LCSDM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (LCSDM) is a brand-new dental program in Arkansas, offering an accelerated three-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) curriculum lyon.edu. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help applicants prepare for interviews with LCSDM by summarizing the interview format, the school’s mission and values, key program features, relevant policy issues, and the qualities and competencies the school seeks. Each section synthesizes available information and relates it back to what an interviewee should know, from the structure of the interviews to the timeline of the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. By understanding LCSDM’s unique program and context – such as its community-focused mission to improve Arkansas’s oral health access arkansasadvocate.com – applicants can better align their preparation with the school’s expectations and values.

Lyon’s interview process has included both online and in-person components. In its inaugural cycle, applicants first completed a recorded video interview via the Kira Talent platform forums.studentdoctor.net, where they responded to pre-set questions on camera. Successful candidates were then invited to a traditional interview; at least one interview session took place in person on campus (for example, an interview day was held in mid-January 2025) forums.studentdoctor.net. There is no indication that LCSDM used a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format – instead, interviews appear to be more conventional and conversational, likely one-on-one or panel discussions with members of the admissions committee.

Interviews at LCSDM are conducted as part of a holistic, open-file review process, meaning interviewers are aware of the applicant’s full application during evaluation lyon.edu. As a new school with an inaugural class size of about 80 students lyon.edu lyon.edu, the post-interview acceptance rate was likely higher than at more established programs (most strong interviewees had a solid chance at admission). Indeed, the admissions timeline moved swiftly for the first class – for example, some candidates who interviewed in December received acceptances shortly afterwards forums.studentdoctor.net. While exact acceptance statistics haven’t been published, applicants can expect that LCSDM will continue to extend offers on a rolling basis soon after interviews, given the school’s need to fill its first few classes. It’s important to stay flexible, as the interview format or schedule could evolve in future cycles; always confirm details from official communications when invited.

LCSDM’s mission is centered on innovation in dental education and service to the community. As the first dental school in Arkansas, Lyon College’s program was established to address the state’s significant oral health needs and dentist shortages arkansasadvocate.com arkansasadvocate.com. The school aspires to be “a beacon of innovation and excellence” in dental training while improving access to care for Arkansans lyon.edu. A core value is community engagement: the campus will house an onsite dental clinic providing high-quality care to the public – including children, the elderly, and patients with special needs – which reflects the program’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations lyon.edu. LCSDM also emphasizes training compassionate, well-rounded clinicians who will make a difference in their communities; this aligns with Lyon College’s broader legacy of academic excellence and public service lyon.edu. These mission and value themes are important for interviewees to understand, as they may underpin interview questions and conversations (for example, discussing how an applicant’s goals align with improving oral health in underserved areas).

Lyon College’s DMD program is distinctive in its structure and setting. It runs on an intensive continuous schedule, allowing students to complete dental school in three years (across six 6-month terms) instead of the traditional four lyon.edu lyoninstitute.com. Each cohort matriculates once per year in the summer (July) lyoninstitute.com, and by studying year-round, students enter the workforce sooner than peers at other schools. The inaugural class is expected to include ~80 students, and the school’s new facilities in Little Rock have been designed as a state-of-the-art dental education center lyon.edu. This includes modern classrooms, simulation labs with around 100 dental stations, and a 116-chair clinical care center where students will treat patients under supervision lyon.edu. Because LCSDM is still awaiting final confirmation of initial accreditation from CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) before enrolling students lyon.edu, it offers an “all-inclusive” tuition model with no separate fees, priced competitively for a private institution (approximately $306,000 total for the three years) lyoninstitute.com lyoninstitute.com.

Many of these program features can serve as excellent talking points during an interview. For instance, the accelerated three-year curriculum is a unique aspect – an applicant might inquire how clinical experiences are integrated into a shorter timeframe without summers off arkansasadvocate.com. The on-campus clinic is another notable feature, so candidates could ask about opportunities to work with the community and gain hands-on experience treating underserved patients through this facility lyon.edu. Demonstrating curiosity about the program’s resources and approach – such as asking how faculty support student wellness during the intensive year-round schedule, or what research and outreach programs (like hosting community dental events) are available – shows interviewers that the candidate has done their homework and is genuinely interested in what makes LCSDM distinctive.

Given LCSDM’s regional context and mission, several policy and public health topics are particularly relevant to the school, its region, and the broader dental field. Awareness of these issues can help applicants engage in thoughtful discussion if they come up during the interview or demonstrate background knowledge.

• Dentist shortage and access to care in Arkansas: Lyon College’s dental school was founded largely to combat the severe shortage of dentists in Arkansas lyon.edu. Arkansas has ranked near the bottom nationally in dentists per capita, with large rural areas designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas arkansasadvocate.com arkansasadvocate.com. The school aims to recruit local students and produce dentists who will practice in high-need communities, aligning with state policy goals to improve access.
• Retention of local practitioners: Because Arkansas historically lacked an in-state dental program, many aspiring dentists trained elsewhere and often did not return home arkansasadvocate.com. LCSDM’s establishment is a strategic effort to educate dentists within the state in hopes they’ll stay and serve locally. This ties into broader workforce policies emphasizing training healthcare providers in underserved regions to improve retention.
• Community water fluoridation: A current local policy debate involves water fluoridation. The Arkansas State Dental Association has opposed recent legislative efforts to roll back mandatory fluoridation in public water systems axios.com, underscoring the importance of fluoride as a preventive public health measure. Discussions about preventive care policies like fluoridation – which has been credited with significantly reducing tooth decay – may be pertinent in Arkansas and could be something interviewees are aware of if asked about public health issues.
• Dental Medicaid and public oral health initiatives: Arkansas provides dental coverage to Medicaid recipients, yet utilization remains a challenge arkansasadvocate.com. There is recognition that improving oral health literacy and outreach (for example, educating children and families about dental care) is needed alongside insurance coverage. LCSDM’s plan to involve students in community programs (such as school-based dental education or events like Give Kids a Smile Day) reflects policy-level thinking that early intervention and education can “break the cycle” of poor oral health habits arkansasadvocate.com. An interview conversation might touch on how future dentists can contribute to public health solutions.
• Cost of dental education and student debt: Nationwide, the rising cost of dental school and student debt burden are significant issues arkansasadvocate.com. LCSDM addresses this in part through its accelerated program – graduating a year early can reduce overall costs and debt, and the program touts an all-inclusive tuition structure. Applicants might be aware of how Lyon’s model fits into discussions about making dental education more efficient and affordable while maintaining quality.

Beyond GPA and DAT scores, LCSDM evaluates applicants holistically and places considerable emphasis on personal qualities and experiences. The school looks for evidence that candidates have the following attributes and background:

• Extensive dental exposure and commitment: Applicants are expected to have firsthand experience in the dental field, such as shadowing and volunteering in a variety of dental settings lyon.edu. In fact, Lyon specifically notes that candidates should observe different types of practices (including community clinics and federally qualified health centers) and be prepared to discuss what they learned from these experiences during their interviews lyon.edu. This requirement reflects a desire for students who understand the realities of dental practice and have shown dedication to exploring the profession.
• Service orientation and community involvement: Consistent with its mission, LCSDM values students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving others. Volunteering, especially in healthcare or underserved communities, leadership in service organizations, or other forms of community engagement can strengthen an application arkansasadvocate.com. An applicant who has a track record of helping diverse or vulnerable populations – whether locally or abroad – will resonate with the school’s focus on improving access to care.
• Leadership and extracurricular achievements: Extracurricular accomplishments and leadership roles are considered “extramural achievements” in the admissions process lyon.edu. This could include anything from holding office in a club, organizing events, mentoring peers, to notable achievements in sports, arts, or other fields. Such experiences suggest strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and time-management – qualities useful for success in dental school and the dental profession. Lyon’s admissions committee looks at these facets to gauge a well-rounded individual beyond academics.
• Research and innovation interests: As a new institution building its academic culture, LCSDM has begun to establish research programs (e.g., hiring a Director of Research to build its research mission). While not explicitly required, involvement in undergraduate research or other scholarly activities can indicate intellectual curiosity and a drive for innovation. These traits align with the school’s vision of being on the cutting edge of dental education lyon.edu, and could be viewed favorably, especially if an applicant can articulate how they might contribute to or benefit from LCSDM’s developing research opportunities.
• Strong communication and professionalism: Like all dental schools, Lyon seeks candidates who exhibit integrity, maturity, and excellent communication skills. The ability to interact well with patients, colleagues, and instructors is critical in dentistry. Interviewers will be attentive to how applicants present themselves, handle questions, and demonstrate qualities like empathy, ethical judgment, and teamwork. These softer skills are part of the non-academic criteria that can make an applicant stand out as someone who will uphold the school’s values and thrive in a clinical training environment.

Lyon College’s dental program is designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and to produce graduates competent in all essential domains of dental practice. In line with national dental education guidelines, LCSDM’s curriculum and assessments are likely structured around core competencies that new dentists must attain lyon.edu. The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) defines “Competencies for the New General Dentist” across multiple domains – including Critical Thinking, Professionalism, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Health Promotion, Practice Management and Informatics, and Patient Care adea.org. These competencies encompass not only clinical and scientific knowledge, but also ethical behavior, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills adea.org adea.org. For example, graduates are expected to be technically proficient and also able to demonstrate professionalism, work effectively in teams, and apply evidence-based decision-making. During the interview and selection process, LCSDM will be looking for signs that applicants possess the foundational traits tied to these competencies – such as critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to continuing growth – since these predict success in the program and in practice. Understanding this framework can help candidates recognize why certain interview questions (for instance, ones about ethical dilemmas or teamwork experiences) are asked: they map to the competencies that the school strives to instill in future dentists.

Because LCSDM only recently began interviewing applicants, there isn’t a large repository of past interview questions. However, based on reports from the inaugural cycle and the school’s focus, several thematic areas of questioning can be anticipated:

• Motivation for dentistry and for LCSDM: Expect a conversational prompt about why you chose dentistry as a career, and specifically, why you are interested in Lyon College’s program. Interviewers want to see genuine passion for oral healthcare and an understanding of what sets LCSDM apart (for example, its accelerated curriculum or community mission). Being able to articulate how the school’s values and unique features resonate with your goals will likely be important.
• Reflection on clinical and volunteer experiences: Given how much importance LCSDM places on shadowing and community service, interview questions often delve into what you learned from those experiences lyon.edu. You might be asked to describe a memorable volunteering or shadowing experience, discuss a challenge you witnessed in a dental setting, or explain how those experiences confirmed your desire to become a dentist. The admissions committee is looking for insight into your exposure to real-world dentistry and your personal growth from those activities.
• Ethical reasoning or scenario questions: Like most dental schools, LCSDM may assess your ethical decision-making and integrity. You could be presented with a hypothetical scenario (for instance, noticing a classmate doing something dishonest, or facing a difficult situation with a patient as a student) and asked how you would respond. These questions connect to the professionalism competency and help interviewers gauge your judgment, empathy, and sense of responsibility. Practicing how to think through an ethical dilemma clearly and compassionately can prepare you for this theme.
• Behavioral questions about personal qualities: Interviewers often use behavioral questions to learn about your teamwork, leadership, resilience, and communication skills. For example, you might be asked, “Tell me about a time you had to work with others to overcome a problem,” or “How do you handle stress or failure?” LCSDM, in particular, might be interested in how you will handle the rigors of a three-year accelerated program and work collaboratively in a close-knit cohort. Be ready to share specific examples from your life that highlight attributes like adaptability, time management, and collaboration.
• Awareness of dental health issues: While not every applicant will be asked policy questions, you should be prepared to discuss current themes in dentistry or healthcare if prompted. An interviewer might casually bring up the dental needs of Arkansas or ask for your thoughts on serving in rural areas, given the school’s mission to improve state-wide access lyon.edu. Similarly, topics like community prevention (for example, the benefits of fluoridated water) could arise in discussion axios.com. Demonstrating that you have thought about broader oral health challenges – and how you as a future dentist can contribute to solutions – can leave a strong impression.

For applicants aiming to join LCSDM’s second cohort (the 2025-2026 admissions cycle for entry in Summer 2026), it’s important to keep track of the application timeline. The ADEA AADSAS application portal opens in late spring each year (around May) lyoninstitute.com, which is when the 2025-2026 cycle officially begins. Lyon College reviews applications on a rolling basis, and they have set minimum criteria (a science GPA of 2.8 and DAT Academic Average of 17) to screen applicants early in the process lyoninstitute.com. While the school’s specific application deadline for this cycle will be determined by ADEA (often in the late fall or winter), early submission is highly encouraged – applying by the summer or early fall of 2025 will ensure your application is considered in the first rounds of review. In the inaugural cycle, LCSDM began interviewing candidates in the winter (December through January) and aimed to issue initial admission offers by December lyon.edu. For the 2025-2026 cycle, students should similarly expect interview invitations to start going out in the fall of 2025, with interview days likely in late fall or early winter. Dental schools nationally release first acceptances around December 1st or 15th, and Lyon is expected to follow this general timeline, sending out offer letters in December 2025 and thereafter until the class is filled. Accepted students will then have deposit deadlines to confirm their seats (often a few weeks after an offer), and the incoming Class of 2030 (entry year 2026) would matriculate in July 2026 to begin the program lyoninstitute.com. It’s wise for applicants to verify specific dates on LCSDM’s official admissions website or through ADEA, as timelines can shift slightly each cycle, and to stay responsive to any communication from the school regarding interview scheduling or decision notifications.

In summary, Lyon College’s School of Dental Medicine offers a pioneering dental education experience – from its accelerated three-year format to its mission-driven focus on serving the community. In preparing for your interview, it’s crucial to understand the interview structure (including the use of Kira and on-campus meetings), the core values and goals that define the program, and the key features that make LCSDM unique. Be aware of the broader context, such as Arkansas’s oral health needs and relevant dental policy issues, as well as the non-academic traits and competencies the school seeks in applicants. By familiarizing yourself with these aspects, you can approach the interview with confidence and convey how you will thrive at LCSDM as a student and future dentist, aligning your own aspirations with the school’s vision of “transforming lives, one smile at a time” lyon.edu.