RSDM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The interview at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) is generally a one-on-one, open-file conversation, typically lasting around 20–30 minutes studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Applicants often describe the experience as low-stress and friendly studentdoctor.net, which allows them to discuss their backgrounds and motivations comfortably. RSDM’s mission focuses on improving health through evidence-based oral healthcare and serving New Jersey’s diverse communities sdm.rutgers.edu, guided by core values of Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Innovation sdm.rutgers.edu. The DMD program offers intensive early clinical training and emphasizes technology and interdisciplinary care, preparing students to treat patients from many backgrounds (including underserved and special needs populations) with the latest techniques sdm.rutgers.edu. As New Jersey’s only dental school sdm.rutgers.edu, RSDM provides a broad scope of patient exposure and upholds a public service role that shapes its educational approach.

Admissions are holistic, meaning RSDM looks beyond academics for leadership, compassion, resilience, and other personal qualities sdm.rutgers.edu. This emphasis on well-rounded candidates aligns with the school’s community-focused mission and the evolving needs of the dental profession. Students interviewing at Rutgers should also be aware of broader oral health issues – for example, access to care challenges in New Jersey sdm.rutgers.edu or the state’s low rate of fluoridated water contributing to higher cavity rates whyy.org – as these topics reflect RSDM’s concern for public health and may arise in conversation. Common interview questions tend to explore an applicant’s motivation for dentistry and fit with Rutgers blackstonetutors.com, personal experiences (such as research, volunteering, or academic challenges) studentdoctor.net, and even manual dexterity skills or hobbies blackstonetutors.com. The 2025–2026 application cycle follows the typical dental school timeline: the ADEA AADSAS application opens in May 2025, interview invitations are sent on a rolling basis by late summer forums.studentdoctor.net, initial acceptance offers go out around mid-December 2025 shemmassianconsulting.com, and the cycle concludes with final deadlines in early 2026 shemmassianconsulting.com.

RSDM conducts a traditional interview, usually one-on-one with a single interviewer, in an open-file format (meaning the interviewer has reviewed the applicant’s file) studentdoctor.net. Most interviews last approximately 20–30 minutes studentdoctor.net and feel conversational rather than interrogative. Interviewers often come prepared to discuss details from the applicant’s application, which can include academics, experiences, and personal statements. Overall, applicants have ranked the RSDM interview process highly, noting it as a positive and relatively low-stress experience studentdoctor.net.

Interviews at Rutgers are typically held in-person at the Newark campus, giving candidates a chance to tour the facilities and meet members of the school community. Campus tours are commonly part of the interview day and are often led by enthusiastic faculty or students studentdoctor.net, showcasing RSDM’s clinics and resources. (During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews were conducted virtually studentdoctor.net, but recent cycles have largely returned to on-site interviews.) The atmosphere is generally friendly and conversational studentdoctor.net – interviewers want to get to know you, not stump you with trick questions.

While the format is mostly a traditional interview, there have been some indications of multiple mini-interview (MMI) style elements in RSDM’s process in certain years. Some interviewees have mentioned signing confidentiality agreements about interview questions and even referenced MMIs studentdoctor.net. This suggests that on occasion, Rutgers might include a scenario or ethical prompt as part of the interview. However, the core of the interview remains a personal, one-on-one exchange. It’s a good idea to be prepared for both typical interview questions and the possibility of a short scenario or task – for example, discussing an ethical dilemma or responding to a role-play – even if the day is primarily a standard interview format.

Receiving an interview invitation from RSDM is a strong sign, as the school interviews a select portion of applicants. In a recent cycle, Rutgers had about a 10% overall acceptance rate (265 offers of admission for 2,476 applicants) discodent.com. Because no applicant is accepted without an interview blackstonetutors.com, that means a significant percentage of those interviewed ultimately receive offers. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly half (or more) of interviewees may be admitted, given the number of offers extended exceeds the incoming class size. Thus, the interview is a crucial opportunity – performing well can substantially boost your chances of joining RSDM’s incoming class.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine’s mission is centered on improving health and quality of life by preparing the next generation of oral health professionals, providing high-quality evidence-based care to New Jersey and beyond, and advancing health through research and innovation sdm.rutgers.edu. In essence, RSDM sees itself not only as an educational institution but also as a provider of care and a contributor to scientific progress. This mission translates into a commitment to service and excellence that interviewees should be mindful of.

The school’s core values are Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Innovation sdm.rutgers.edu. Excellence reflects a drive to achieve the highest standards in education, patient care, and service. Integrity underscores ethics, transparency, and professionalism in all endeavors. Respect highlights the importance of a humanistic, inclusive environment that values diversity among students, faculty, staff, and patients. Innovation denotes a focus on embracing new ideas, technologies, and research to advance the dental field. Together, these values create a culture at RSDM that interviewees would do well to appreciate. During your interview, you might not be asked to recite the mission or values, but demonstrating an understanding of them – for instance, talking about a time you showed integrity, or expressing your passion for community health (which ties to service and respect) – can subtly signal that you align with RSDM’s ethos.

RSDM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program is a four-year curriculum designed to produce highly competent, well-rounded general dentists. A distinguishing feature of Rutgers’ program is its intensive clinical training: students begin hands-on patient care early. In fact, first- and second-year students assist in the clinics on a regular basis, which helps them build clinical skills from the outset sdm.rutgers.edu. By the time they are in third and fourth year, students have extensive experience and are known to graduate as practice-ready dentists capable of treating patients independently sdm.rutgers.edu. The program operates on a quarterly academic schedule (with 7–15 week quarters) rather than traditional semesters discodent.com, which can influence how the course load and clinics are structured throughout the year.

Rutgers is unique in that it is New Jersey’s only dental school, and it serves as the state’s largest oral healthcare provider sdm.rutgers.edu. This means students have access to a large and diverse patient pool through the school’s clinics. The Bergen Street campus in Newark houses comprehensive dental clinics where students treat patients under faculty supervision, including specialty clinics. This broad patient exposure is a strength of the program, as it allows students to encounter a wide range of cases (from routine to complex) and a diverse patient demographic. RSDM’s location within an academic health center (Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences) also facilitates interdisciplinary learning – dental students learn alongside medical, nursing, and other health professions students, particularly through some shared coursework and collaborative clinical initiatives.

Academically, RSDM emphasizes evidence-based dentistry and modern technology. The curriculum keeps pace with advances in dental materials, digital dentistry (such as CAD/CAM and 3D imaging), and other innovations. Students are taught to integrate new technologies into diagnosis and treatment, preparing them for the rapidly evolving landscape of oral healthcare sdm.rutgers.edu. There is also a strong focus on comprehensive care: students learn to plan and deliver treatments that address the patient’s overall oral health needs, often coordinating across different dental specialties. By the senior year, students in the general practice clinics manage patient cases that span multiple disciplines (operative, prosthodontics, endodontics, etc.), mirroring a real-world dental practice scenario but with faculty guidance available.

Another hallmark of Rutgers’ program is its commitment to community health and service. Given the school’s mission to serve New Jersey and beyond, RSDM integrates community-based experiences into student training. There are outreach programs (which we’ll discuss in the policy section) that allow students to provide care to underserved populations. Clinical requirements often include rotations in extramural facilities or participation in special programs like Give Kids a Smile Day sdm.rutgers.edu. Such experiences not only build clinical skills but also instill a sense of social responsibility in future dentists. Students often find these opportunities rewarding, as they can apply their learning while making a difference in the community.

In terms of class profile, RSDM matriculates roughly 90–100 DMD students per year in the traditional program discodent.com (not including a small number of advanced-standing students in the Internationally Educated DMD program). The class of 2028 (which entered in 2024) had an average science GPA of 3.7 and DAT Academic Average of 22 sdm.rutgers.edu, indicating the academic caliber of accepted students. About half of RSDM’s students are New Jersey residents, but the school has no official in-state preference and welcomes a significant number of out-of-state students sdm.rutgers.edu studentdoctor.net. This creates a diverse student body with a mix of backgrounds. The faculty at Rutgers includes not only general dentists but also specialists and researchers, and basic science courses in the first two years are sometimes shared or taught in conjunction with Rutgers medical school faculty discodent.com, which enriches the biomedical education of dental students.

Below are some key facts about RSDM’s program, along with ways you can turn each fact into a thoughtful question during your interview. Showing interest in these aspects will demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely curious about what Rutgers offers.

• Early Clinical Experience: Students at RSDM start working with patients very early in the curriculum – even first-year students gain clinical exposure by assisting in the clinics sdm.rutgers.edu. Potential question to ask: “How are dental students integrated into patient care during the first and second years, and what kind of support or supervision is provided as we start treating patients so early?”
• Diverse Patient Population: The school trains students to care for patients from many different cultures and those with special needs, reflecting New Jersey’s diverse demographics sdm.rutgers.edu. Potential question to ask: “In what ways does the curriculum prepare students to treat diverse populations and patients with special healthcare needs? Are there specific courses or clinical rotations focused on cultural competence or special care dentistry?”
• Only Dental School in NJ: Being New Jersey’s only dental school and its largest oral health provider means RSDM has a vast network of clinics and outreach programs sdm.rutgers.edu. Potential question to ask: “How does RSDM’s role as the state’s only dental school influence my clinical education? For example, will I have opportunities to treat a wide variety of cases or work in different community clinics because of Rutgers’ statewide reach?”
• Technology and Innovation: Rutgers incorporates the latest dental technologies (like digital imaging, CAD/CAM, etc.) and techniques into student training sdm.rutgers.edu. Potential question to ask: “What cutting-edge technologies do students get to use during the program? For instance, do students get hands-on experience with digital dentistry tools such as intraoral scanners or 3D printing?”
• Research Opportunities: RSDM is not only a teaching institution but also the largest center of dental research in New Jersey rutgershealth.org. Potential question to ask: “What research opportunities are available for students? Are there chances to work with faculty on research projects or to pursue my own research interests during dental school?”
• Community Service: The school is involved in extensive community outreach – students and faculty provide care to underserved populations locally (through events like Give Kids a Smile) and even abroad sdm.rutgers.edu sdm.rutgers.edu. Potential question to ask: “How can students participate in community service or global outreach during the program? Does RSDM have rotations or specific initiatives that allow students to serve in dental clinics for underserved communities?”

Dental schools appreciate when applicants are aware of the broader context in which dentistry is practiced. At Rutgers, given its public mission, certain policy-related topics and challenges in oral healthcare are particularly pertinent. Being conversant in these issues can not only help you answer any topical questions if they arise, but also enable you to ask informed questions or engage in thoughtful discussion during your interview. Here are a few key topics relevant to RSDM’s environment – encompassing New Jersey, the region, and national trends:

• Access to Care: New Jersey, like many places, has populations that struggle to access affordable dental care. RSDM, as a public institution, tackles this issue through its clinics and outreach programs. Students and faculty provide a safety net of care for underserved patients who might otherwise go without treatment sdm.rutgers.edu. Understanding this context (and RSDM’s role in addressing it) is important – you may discuss experiences working with underserved communities or could be asked about the importance of improving access to oral healthcare.
• Water Fluoridation: Only about 16% of New Jersey residents receive fluoridated drinking water, well below the national average (~75%) whyy.org. This low fluoridation rate has been linked to higher rates of tooth decay in NJ children whyy.org and is a point of ongoing public health debate in the state. Being aware of this issue shows an understanding of preventive dentistry and public policy. It might come up indirectly if you’re asked about prevention or how dentists can impact community health beyond the clinic.
• Oral–Systemic Health Integration: There’s a growing emphasis on the connection between oral health and overall health. For example, dentists are increasingly involved in screening for systemic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension) that have oral manifestations. RSDM’s training reflects this trend – students are taught to recognize systemic diseases that appear in the oral cavity and to collaborate with other healthcare professionals sdm.rutgers.edu. In New Jersey and nationally, initiatives to integrate dental care into primary care and for dentists to work in medical teams (such as in hospital settings or interdisciplinary clinics) are expanding. You should be prepared to talk about the dentist’s role in overall healthcare, as it aligns with Rutgers’ vision of holistic, interdisciplinary care.
• Aging Population & Geriatric Dentistry: People are living longer and keeping their teeth longer, which means dentists must manage more complex medical and dental needs of older adults. RSDM has noted the importance of treating the complex needs of aging patients in its program sdm.rutgers.edu. On a policy level, this ties into discussions about improving dental coverage for seniors (for instance, proposals to add dental benefits to Medicare) and training providers in geriatric care. Awareness of how an aging population affects dentistry could be useful context during your interview.

Other hot topics in dentistry that could be relevant include discussions about mid-level dental providers (like dental therapists) in improving access to care, changes in Medicaid dental benefits at the state level, and the importance of diversity in the dental workforce. While these might not be specific to Rutgers, they are part of the national conversation. Rutgers’ own commitment to diversity and inclusion (a value of Respect, and a goal to foster a diverse, humanistic environment sdm.rutgers.edu) connects to that broader issue. If such topics arise, the key is to show you’re informed and thoughtful about how they impact the profession and patients. You don’t need to be an expert on dental policy, but demonstrating awareness of these trends can underscore your genuine interest in dentistry’s role in society.

Rutgers prides itself on a holistic admissions process sdm.rutgers.edu. This means that beyond strong GPA and DAT scores, the Admissions Committee carefully considers a range of non-academic factors. According to RSDM, applicants are selected for interviews based on criteria such as leadership qualities, demonstrated compassion for others, and diverse extracurricular involvement sdm.rutgers.edu. In reviewing candidates, the committee also pays attention to things like communication skills (how effectively you use language), any special talents or aptitudes, and evidence of manual dexterity – an important trait for dentists sdm.rutgers.edu. Moreover, personal attributes like motivation for dentistry and perseverance through challenges carry significant weight sdm.rutgers.edu. In short, they are looking for well-rounded individuals who have not only proven they can handle the academics of dental school but also possess the character and soft skills that will make them caring, competent professionals.

For interview prep, this emphasis on non-academic factors is a big hint at what you might discuss. You should anticipate that your interviewer will explore the experiences and activities that show these qualities. For example, you might be asked about your leadership roles (perhaps you were an officer in a club or led a project), instances of community service or volunteering (to gauge compassion and commitment to service), or research experience (indicating curiosity and perseverance). If you have notable hobbies or talents – like playing a musical instrument, crafting, painting, or anything that involves fine motor skills – it’s very possible the interviewer will ask about them, since manual dexterity is directly tied to dentistry. Even something like working a job through college (showing time-management, responsibility, and perseverance) or overcoming a personal hurdle could be great examples. Essentially, the interview is where the school assesses the “whole you,” beyond your grades and test scores. Keep in mind RSDM’s values and mission here: they likely appreciate candidates who have shown integrity, altruism, and resilience in their lives. While you shouldn’t recite virtues, be ready to share stories or reflections that illustrate the kind of person you are and what you will contribute to the RSDM community.

Dental education in the United States is governed by standards set by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). These standards outline the competencies – the skills, knowledge, and professional attitudes – that a graduating dentist must have. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, like all accredited programs, ensures that its curriculum covers all these competency areas. In fact, RSDM recently underwent a rigorous accreditation review and passed with flying colors, meeting over 1,000 individual standards with no recommendations for improvement sdm.rutgers.edu. This is a rare accomplishment that speaks to the quality and comprehensiveness of Rutgers’ program. For an interviewee, what’s useful to know is that RSDM’s training will make you competent in all the critical domains of dental practice, from clinical skills to ethical practice.

RSDM’s own stated goals and curriculum design reflect these national competencies. For example, one of the school’s educational goals is to offer a “contemporary, integrated, evidence-based curriculum” sdm.rutgers.edu. This translates to ensuring students are competent in using current best evidence in making treatment decisions – a key competency in modern dentistry. The program also aims to prepare practitioners to be responsive to the needs of the population sdm.rutgers.edu, which aligns with competencies in public health and patient-centered care. In the domain of patient care, RSDM sets goals to deliver quality, comprehensive care that is patient-centered and efficient sdm.rutgers.edu. This means by graduation, you will be expected to competently perform diagnosis, treatment planning, and a range of clinical procedures across various disciplines, always keeping the patient’s best interests first. The school also emphasizes communication and collaboration: CODA requires that graduates are competent in communicating with and collaborating in interprofessional teams, and RSDM exposes students to interdisciplinary learning experiences (for instance, working alongside medical or other health professional students) to build that competency sdm.rutgers.edu.

Professionalism and ethical reasoning are another important competency area. Rutgers instills this through its value of Integrity and by expecting students to conduct themselves ethically in patient care and research. The environment at RSDM – which fosters respect, diversity, and inclusion sdm.rutgers.edu sdm.rutgers.edu – reinforces the professional competencies around ethical practice and cultural competence. Another area is practice management: understanding the business and administrative side of dentistry. While this might not be front-and-center in the interview, RSDM does include practice management coursework to ensure graduates can competently run or contribute to a dental practice after graduation (this falls under the “business manager” role referenced in their admissions overview sdm.rutgers.edu). Finally, the competencies include lifelong learning and self-assessment – dentists must be able to continue learning after school. Rutgers supports this by cultivating a mindset of inquiry and innovation; as noted, it’s a leading research institution and encourages students to engage in discovery sdm.rutgers.edu. All these frameworks basically indicate that if you attend RSDM, you will be trained to a high standard in all aspects of the profession. In an interview, you might not talk about “CODA standards” explicitly, but showing that you value things like evidence-based practice, ethical patient care, teamwork, and continuous learning will echo the competencies that RSDM expects in its graduates.

Over the years, applicants have shared their RSDM interview experiences, and certain themes consistently appear. Knowing these themes can help you anticipate the general direction of questions (though of course, every interview can differ). Below is a breakdown of common categories of questions that Rutgers tends to ask, based on past feedback:

• Motivation and “Why Rutgers”: You can expect direct questions about why you want to be a dentist and why you are interested in RSDM in particular. Examples reported by past candidates include “Why dentistry? Why not medicine?” and “What would make you choose Rutgers?” blackstonetutors.com. These questions aim to gauge your commitment to the field and whether you’ve thoughtfully considered what RSDM offers. Be prepared to articulate what draws you to dentistry and what aspects of Rutgers’ program or ethos resonate with you.
• Personal Background and Experiences: A large portion of the interview is often spent on things you’ve done – your undergraduate journey, extracurriculars, work, research, volunteer service, etc. Because it’s an open-file interview, the interviewer may pick items from your application to discuss. For instance, if you did research, you might be asked, “Tell me about your research” blackstonetutors.com. If you have volunteer or mission trip experiences, they could ask about those (“Tell me about your medical missionary work” was one real example blackstonetutors.com). They might also ask about why you chose your undergraduate school or major blackstonetutors.com. Essentially, anything noteworthy on your application is fair game. If there are any academic hiccups (say, a low grade or a DAT retake), you should be ready to address those too – e.g., “Explain this particular grade” or “What did you do to improve your DAT score?” blackstonetutors.com blackstonetutors.com. These questions help the interviewer understand your journey, work ethic, and how you’ve grown from your experiences.
• Understanding of the Profession: Rutgers interviewers often probe your insight into dentistry as a career. You might be asked something like “What qualities make a good dentist?” blackstonetutors.com to see if you understand the key attributes needed (e.g., compassion, dexterity, communication, etc.). They could also ask about your thoughts on specialization – “Are you interested in specializing? Why or why not?” or “Which specialties are you interested in?” blackstonetutors.com. Another angle is asking where you see yourself in the future (“Where do you want to go in dentistry?” was a past question blackstonetutors.com). These questions aren’t to test your knowledge of dentistry’s technical details, but to see if you’ve thought about your fit for the career and the direction you might want to take it.
• Manual Dexterity and Hobbies: Given the importance of fine motor skills in dentistry, many candidates are asked about their manual dexterity. This can be as straightforward as “What hand skills do you have?” or “Do you play any musical instruments?” blackstonetutors.com. Interviewers are looking for evidence that you’ve developed good hand-eye coordination or artistry – common examples include playing instruments, painting, knitting, crafting, video games, etc. Some reports even describe interviewers getting creative here: one applicant said they were handed a piece of paper and told, “Here’s a piece of paper, draw me” blackstonetutors.com on the spot! This light-hearted challenge was likely to see how the applicant handled a curveball and to observe their steadiness or approach. The key takeaway is that you should definitely expect a discussion of any manual hobbies or talents you have noted, and if you haven’t highlighted any, be ready to talk about how you maintain or improve your dexterity.
• Self-Reflection and Personal Traits: Rutgers interviewers often want to assess how you handle the demands of rigorous study and self-improvement. You might get questions about your study habits or how you deal with stress – for instance, “How do you handle academic stress?” or “What are your study habits like?” blackstonetutors.com. They may ask you to reflect on challenges, such as “What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?” blackstonetutors.com. Another common one is “What can you offer the school?” which is essentially asking what strengths, perspectives, or talents you bring to the incoming class. And a very typical opener is “Tell me about yourself and why you are here today” blackstonetutors.com – an invitation to share your story and motivation in an open-ended way. These kinds of questions assess your capacity for self-reflection, your coping mechanisms, and whether you have qualities like resilience, organization, and a growth mindset.
• Scenario or Ethical Questions: As mentioned earlier, while RSDM’s interviews are largely conversational, there is a possibility of getting a hypothetical scenario or ethical dilemma to discuss. Some interviewees have alluded to an MMI-style scenario during their interview day studentdoctor.net. For example, you could be asked how you would handle a certain ethical situation with a patient or to role-play a difficult conversation. If something like this happens, remember it’s often more about your thought process than reaching a “correct” answer. The school is looking at how you approach problem-solving and if your values align with being a responsible healthcare provider. Not everyone gets this type of question, but it’s wise to be mentally prepared for an unexpected prompt. Stay calm, take a moment to gather your thoughts, and talk through your reasoning clearly if faced with a scenario.

Understanding the application timeline for the 2025–2026 cycle is crucial so you can plan accordingly. Rutgers follows the standard dental school application cycle through ADEA AADSAS (the centralized application service). Here are the key dates and phases for this cycle:

• AADSAS Application Opens: The ADEA AADSAS application for the entering class of 2026 is expected to open in early May 2025 shemmassianconsulting.com (for example, the previous cycle opened on May 9). This is when you can first access the application to begin filling out your information. While you can start working on it in May, keep in mind there is also an earliest date when submissions are accepted, which is usually a few weeks later (late May). In the 2024–2025 cycle, submissions opened on May 30 shemmassianconsulting.com, and we anticipate a similar timeline for 2025.
• Primary Application Submission: Aim to submit your AADSAS application as early as reasonably possible, ideally in June. Early submission is advantageous because dental schools (including Rutgers) use rolling admissions shemmassianconsulting.com. Rolling admissions means applications are reviewed and interview invites are given out continuously, so the earlier your complete application is in, the fewer people you’ll be competing with for those first interview slots. Rutgers begins reviewing files in the summer, and delays in AADSAS processing can occur, so submitting in June or early July helps ensure you’re in one of the early batches sent to schools sdm.rutgers.edu.
• Interview Invitations: RSDM typically starts extending interview invitations by late summer 2025. In past cycles, candidates have reported receiving Rutgers interview invites as early as mid-August forums.studentdoctor.net, with interviews often beginning in September. Interviews then continue through the fall and into the winter months. The scheduling is rolling – September and October interview spots are often filled by those who applied in the early summer. If you apply later in the cycle (e.g., in autumn), you might be looking at a later interview date (if slots are still available). Keep an eye on your email (including spam folder) for interview invitations, and respond promptly to secure a convenient date.
• Acceptance Offers (Decision Day): December 15, 2025 is the first day U.S. dental schools, by agreement, will notify applicants of acceptances for this cycle shemmassianconsulting.com. Rutgers participates in this coordinated release. What this means is if you interview in the early fall and the admissions committee decides to admit you, you will likely hear good news on December 15 (or very shortly after). On that date, you could receive an email or phone call informing you of acceptance. Many students wake up that morning to exciting news from multiple schools. It’s a pivotal day nationwide. For RSDM, a substantial portion of the class may be filled from those December offers. If you do get an acceptance, typically you’ll have to pay a deposit to hold your seat (RSDM’s initial deposit is usually due by a set deadline, often 30 days from the offer, but they will specify details in the acceptance letter).
• Rolling Admissions (Post-December): After the December 15 initial round, RSDM continues with rolling admissions for the rest of the cycle sdm.rutgers.edu. Additional acceptances are made on a rolling basis as interviews continue into January and potentially February. Some candidates who interview in December or early in the new year might get offers in January or February 2026. Also, a waitlist is typically established. If some accepted students choose to attend elsewhere, Rutgers will extend offers to waitlisted applicants in the spring and even early summer. The class is usually finalized by late spring 2026. If you find yourself on the waitlist post-interview, stay in contact and express your continued interest; movement can definitely occur as other schools’ cycles play out.
• Application Deadline: The final deadline to submit your AADSAS application to Rutgers for the 2025–2026 cycle will be in early 2026. In the previous cycle, AADSAS closed applications around the beginning of February shemmassianconsulting.com. For 2025–2026, expect a similar closing date (likely February 1 or 2, 2026, based on prior timelines). It’s important to note that this is a latest deadline – you absolutely should not wait that long to apply if you can help it. Rutgers can fill most of its interview spots well before the final deadline. “Complete early, compete early” is a good mantra. Also note: all required materials (DAT scores, recommendation letters, etc.) need to be in for your application to be considered complete. Don’t let supporting documents lag too far behind your primary application submission.

Finally, some post-application dates to keep in mind: By late spring 2026 (around April or May), you should have a clear idea of where you stand (accepted, waitlisted, or if you need a backup plan). If you’re accepted to Rutgers and choose to enroll, there will be additional paperwork, immunizations, housing arrangements, etc., to manage over the summer. Orientation for the RSDM DMD Class of 2030 (entering 2026) would likely take place in early August 2026, with classes starting shortly thereafter. But all that comes after the interview and acceptance – for now, focus on putting your best foot forward in the interview and completing your application in a timely manner. Good luck!

Preparing for an interview at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine involves a combination of self-reflection, research, and awareness. In this guide, we covered the interview format (primarily one-on-one and open-file), the school’s mission to serve communities with excellence and how its values shape the program, key features of the curriculum and student life, relevant oral health issues in New Jersey and beyond, the personal qualities Rutgers looks for, the competency standards underpinning the training, and the common themes in interview questions. By understanding each of these areas, you can approach your interview with confidence and context – ready to discuss your story and qualifications, show that you “get” what RSDM is about, and build a genuine connection with your interviewers. Remember, the goal is not to deliver rehearsed answers, but to engage in an honest conversation that lets them see your passion for dentistry and how you align with Rutgers’ community and standards. With thorough preparation and a clear enthusiasm for the profession, you’ll be well-equipped to make a positive impression. Good luck with your Rutgers interview and your journey toward a career in dentistry!