PNWU-SDM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine (PNWU-SDM) is a new, mission-driven dental program focused on serving rural and underserved communities pnwu.edu. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you prepare for a PNWU-SDM interview – from understanding the interview format and schedule to appreciating the school’s mission and values. Each section covers key information such as the program’s unique curriculum and facts, relevant policy issues in dentistry, non-academic qualities the school seeks in applicants, and the competency frameworks shaping the curriculum. We also highlight common themes in interview questions and outline the important timelines for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle. By familiarizing yourself with these areas, you can better align your preparation with what PNWU-SDM prioritizes in its candidates.

PNWU-SDM’s interviews are conducted in person on the Yakima campus (with virtual options only in cases of significant financial hardship) pnwu.edu. Interview days are typically full-day events (approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) that include informational sessions, tours, and a formal interview with members of the Admissions Committee pnwu.edu. The atmosphere is generally professional but friendly and conversational, giving applicants a chance to engage with faculty, students, and staff throughout the day. Notably, the interviewers may have access to your application file (open-file), meaning they can reference your personal statement or experiences during questions forums.studentdoctor.net. This means anything you’ve shared in your application is fair game to discuss, so be prepared to elaborate on your experiences and responses.

• Morning welcome and presentations about the school’s curriculum, program overview, and financial aid pnwu.edu.
• Campus tour of facilities (and starting in 2026, a visit to the community clinic sites in Yakima) pnwu.edu.
• Lunch with current PNWU-SDM students, providing a casual setting to ask questions and learn about student life pnwu.edu.
• Afternoon personal interview with one or more members of the admissions committee (typically a panel or two interviewers) pnwu.edu.

In addition to the in-person session, PNWU-SDM incorporates several pre-interview assessments. All applicants are required to complete the CASPer situational judgment test as part of the screening process forums.studentdoctor.net. Applicants who are invited to interview must also complete an online Kira Talent video assessment before their interview date pnwu.edu. These tools allow the admissions committee to evaluate qualities like judgment, communication, and professionalism in a standardized way, even before meeting candidates face-to-face. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the CASPer format and be ready for Kira’s video-response questions, as they are integral to PNWU’s holistic interview process.

Because PNWU-SDM is a brand-new program with only 36 seats in each class pnwu.edu, there isn’t yet published data on the post-interview acceptance rate. However, acceptances are offered on a rolling basis beginning in mid-December of the application cycle (the first date dental schools nationally can notify accepted students) pnwu.edu hunter.listserv.cuny.edu. PNWU will continue to extend offers until the class is filled (all 36 spots) forums.studentdoctor.net. In practical terms, if you receive an interview at this school, you are one of a select group – so use the opportunity to make a strong impression.

PNWU-SDM’s guiding mission is rooted in improving healthcare access for the Pacific Northwest. The parent university’s mission emphasizes “educating and training healthcare professionals emphasizing service in rural and medically underserved communities” pnwu.edu, and the dental school embodies this focus by training dentists as primary oral health providers for those communities pnwu.edu. In essence, the program values social responsibility, community service, and a commitment to practice in areas of need. This is reflected in partnerships with regional health organizations and community clinics, and in the curriculum design itself (which places students in community health centers to serve local populations) pnwu.edu. There is also a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration – PNWU’s campus hosts multiple health sciences programs working together, fostering a team-based approach to care pnwu.edu. Additionally, leadership at the state level has highlighted how important this school is for addressing the shortage of rural dentists and promoting workforce diversity (for example, encouraging more providers from underrepresented backgrounds to serve in their home communities) wsda.org pnwu.edu.

Pacific Northwest University’s School of Dental Medicine opened in Fall 2025 as the second dental school in Washington state pnwu.edu. It is a private, non-profit program based in Yakima and is notable for its innovative educational model and community-oriented approach. Below are some key facts about PNWU-SDM that are useful to know before your interview:

• Each incoming DMD class consists of 36 students, making for small cohort sizes and an intimate learning environment pnwu.edu.
• The curriculum uses a unique 1 + 3 model: students spend the first year on the Yakima campus for foundational science and preclinical training, then three years in full-time clinical rotations at community health centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers) in Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and Tacoma pnwu.edu. PNWU-SDM is the first dental school in the nation to immerse students in community clinics for three out of four years of training.
• This distributed clinical education is supported by strong community partnerships – including Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, and Sea Mar Community Health Centers – where students will treat patients under faculty supervision pnwu.edu. The approach is designed to enhance real-world experience and address local oral health needs.
• The program’s focus is on primary care dentistry and treating the whole patient. Students learn to collaborate with other healthcare professionals (e.g., medical, nursing, PA students at PNWU) to understand the connections between oral health and overall health pnwu.edu.
• Unusually, PNWU-SDM does not require the DAT (Dental Admissions Test) for admissions pnwu.edu. This reflects a holistic admissions philosophy and is intended to reduce barriers for applicants, though strong academic performance in prerequisites is still expected.
• Initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) was secured in August 2024 pnwu.edu. The program will undergo the standard accreditation process as it graduates its first cohorts, but initial accreditation means students matriculating at PNWU-SDM are eligible for licensure upon graduation.
• Estimated tuition is approximately $75,000 per year (plus about $10,000 in fees/equipment) ([forums.studentdoctor.net](https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/discuss-new-dental-schools-for-2025-and-after.1492643/#:~:text=Review%20the%20website%20for%20details,tuition%20%2475K%20%2B%20%2410K%20additional)), on par with many private dental schools. Financial planning is important – note that the university has been raising scholarship funds (such as a new Mission Fund) to support students who will serve in high-need areas.

These distinctive features of PNWU-SDM not only shape the student experience but also provide great material for discussion during your interview. Demonstrating that you understand what makes this program unique will show your genuine interest. It’s a good idea to prepare a few thoughtful questions for your interviewers about the program. For example:

• “PNWU-SDM is the first school to have students spend three years in community clinic rotations pnwu.edu. How will these long-term rotations at Federally Qualified Health Centers work, and how are students supported and evaluated across the different clinic sites?”
• “Interprofessional training is a big part of PNWU’s approach. In what ways do dental students collaborate with other health profession students on campus, and how does that benefit our education? pnwu.edu”
• “The school’s mission focuses on rural and underserved communities. What opportunities will we have during dental school to engage in community service or outreach projects in underserved areas? wsda.org”
• “As a newer dental school with partners like Delta Dental, are there research opportunities or special initiatives (for example, public health projects) that students can get involved in? pnwu.edu”
• “Does PNWU-SDM offer any programs to help students who want to practice in underserved regions after graduation – for instance, scholarships, a loan repayment support, or mentorship for those planning to work in rural areas? pnwu.edu”

Given PNWU-SDM’s mission and location, several broader policy and healthcare topics are particularly relevant to this school, the Pacific Northwest region, and the country as a whole. Being aware of these issues can help you understand the context in which PNWU-SDM operates (and they could even come up in interviews or discussions):

• Rural oral health access: There is a well-documented shortage of dentists in rural areas. Nationally, only about 14% of dentists practice in rural communities where roughly 20% of Americans live pnwu.edu. Washington state, in particular, has faced challenges with rural dental care access and historically trained only a fraction of the dentists it needs in-state wsda.org. PNWU-SDM was established in response to this issue – as a policy matter, it aligns with efforts to improve healthcare access in underserved areas.
• Workforce distribution and retention: A key regional concern is keeping dental graduates in the Pacific Northwest after graduation. Officials note that expanding local training (through a new dental school) can increase the likelihood that graduates will remain in-state to practice wsda.org. Policies like state loan forgiveness programs or incentives for practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas tie into this issue. Expect conversations about how to encourage providers to serve where they are most needed.
• Integration of oral health and overall health: PNWU-SDM’s curriculum reflects a broader trend of integrating dental care into primary healthcare systems. There is growing recognition that oral health is integral to overall health, prompting policies that encourage medical-dental collaboration (for example, dentists screening for diabetes or working in medical teams) pnwu.edu. This is especially relevant in rural healthcare settings where resources are limited and providers must work together. Discussions about interprofessional education or collaborative practice models connect to this trend.
• Health equity and workforce diversity: On a national level, improving access to dental care also means addressing disparities among different populations. There’s a policy focus on increasing the diversity of the dental workforce and ensuring dentists are equipped to care for underserved groups. PNWU-SDM’s partnership with organizations like Delta Dental emphasizes expanding care in communities of color and rural areas pnwu.edu. In interviews, you might touch on topics such as reducing barriers to care (e.g., cost, insurance issues) and culturally competent care.

PNWU-SDM takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants, placing significant weight on personal attributes, experiences, and alignment with the school’s values – not just GPA or test scores pnwu.edu. Based on the school’s admissions information, the committee looks for evidence of the following qualities in applicants:

• Commitment to underserved communities: A strong desire and motivation to work in rural or medically underserved areas after graduation pnwu.edu. PNWU explicitly seeks candidates who are mission-aligned in this way.
• Service and compassion: A demonstrated commitment to service, volunteerism, and helping others. Applicants who have substantial community service and can show empathy and compassion in their experiences will stand out pnwu.edu.
• Leadership and teamwork: Leadership experience (formal or informal) and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Being a ‘team player’ is important, as dental care often involves working with a healthcare team pnwu.edu.
• Communication skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen and articulate ideas clearly pnwu.edu. Since dentistry is a people-oriented profession, connecting well with patients and colleagues is crucial.
• Intellectual curiosity and relevant experience: An evident curiosity and eagerness to learn, plus familiarity with dentistry or healthcare. This can be shown through activities like shadowing dentists, dental assisting, or other exposure to patient care pnwu.edu. The admissions committee also values manual dexterity and fine motor skills – for instance, hobbies like art, playing instruments, or crafting – as indicators of hand-eye coordination useful in dentistry pnwu.edu.

In your interview, you should be ready to discuss examples from your life that illustrate these qualities (without being prompted with a “tell me about a time” style question, it often comes up naturally). The school has signaled that they prioritize heart and character just as much as academic ability, so think about how you embody these attributes. Importantly, since PNWU-SDM is new and mission-focused, showing that you resonate with their purpose and have the soft skills to match will likely leave a positive impression.

PNWU-SDM’s curriculum is competency-based, meaning it is designed around ensuring students meet specific competencies (skills and professional behaviors) by graduation pnwu.edu. The school has adopted a set of “Competencies for the New Dental Graduate,” aligned with national standards set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the American Dental Education Association. These competencies span all areas of dentistry and professional development. For example, graduates must be competent in critical thinking and problem-solving in patient care dental.washington.edu, in accessing and applying evidence-based research to practice, and in ethical and professional conduct dental.washington.edu. Competencies cover areas like patient examination and diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills across all dental disciplines (restorative, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, etc.), health promotion and disease prevention, and practice management. PNWU-SDM also emphasizes interprofessional collaboration as a competency – students are expected to learn how to function effectively as part of an integrated healthcare team and address patients’ overall health, not just oral health pnwu.edu. Understanding these frameworks is useful for interview prep because it gives insight into the program’s educational priorities. You may not be asked about “competencies” explicitly, but the interviewers could probe your awareness of things like ethical responsibilities, evidence-based reasoning, or teamwork, which tie back to these core competencies.

While PNWU-SDM’s interview process is still new, we can anticipate the question themes based on the school’s mission and the attributes they value. Being ready for these broad topics will help you formulate honest, relevant answers on the spot. Common themes likely include:

• Motivation and mission fit: Expect to discuss why you want to be a dentist and why PNWU-SDM specifically. Interviewers often explore your personal motivations and how they connect with the school’s mission of serving the underserved wsda.org. You might be asked, for instance, what draws you to a community-focused program or to share any experiences you’ve had working with disadvantaged populations.
• Knowledge of the profession: Be prepared for questions about your exposure to dentistry and understanding of the dental profession. They may ask about what you learned from your shadowing or work experience, or your perspective on current challenges in dentistry. This helps them gauge your commitment and awareness of the field pnwu.edu.
• Manual dexterity and strengths: It’s not uncommon for dental schools (PNWU-SDM included) to ask about your hobbies or activities that require fine motor skills and creativity pnwu.edu. You might talk about things like artwork, musical instruments, crafting, or anything hands-on that you do – this gives you a chance to highlight dexterity, patience, and detail orientation, attributes important for a dentist.
• Teamwork and communication: Given PNWU’s interprofessional emphasis, you should anticipate questions about how you work in a team or communicate in group settings. They might have you describe a teamwork experience or a time when you collaborated to solve a problem, to see if you have the cooperative spirit and communication ability needed for their team-based training environment pnwu.edu.
• Empathy and ethics: Interviewers often pose ethical or scenario-based questions to assess your integrity, empathy, and judgment. For example, they might ask how you handled a moral dilemma or a difficult situation when helping someone. PNWU’s values of compassion and service mean they will appreciate answers that show you can be caring and ethical even in tough situations pnwu.edu. While you can’t predict the exact scenario, be ready to talk through your thought process in addressing a hypothetical patient or team issue.
• Resilience and preparation: You may be asked how you plan to handle the rigors of dental school or to describe a time you overcame a significant challenge. PNWU-SDM’s curriculum is intensive pnwu.edu, so they look for students who have developed good coping strategies, time management, and the ability to seek help when needed. Consider what habits or past experiences have prepared you for the workload and stress of a professional program.

Overall, the interview questions aim to get to know you beyond your application. They want to see if you have reflected on your experiences and can communicate them effectively. When practicing for these themes, focus on being genuine and tying your answers back to PNWU-SDM’s core values. Even without giving a “perfect” answer, conveying that you have the right heart and mindset for this program can go a long way.

The application process for PNWU-SDM follows the standard dental school admissions cycle, but with some specific dates to note. The ADEA AADSAS application for the 2025–2026 cycle (entry in Fall 2026) opened in the late spring of 2025 (early June) hunter.listserv.cuny.edu. PNWU-SDM set its application deadline on October 17, 2025 pnwu.edu. This is the final date to submit your AADSAS application to be considered, and it’s a relatively early deadline, so planning to apply well before mid-October is wise. You also need to complete the required CASPer test around that time, as PNWU won’t invite applicants for interview until CASPer results are in forums.studentdoctor.net.

Interview invitations are extended on a rolling basis, likely starting in late summer and through the fall of 2025 as applications are reviewed. PNWU-SDM held its interviews in the fall months (for the inaugural cycle, interviews took place in roughly September, October, and November). Admissions decisions (offers of acceptance) are released in mid-December, coinciding with the national dental school acceptance notification date of December 15 pnwu.edu hunter.listserv.cuny.edu. PNWU sends out provisional acceptance letters in December and then continues to admit from the waiting list or later interview rounds on a rolling basis thereafter forums.studentdoctor.net. If you are accepted, you will typically have a deadline (often a few weeks) to submit a deposit and secure your spot. The entering Class of 2030 will matriculate in summer 2026, with orientation and classes beginning by August 2026. Make sure to keep track of any communications from PNWU-SDM regarding supplemental forms or deposit deadlines. Staying organized with these timelines will ensure you don’t miss any critical steps in the admission process.

Preparing for a PNWU-SDM interview means understanding what makes this program special and demonstrating that you’re a great fit for its mission. In this guide, we reviewed the interview format (an all-day, interactive experience), the school’s strong emphasis on serving rural and underserved communities, and the innovative curriculum that will shape your training. We also discussed how current issues in dentistry – like access to care and interprofessional collaboration – intersect with PNWU’s values, and the personal qualities (leadership, compassion, teamwork, etc.) that the school looks for in applicants. By keeping these points in mind, you can approach your interview with confidence. Show that you’re knowledgeable about the program, passionate about its mission, and equipped with the experiences and mindset to thrive at PNWU-SDM. Good luck!