists to prioritize cosmetic procedures over treating patients with medical need? What ethical framework should guide this decision? Discuss with the interviewer.

What was your most challenging experience?

Is it ethical for pharmaceutical companies to charge high prices for life-saving medications?

What is your favorite movie?

What would you do if a colleague comes to work smelling of alcohol?

What would you do if a colleague of yours made a mistake and doesn't want to tell the patient?

What makes you special?

What are your weaknesses?

Dental care is currently not included in Canada's universal healthcare system, unlike physician and hospital services. Recent proposals have suggested adding basic dental coverage to the public system, particularly for children and low-income adults. Do you think dental care should be part of Canada's public healthcare system? Discuss the implications with the interviewer.

What do you know about Dalhousie's clinical facilities and how they would enhance your dental education?

How does Dalhousie's emphasis on early clinical exposure align with your learning preferences?

Why do you want to go to school in Halifax?

What attracts you specifically to Dalhousie's competency-based dental curriculum?

What controversial healthcare topic are you passionate about?

Many rare diseases affect too few people for pharmaceutical companies to profitably develop treatments. Should governments mandate research into rare diseases, redirect funding from common diseases, or accept that resources must be allocated where they help the most people?

Water fluoridation has been shown to reduce dental cavities, particularly in children. However, some communities have voted to remove fluoride from their water due to concerns about potential health effects and individual choice. Should water fluoridation be mandatory across Canada? Consider the implications for public health and autonomy. Discuss with the interviewer.

Describe a time you had to respect someone's autonomy even when you disagreed with their choice

Should patients have the right to request a healthcare provider of a specific gender, race, or cultural background?

What community service activities have you done?

What are your strengths?

Many Indigenous communities in Canada lack dental services entirely. Some have proposed mandatory service requirements for dentists, requiring them to work in underserved areas for a period after graduation. Should Canada implement mandatory service requirements for dentists in exchange for publicly subsidized education? Discuss with the interviewer.

What will you do if you do not get into dental school?

A friend owes you $200 from three months ago and keeps avoiding the topic. Now they're posting on social media about an expensive concert they just attended. How do you address this?

Should healthcare professionals be required to receive certain vaccinations?

Tell me about a time you failed.

A classmate you barely know asks to copy your homework, explaining they've been dealing with a family emergency and haven't had time to complete it. What do you do?

You are a dentist. A patient comes in for a routine cleaning and you notice signs of severe teeth grinding and jaw tension. When you gently ask about stress, they break down crying and reveal they're in an abusive relationship. They're terrified and beg you not to document anything 'in case their partner requests my records—they control everything and check my phone and emails.' They explain that any evidence of them seeking help could escalate the danger. You want to help them, but you also have professional obligations regarding documentation and mandatory reporting in certain situations. The patient is a competent adult making a specific request. What would you do? What factors would you consider?

If you were a fruit, which one would you be and why?

Teach me something.

What would you do if you caught a classmate cheating?

What aspects of studying dentistry in the Maritime provinces appeal to you?

You are a dental student on clinical rotation. Your supervising dentist insists on recommending a crown, but you believe a filling would suffice. When you mention this, they say 'This is how we practice here.' What do you do?

Should Nova Scotia prioritize expanding dental education seats at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Dentistry over other healthcare program expansions, given the current dental workforce crisis?

What would you do if your employer forced you to work over Thanksgiving weekend, interfering with your family plans?

You are a pediatric dentist. A child needs fillings but is extremely anxious and uncooperative. The frustrated parent demands you 'just hold them down and get it done.' What do you do?

Tell me about a time you experienced a team conflict and how you resolved it.

You're on a scholarship committee choosing between two equally qualified finalists: Candidate A overcame homelessness and foster care (first in family to attend university), Candidate B has a disability and spent years advocating for accessibility (worked three times harder than peers for same grades). You can only choose one. Another committee member reveals Candidate A's essay was heavily edited by a mentor, while B's is entirely their own work. Who do you choose?

Tell me about a time you exhibited leadership.

Should gender-affirming care be available to minors? What factors should be considered?

You’re working in a research lab when you discover that your supervisor has failed to report a conflict of interest—he’s consulting for the company funding the study. You depend on him for a strong reference for grad school. What do you do?

A team project wins an award. You and a peer did equal work, but only you were mentioned in the press release. Your supervisor congratulates you publicly. Correcting the record may jeopardize your relationship with them. What do you do?

You are graduating from dental school. You have two job offers: a high-end cosmetic practice with excellent pay, or a community health center serving underserved populations with lower pay but loan forgiveness. Your partner prefers the higher salary. How would you decide?

A patient you've been working with for months asks you out on a date. How do you handle this?

Should childhood vaccinations be mandatory for school attendance, or should parents have the right to refuse?

Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a teammate, supervisor, or friend.

You are a dentist. A patient from a remote Indigenous community traveled several hours to see you. They have extensive dental disease that could have been prevented with regular care, but there are no dental services in their community. What do you do?

How would you fix the healthcare system?

Some provinces have proposed creating mid-level dental providers, similar to dental therapists, who can perform basic procedures at lower cost in underserved areas. Dental associations have raised concerns about training standards and scope of practice. Should Canada expand the use of mid-level dental providers to improve access? Discuss this policy with the interviewer.

A close friend in your study group admits they copied answers from another student on a recent exam but asks you not to tell anyone. How do you respond?

You are a dentist working in a long-term care facility. An elderly patient with dementia refuses an extraction, but their daughter with power of attorney insists it's necessary. What would you do?

Tell me about a time you changed your mind after learning new information.

What is an ethical dilemma you have faced?

Tell me about your lowest grade.

How does Dalhousie's emphasis on community outreach and service learning align with your personal values?

You can eliminate one color from existence. Which one and why?

You are a dentist working near the border. A patient mentions they're considering going to the US for cheaper dental implants, even though they'd have to pay out-of-pocket in both countries. They've found a clinic offering the procedure for significantly less. They ask for your opinion on 'dental tourism.' What would you consider? What would you say?

What would you do if someone in a group project falsified data?

You are a dentist in private practice. A patient needs $15,000 in dental work but can only afford $800 for extractions. Extractions solve immediate pain but cause long-term problems. What do you do?

You’re catching a ride home from a friend who begins texting while driving. When you ask them to stop, they brush you off and say, “Relax, I do this all the time.” How do you respond?

Describe a time when you identified an unfair policy or practice and took action to address it.

What are the ethical obligations of Nova Scotia dental practices that choose not to participate in the Canada Dental Care Plan, particularly given the province's existing access challenges?

What are three words people who know you would use to describe you?

Should healthcare institutions implement mandatory unconscious bias training for all staff and students?

A government report suggests reducing hospital electricity usage by lowering air conditioning levels, switching to biodegradable single-use instruments, and restricting high-energy medical imaging for non-urgent cases. Officials claim this is necessary to meet carbon neutrality goals. Critics warn that such policies could endanger patient safety and comfort. Critically examine this policy's reasoning. How should public health balance environmental responsibility and patient care?

What are dentists' ethical obligations when they believe financial constraints on patients force suboptimal treatment decisions?

Should dental school enrollment in Canada be substantially increased to address dentist shortages?

You're at a party and a friend insists on driving herself home, even though she has been drinking. What do you do?

What role should technology and AI play in the future of healthcare?

You are the clinical director of a community dental outreach program. You can see 20 patients today but 50 are waiting, many who traveled hours. An organizer suggests serving those who arrived earliest, but you notice many with urgent needs arrived late because they had transportation difficulties. Some people in the front of the line clearly have routine needs while others further back appear to have painful infections or broken teeth. You also notice that the waiting crowd includes elderly individuals, parents with young children, and people who may have taken time off work to be here. What would you recommend? What factors would you consider?

You are a dentist. A patient with severe dental phobia has avoided dentists for 15 years and now has multiple infected teeth. They're having a panic attack in your chair. What do you do?

What is your biggest fear?

A 16-year-old you recognize as your neighbor's daughter requests emergency contraception at your clinic. She's terrified and begs you not to tell her strict religious parents. She mentions her boyfriend is 19 (potential statutory rape). When you discuss reporting requirements, she threatens self-harm if anyone finds out. What are your competing obligations? What do you do first? What if she insists the relationship is consensual?

What would you do if a group member isn't doing their part?

You are a dental student on rotation. You discover the practice owner is billing insurance for procedures not performed or performed by students. The practice is profitable and reporting it might affect your position. What do you do?

Dentists sometimes encounter patients who need extensive restorative work but can only afford extractions. Extractions solve immediate pain but lead to long-term complications like bone loss and difficulty eating. Is it ethically acceptable for a dentist to perform a less optimal but affordable treatment when a better treatment exists but is financially inaccessible to the patient? What ethical principles are at stake? Discuss with the interviewer.

Should people with unhealthy lifestyles (e.g., smokers, heavy drinkers) have reduced access to certain treatments?

Is it ethically acceptable for dentists to recommend that patients seek care at dental schools or community clinics when private treatment is unaffordable?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

The Nova Scotia Dental Association's 2024 Oral Health Report indicates that nearly one in five Nova Scotians are waiting longer for dental hygiene appointments compared to a year ago, and the CDCP will bring an influx of new patients into an already stretched system. Some Nova Scotians may be forced to find new dentists if their regular dentist doesn't enroll in the CDCP, which would be devastating for rural and remote communities. Analyze the ethical tensions between individual patient-provider relationships and population-level access to care. When systemic changes disrupt established therapeutic relationships, what are the profession's obligations to minimize harm while maximizing benefit?

You discover a colleague has been embellishing their credentials—claiming degrees from prestigious schools when they actually graduated from less-known programs. They're exceptionally good at their job, patients love them, and outcomes are excellent. But they lied on their application. Do you report it? What if they came from poverty and believed (possibly correctly) they'd never get hired without prestigious credentials?

What would you do if a team member isn’t contributing on a group project?

What is the biggest problem in healthcare today?

What is your learning style?

What draws you to studying dentistry in Halifax specifically?

A grateful patient leaves a $100 gift card and a thank-you note at the front desk addressed specifically to you. What do you do?

How would you contribute to Dalhousie's collaborative learning environment and small class size dynamics?

In times of resource scarcity—such as limited ICU beds or transplant organs—some argue younger patients should be prioritized because they have more potential years of life. Others claim all lives should be valued equally, regardless of age. Discuss the ethical implications of using age as a factor in allocating scarce medical resources.

What do you think about stem cell research?

What role should traditional or indigenous healing practices play in modern healthcare systems?

What was the most difficult decision you have ever had to make?

How do you study?

Should gene editing technologies like CRISPR be used to enhance human traits (not just treat disease) in future generations?

In Canada, dental care is not covered by universal healthcare, creating significant access barriers for low-income individuals. Dentists working in community health centers often see patients who have suffered for years with untreated dental disease. Do dentists have an ethical obligation to provide pro bono care to those who cannot afford treatment? What are the limits of this obligation? Discuss your position with the interviewer.

You’re walking out of a coffee shop when you notice someone drop their wallet. You pick it up and realize there’s a large amount of cash inside, but no ID. You also notice the person quickly leaving in a taxi before you can call out. What do you do?

You discover a classmate is using AI to generate their reflective essays about patient interactions—essays meant to develop empathy and self-awareness. The AI-generated reflections are actually better written and more insightful than most students' authentic ones. They're getting top marks and genuinely learning from reading what the AI produces. What do you do?

You see a friend post misleading health information on social media that’s getting lots of attention. How do you handle it?

Describe a situation where you had to navigate cultural differences in a team or work environment.

Describe a situation where you had to maintain professionalism under difficult or frustrating circumstances.

Tell me about a time you had to advocate for someone who wasn’t being heard.

How should Nova Scotia balance the competing priorities of supporting private dental practice autonomy versus implementing public policy measures to ensure adequate dental care access across the province?

If you had to be a piece of furniture in a hospital, what would you be?

Tell me about a skill or knowledge area where you've shown significant improvement over time. What was your learning process?

What would you do if a patient's family requests you not tell the patient about their diagnosis?

Should students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive preferential admission to health professions programs?

You’re volunteering at a community mental-health clinic. During a family dinner, your brother proudly mentions that he just hired a new employee named Rachel. You realize it’s a patient from your clinic who has a history of manic episodes that recently caused workplace disruptions. What do you do?

Dental practices sometimes recommend treatments that may be considered preventive or elective rather than immediately necessary, such as replacing old fillings or performing deep cleanings. Some patients feel pressured into accepting treatments they're unsure they need. Is it ethically acceptable to recommend treatments that provide marginal benefit when patients have limited understanding of clinical necessity? Discuss your opinion with the interviewer.

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?

Convince me that a potato is the most important invention in human history.

Do you believe diversity is important in a healthcare setting? Why or why not?

What are your thoughts on the role of private vs. public healthcare?

Describe a moment when you connected with someone who was going through a difficult time.

Many Indigenous communities in Canada have limited or no access to dental services, leading to severe dental disease, particularly in children. Dentists who visit these communities on short-term missions must often perform multiple extractions on young children due to advanced decay. Do dentists have an ethical obligation to advocate for systemic changes in dental care access beyond providing individual clinical care? Discuss the ethical considerations with the interviewer.

You accidentally see a text on your roommate's phone suggesting they're cheating on their long-term partner, who is also your friend. What, if anything, do you do?

Should Nova Scotia implement targeted dental workforce training incentives specifically designed to address the critical shortage of registered dental assistants and hygienists, even if this requires diverting resources from other healthcare training programs?

Describe a time working with someone you did not like.

What is one of your strengths in a leadership role?

As AI becomes better at diagnosis than human doctors, should we rely more on AI decision-making?

If your life were a movie, what would the theme?

You are a dentist. An elderly patient on a fixed pension needs dentures costing $2,500. They don't qualify for any government dental programs. They mention they're skipping meals because they can't chew properly. What do you do?

If you could add one law to the laws of physics, what would it be?

You're managing a small rural health center during a severe flu outbreak. You have 10 doses of antiviral medication left, but 25 high-risk patients need it. Among those waiting: elderly nursing home residents, pregnant women, healthcare workers who are essential to keep the clinic running, children with asthma, and adults caring for disabled family members. How do you decide who receives the medication?

How many golf balls fit in an airplane?

Tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex scientific concept to someone without a science background. How did you approach it?

What do you think are important qualities for a dentist?

An economics think tank proposes legalizing the sale of kidneys to reduce transplant waiting lists. They argue that a regulated market would prevent black-market exploitation, compensate donors fairly, and save lives. Critics claim it would commodify the human body and exploit the poor. The report dismisses these objections as "emotional resistance to economic reality." Discuss the logical and ethical merits and weaknesses of this proposal.

You are a dental resident. A patient needs extensive dental work totaling $8,000. They have medical coverage through their provincial health plan but no dental insurance. They're shocked that dental care isn't covered and ask why they have to choose between dental health and paying rent. What would you say?

How does Dalhousie's focus on Indigenous health initiatives align with your values?

What attracts you specifically to Dalhousie's integrated curriculum that combines traditional didactic learning with early clinical exposure?

If you could have dinner with anyone, who and why?

A coworker asks you to clock them in when they'll be 30 minutes late, saying their supervisor is 'unreasonably strict' and they might get fired for being late again. What do you do?

Should healthcare workers strike if working conditions are unsafe for them or their patients?

During a public health crisis, when is it appropriate to mandate masks, lockdowns, or quarantines? Where should individual freedom end?

Nova Scotia dentists are concerned that employers may drop private dental insurance plans now that the Canada Dental Care Plan exists, potentially leaving patients with reduced coverage since the federal program may not match existing private benefits. The Nova Scotia Dental Association warns this could worsen access to comprehensive dental care. Consider the ethical implications when private insurance coverage that patients have relied upon is potentially eliminated due to government program implementation. How should dental professionals advocate for their patients' interests when policy changes may inadvertently reduce overall coverage?

How does Dalhousie's integration of research opportunities into the dental program appeal to you?

Tell me about a time when you recognized a personal limitation or weakness that was affecting your performance. What did you do about it?

A colleague you respect makes a dismissive comment toward a patient from a marginalized background. You know confronting them could damage your working relationship. What do you do?

You overhear colleagues spreading a harmful rumor about a co-worker’s personal life. You consider reporting it, but one of the people gossiping is close to your manager. The targeted colleague is unaware but already seems isolated. How do you handle this, knowing it could affect your standing in the team?

What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?

Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

How do you handle stress?

How might the transition to dental school affect you.

Who should receive an organ transplant: a convicted felon or an uninsured mother?

While volunteering at a community center, a family refuses to vaccinate their children due to religious beliefs. The father quietly tells you he disagrees but fears community backlash if he consents. What do you do?

What interests you about the opportunity to serve diverse patient populations through Dalhousie's community clinics?

Should Canada include basic dental care in its universal healthcare system with adequate public funding?

Is it ethically problematic for dentists to work in multiple private practices or both public health clinics and private practice simultaneously?

Your roommate confides in you that they have been struggling with depression and occasionally use prescription medication that was not prescribed to them. They ask you not to tell anyone. How do you respond?

Do dentists have an ethical obligation to advocate for patients when treatment delays or access issues occur due to limitations in Canada's private dental care system?

You're working at an organization when you discover that your mentor—someone who has been instrumental in your development, advocated for you repeatedly, and is genuinely kind—has been quietly discriminating against certain job applicants based on protected characteristics. They're subtle about it (finding 'legitimate' reasons to reject candidates), but the pattern is clear. When you carefully raise concerns, they become defensive and hurt, saying you've misunderstood and that they've 'always supported diversity.' You have documented evidence, but reporting it would likely end their career and damage your own reputation by association. They're also dealing with a family crisis and are in a fragile state. However, their behavior is harming people and perpetuating inequality. What's your responsibility here?