IUSD Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) is the only dental school in Indiana and educates roughly 80% of the state’s dentists dentistry.iu.edu. The school’s mission centers on advancing oral and systemic health through excellence in education, research, patient care, and community service dentistry.iu.edu. IUSD’s interview process reflects a holistic admissions philosophy – it includes personal interviews with low stress and conversational tone, an evaluation of applicants’ character and ethics, and even scenario-based discussions to gauge problem-solving. This guide provides insights into IUSD’s interview format, core mission and values, program highlights (with ideas for thoughtful questions to ask interviewers), relevant policy topics in dentistry, and the non-academic qualities IUSD seeks. It also outlines the competency framework that shapes the DDS curriculum, common themes from past interview questions, and key application timelines for the 2025–2026 cycle.

Interviews at IUSD are conducted in a traditional format rather than MMI. Applicants typically participate in two one-on-one interviews – often one with a faculty member and one with a current student – which are open-file, meaning interviewers have reviewed the candidate’s application studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. The style is generally conversational and low-pressure; past interviewees have rated the stress level around 3.3/10 on average studentdoctor.net. Interviewers commonly reference details from the application (for example, asking about specific hobbies or experiences the applicant mentioned) and may pose ethical or problem-solving scenarios for discussion studentdoctor.net. In some years, IUSD offered an extended interview experience (such as an optional second day with additional activities), though the current format is usually a single-day visit studentdoctor.net. The interview day often includes a tour and interactions with students and faculty, creating a friendly atmosphere. Given a class size of around 105 students, a significant portion of interviewees ultimately receive offers; for instance, in the 2023 cycle IUSD extended 175 acceptances for 106 seats (approximately 19% overall acceptance rate) discodent.com, indicating that roughly half of those interviewed may be admitted. While exact post-interview acceptance statistics aren’t published by the school, performing well in the interview is clearly crucial in securing a place.

IUSD’s mission is to “advance the oral and systemic health” of Indiana and beyond through high-quality teaching, research, patient care, and service dentistry.iu.edu. The school envisions being a global leader in oral health integration with overall health, emphasizing innovation in education, care, research, and community engagement dentistry.iu.edu. Core values at IUSD include a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which the school believes enriches its education and patient care environments dentistry.iu.edu. There is an institutional focus on producing graduates who are not only clinically competent but also ethical, socially aware, and culturally sensitive practitioners dentistry.iu.edu. These values come through in the curriculum and admissions: for example, the school’s goals highlight developing critical thinkers and lifelong learners who uphold ethical standards and serve diverse communities dentistry.iu.edu dentistry.iu.edu. Understanding IUSD’s mission and values is important for interview preparation – applicants should recognize that the program values community service, integrity, and inclusion, and interview questions or discussions may indirectly probe an applicant’s alignment with these principles.

Founded in 1879 and now part of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis), IUSD offers a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program comprising eight semesters (and additional summer sessions) of comprehensive dental education dentistry.iu.edu. It remains the only dental school in the state of Indiana, a status that positions IUSD to train the vast majority of the state’s dentists dentistry.iu.edu and to serve as a hub for oral health initiatives statewide. Each D.D.S. class is typically around 100–110 students (recent data show ~106 matriculants), with the school employing a holistic admissions approach to assemble a diverse cohort discodent.com. The program’s curriculum is known for incorporating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) alongside traditional coursework – students work through case scenarios in small groups to build critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. This PBL emphasis is frequently noted by the school and even comes up during interviews (applicants have been asked how they feel about PBL or to explain it) studentdoctor.net. IUSD also integrates extensive clinical experience; by the third and fourth years, students treat patients in the school’s clinics and participate in community-based rotations. In 2018, the school opened the state-of-the-art Fritts Clinical Care Center, enhancing clinical training with modern facilities dentistry.iu.edu.

Beyond the core DDS curriculum, IUSD provides unique dual-degree opportunities, allowing students to pursue a DDS combined with a Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health, or even a Ph.D. in Dental Sciences dentistry.iu.edu. These programs reflect the school’s commitment to interdisciplinary education and prepare students for careers in areas like hospital administration, public health dentistry, or academic research. Research is a notable strength of IUSD: the school has a rich legacy of innovation (for example, IUSD researchers developed the first fluoride toothpaste, leading to Crest in the 1950s dentistry.iu.edu) and nearly 40,000 square feet of research space on campus studentdoctor.net. Students can get involved in research through summer programs or faculty-led projects, and this focus on scientific inquiry often translates into an interview environment where intellectual curiosity is valued. Community engagement is another hallmark – the curriculum includes a Community-Based Dental Education program where fourth-year students rotate through clinics in underserved areas to improve access to care dentistry.iu.edu. This hands-on experience in public health dentistry underscores the school’s service-oriented mission.

These distinctive features of IUSD’s program not only prepare students for comprehensive clinical practice but also offer great talking points during interviews. Learning about them allows applicants to formulate insightful questions that demonstrate genuine interest. For example, a candidate might ask about the extent of PBL in the curriculum or how students balance PBL with traditional learning, given the school’s use of problem-solving cases. Similarly, noting the school’s strong research culture could lead to asking what research opportunities or mentorship programs are available for DDS students dentistry.iu.edu. If an applicant has an interest in public health or serving underserved communities, they could inquire about IUSD’s community outreach programs and the outcomes of the required clinical rotations in federally qualified health centers dentistry.iu.edu. Bringing up the dual-degree options in a question – such as asking how the DDS/MPH program is structured or what support is provided to students in dual-degree tracks – can also show that the applicant has done their homework on the program. Overall, aligning one’s questions with IUSD’s program highlights (like PBL, research, outreach, or dual degrees) can convey enthusiasm and a good fit with the school.

• How is the Problem-Based Learning approach integrated throughout the DDS curriculum, and how do students adapt to the PBL format?
• What opportunities do D.D.S. students have to participate in research or work with faculty on research projects during the program?
• Can you tell me more about the community-based clinical rotations and how they prepare students to work with underserved populations?
• For students interested in the dual-degree programs (such as the DDS/MPH), what does the workload look like and what kind of mentorship or support is available?

IUSD’s position as a state institution and its focus on community dentistry mean that broader policy issues often intersect with its program. A key topic is access to dental care: Indiana, like many states, has underserved rural and low-income communities facing dentist shortages. The school directly addresses this through its Community-Based Dental Education program, which places students in clinics serving Health Professional Shortage Areas dentistry.iu.edu. This reflects a policy-level commitment to improving oral health access – something an informed applicant might recognize and discuss. Preventive dentistry is another area of policy relevance; IUSD engages in initiatives like school-based dental sealant programs and the Give Kids a Smile® event for children’s oral health dentistry.iu.edu. These efforts tie into public health policies on preventive care for youth. Additionally, the school’s mission to advance oral and systemic health dentistry.iu.edu highlights the growing emphasis on integrating dental care into the broader healthcare system. Nationally, issues such as whether Medicare or Medicaid should expand coverage for dental services, or how to encourage dentists to practice in underserved areas, are hot topics that align with IUSD’s values and outreach efforts.

During interviews, applicants might encounter or bring up current issues in dentistry and healthcare policy. In fact, past IUSD interview questions have touched on big-picture topics – for example, one candidate was asked what one change they would make to the healthcare system studentdoctor.net. This suggests that the school appreciates candidates who are aware of the healthcare context in which dentistry operates. Other relevant themes include the debate over mid-level providers (like dental therapists) to increase access to care, strategies to manage the cost of dental education and student debt, and public health measures such as community water fluoridation. While specifics like state dental regulations or insurance programs may not be directly tested, showing familiarity with how dentists fit into the healthcare landscape – and how an institution like IUSD responds to community needs and policy challenges – can leave a positive impression. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their perspectives on serving vulnerable populations, ethical issues in healthcare, or any significant dental public health experiences they have, as these are aligned with the program’s policy-related interests dentistry.iu.edu dentistry.iu.edu.

Like most dental schools, IUSD looks well beyond test scores and GPAs when selecting students. The admissions committee employs a holistic review process dentistry.iu.edu, meaning they evaluate personal attributes, experiences, and potential contributions to the school’s community. According to IUSD, factors such as an applicant’s motivation for dentistry, character, personality, and ethical judgment carry significant weight alongside academic metrics dentistry.iu.edu. In practice, this translates to an emphasis on well-roundedness: leadership, community service, and hands-on experiences are all highly valued. Applicants are required to have at least 100 hours of dental shadowing, including exposure to general dentistry and at least two specialties dentistry.iu.edu, demonstrating a committed interest in the profession. Many successful IUSD students have substantial volunteer or service backgrounds and can articulate how those experiences shaped their desire to become healthcare providers.

Communication skills and personal maturity are also key selection criteria. All applicants who pass initial screening are invited to complete a Kira Talent video assessment, which allows IUSD to assess qualities like communication, critical thinking, and professionalism in a structured way dentistry.iu.edu dentistry.iu.edu. The Kira responses are reviewed by multiple evaluators using competency-based rubrics, reflecting the school’s effort to identify candidates who fit its values and expectations. Letters of recommendation are another component that can highlight non-academic qualities such as teamwork, reliability, or leadership in academic and clinical settings dentistry.iu.edu. Furthermore, interviewers often ask about experiences that reveal resilience or interpersonal skills – for instance, “How do you handle stress?” or “Tell us about a leadership role you’ve had” are questions that past IUSD applicants have encountered studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Overall, IUSD seeks students who not only excel in the classroom but also exhibit empathy, integrity, teamwork, and a genuine passion for dentistry. Candidates preparing for interviews should reflect on how their own life experiences demonstrate these qualities.

The D.D.S. program at IUSD is structured around a comprehensive competency framework that graduates must meet, aligned with the standards of the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. There are roughly 20 institutional competencies that encompass the knowledge, skills, and values expected of a new general dentist bulletins.iu.edu. These include all core clinical disciplines – for example, graduates must be competent in diagnosing oral diseases, developing treatment plans, restoring teeth, managing periodontal and pulpal diseases, and performing uncomplicated oral surgeries bulletins.iu.edu bulletins.iu.edu. Competencies also extend to areas like pain management and handling dental emergencies bulletins.iu.edu, reflecting the need for sound clinical judgment and patient safety.

Importantly, IUSD’s framework goes beyond technical skills. Students are trained to communicate effectively and collaborate in promoting oral health in the community bulletins.iu.edu, underscoring a preventive and public health mindset. Ethical reasoning and professionalism are explicitly included – graduates must be able to discern and manage ethical issues in dental practice and understand the legal/regulatory standards governing dentistry bulletins.iu.edu. There is also emphasis on interpersonal skills and patient management, recognizing that dentists must build trust and rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds bulletins.iu.edu. Additionally, IUSD expects its graduates to be competent in evidence-based practice, meaning they can critically appraise research and integrate scientific evidence into patient care bulletins.iu.edu. The final competency highlights lifelong learning and self-assessment bulletins.iu.edu, preparing dentists to continually improve throughout their careers. Being aware of this competency framework can help applicants frame their preparation and experiences in terms of what the program prioritizes. Interview prompts might indirectly tap into these domains – for instance, discussing an ethical dilemma you faced (related to the ethics competency) or asking about your experience working in teams (related to communication and collaboration). Understanding the end-goals of the curriculum allows applicants to convey that they have the foundational attributes to meet those goals.

Reviewing feedback from previous interviewees can provide a sense of the topics IUSD tends to cover in interviews. One clear theme is motivation: virtually every candidate can expect a question about “Why dentistry?” or “Why do you want to attend IUSD?” studentdoctor.net. Interviewers want to know what drives an applicant to pursue dentistry and why they see IUSD as a good fit. Another common subject is the applicant’s background and experiences – open-ended prompts like “Tell us about yourself” are frequent, giving the candidate a chance to highlight their journey. Many candidates are asked about their hands-on skills or hobbies that demonstrate manual dexterity, a key ability for dentists studentdoctor.net. For example, applicants have reported being asked how they’ve developed their manual dexterity or what fine motor activities they enjoy studentdoctor.net. This ties into the school assessing whether you’ve prepared for the tactile demands of dentistry.

Leadership and teamwork experiences also feature prominently. Some interviewers will delve into leadership roles you’ve held or challenges you’ve overcome in group settings studentdoctor.net. Given IUSD’s use of PBL small-group learning, it makes sense that they care about how you function in a team. In fact, specific questions about Problem-Based Learning have been noted: interviewers might ask you to explain PBL or respond to a scenario involving a team member who isn’t pulling their weight in a group project studentdoctor.net. Ethical scenarios have been part of the interviews as well – for instance, discussing how to deliver bad news to a patient or handle an ethical dilemma has been reported by past candidates studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Additionally, interviewers often touch on personal preparation and self-reflection: questions like “How do you handle stress?” studentdoctor.net or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” aim to gauge your self-awareness and coping strategies. Another recurring question is what you would do if not accepted to dental school this year (your backup plan) studentdoctor.net, which tests determination and realism. Overall, IUSD’s interview questions tend to be standard in many ways – covering motivations, fit, manual skills, and ethical thinking – and they often arise from the details of your application. The tone is typically friendly, and many students describe the interviews as straightforward conversations studentdoctor.net. Being prepared to discuss anything you wrote in your application, as well as to think through situational questions calmly, will serve you well.

For those applying to enter IUSD in the fall of 2026, the application cycle timeline is important to keep in mind. The ADEA AADSAS primary application opens on June 3, 2025 dentistry.iu.edu, which is the first day you can submit your materials. IUSD operates on a rolling admissions process, so it’s advantageous to apply early; however, the final deadline for submission is October 1, 2025 dentistry.iu.edu. All required documents – including official DAT scores (which must be received by the deadline) and letters of recommendation – need to be in by that date. Once the AADSAS application is verified and complete, applicants will receive an email with instructions to complete a supplemental application (IU Graduate CAS) along with an $80 fee dentistry.iu.edu. It’s only after submitting this supplemental that IUSD invites candidates to proceed with the Kira video assessment dentistry.iu.edu.

Following the Kira assessment and a thorough review of each applicant’s file, IUSD extends in-person interview invitations to a select group of applicants around the fall dentistry.iu.edu. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the school has pre-scheduled interview days on Saturday, September 27, 2025; Saturday, October 11, 2025; and Saturday, November 15, 2025 dentistry.iu.edu. If you are invited, you’ll be notified by email with details on how to schedule your interview visit. Interview days usually run on Saturdays, which often include the interviews themselves, tours, and opportunities to meet faculty and students. After interviews, the admissions committee deliberates and makes decisions ahead of the national decision date. IUSD follows the common admissions timeline where initial offers of admission are made on December 15. In this cycle, candidates can expect to receive a personal phone call on December 15, 2025 if they are being offered a spot in the class, followed by an official offer letter mailed shortly thereafter dentistry.iu.edu. Those not initially accepted may be placed on a waitlist or receive notifications of denial in the weeks following. Accepted students typically have a deadline (usually in January) to pay a deposit and secure their place. It’s important for applicants to keep track of email communications and respond promptly to any requests or offers. With a clear understanding of these deadlines and steps – primary application, supplemental, Kira, interview, and decision – candidates can plan accordingly and reduce stress during the application year.

Preparing for an IUSD interview involves understanding both the school’s ethos and the logistics of the process. In summary, Indiana University School of Dentistry seeks candidates who align with its mission of advancing oral health through education, research, patient care, and community service dentistry.iu.edu. The interview format at IUSD is traditional and personable, often involving discussion of the applicant’s experiences, ethical reasoning, and manual skills in a low-stress setting studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. The school values diversity, inclusion, and holistic excellence, so successful applicants demonstrate not only academic ability but also character, cultural competence, and motivation for service dentistry.iu.edu dentistry.iu.edu. Knowing key facts about the program – from its PBL curriculum and research opportunities to its community rotations – allows applicants to engage in meaningful dialogue and ask thoughtful questions. Awareness of current policy issues in dentistry and how they relate to IUSD’s community focus can further showcase an applicant’s insight. Finally, staying mindful of the 2025–2026 application timeline (submitting early, completing the supplemental and Kira steps, and preparing for possible fall interview dates) ensures that candidates are ready to put their best foot forward. By integrating all these elements into one’s interview preparation, an applicant can approach the IUSD interview with confidence and a clear sense of how to convey their fit for the program.