Stony Brook Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Stony Brook University's School of Dental Medicine offers a small-class DDS program known for its strong scientific foundation and community-oriented focus, in line with a mission of innovation and service. Its interview process is highly regarded as welcoming and relatively low-stress. Below is an overview of the interview format, the school's mission and values, program highlights and potential questions, relevant policy topics in dentistry, non-academic criteria valued by the school, competency frameworks, past interview question themes, and the key timelines for the 2025–2026 application cycle.

Stony Brook's dental school traditionally conducts one-on-one, open-file interviews with applicants. Most interviews last around 20 minutes and feel conversational in tone, allowing applicants to discuss their background and experiences in depth. Interviewers have access to the applicant's full file, often asking specific follow-up questions about items in the application (for example, "Tell me more about this experience" while pointing to something on the resume or personal statement). Feedback from past candidates indicates the atmosphere is generally low to average in stress and friendly, aiming to put students at ease so they can genuinely showcase their fit.

In recent years, there have been reports of multiple mini-interview (MMI) style components or scenario-based questions being introduced, possibly under nondisclosure agreements. However, the primary format remains a traditional interview with a conversational style, rather than a strict MMI station structure, for most applicants. The overall post-interview outlook at Stony Brook is favorable – given the small class size (~45 students) and the number of offers extended (over 120 in a recent cycle), a majority of those who interview eventually receive an acceptance (though some accepted students may choose other schools). This means that the interview is a crucial opportunity: the admissions committee has already identified an interviewee as a desirable candidate, and the conversation helps confirm one's fit for the program.

The mission of Stony Brook's School of Dental Medicine is to "deliver innovative, world-class oral health education, patient care, research, and service to our community and beyond." In its vision, the school strives to "define and shape the future of dentistry" by preparing healthcare professionals to be leaders of change in a diverse, inclusive society. This forward-looking mission suggests that the program values creativity, excellence, and a commitment to serving others.

Stony Brook's core values, summarized by the acronym "WE LEAD," emphasize a humanistic and ethical approach to dental education. These values include creating a Welcoming environment of mutual respect, providing Exceptional Care with evidence-based practice, being Leaders of Innovation in advancing the profession, upholding the highest Ethics and Accountability, championing Advocacy to serve the local community (Long Island, New York State) and beyond, and embracing Diversity in people and thought. In the interview setting, applicants can expect that the school will appreciate qualities aligned with these values – for instance, demonstrating respect and empathy, a passion for improving oral health in the community, and an openness to innovation and lifelong learning. Showing awareness of these principles (through one's experiences and outlook) can underscore an applicant's fit with Stony Brook's culture.

Stony Brook's four-year DDS program is distinguished by its small class size (approximately 45 students per year), which fosters close faculty mentorship and a tight-knit learning community. The curriculum provides a strong biomedical science foundation in the first two years, taken alongside other health science students, ensuring that graduates have a deep understanding of human biology. Clinical training begins early and progresses in an innovative way: students transition into patient care through the General Practice Program, a model that places students into small group practice teams under faculty supervision. In this setting – essentially a mini dental practice – students collaboratively provide comprehensive care to patients, mirroring a real private practice environment and helping develop clinical skills, teamwork, and practice management abilities.

State-of-the-art facilities support student learning. The school's Dental Care Center houses around 125 dental operatories equipped with modern digital technology, and handles roughly 60,000 patient visits annually, making it the primary clinical training hub for students. Being part of an academic medical center (Stony Brook Medicine), the dental school also encourages interprofessional education – dental students often learn and collaborate alongside medical, nursing, and other health professional students. Beyond the DDS, Stony Brook offers advanced education: there are on-site postgraduate residencies in specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, as well as a general practice residency, which allow students to further their training. Notably, Stony Brook also offers dual-degree opportunities like a combined DDS/PhD program (for those interested in extensive research careers) and a DDS/MBA, reflecting the school's commitment to research and leadership development.

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and encourages student involvement in research and scholarly activity. Many Stony Brook faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research (in areas such as oral cancer biology, tissue regeneration, and dental materials), and students can participate in research projects or elective research tracks. In addition, the school's strong culture of service is evident through extensive community outreach programs on Long Island. For example, Stony Brook Dental Medicine runs special initiatives like a Dental Care for the Developmentally Disabled program and other outreach clinics, underscoring its commitment to caring for diverse and underserved populations. This blend of rigorous science, practical innovation, and community engagement defines the program's character and provides talking points that applicants can explore during interviews.

In preparing for an interview at Stony Brook, it's beneficial to be familiar with these distinctive features—and even to use them as a springboard for thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Showing genuine curiosity about the program not only provides you with valuable information but also illustrates your enthusiasm for Stony Brook. For instance, an applicant might consider asking questions like:

• "How does the General Practice small-group model work, and how do students benefit from it in their clinical training?"
• "What opportunities do students have to participate in research or pursue dual-degree programs (such as the DDS/PhD) during their time here?"
• "In what ways do Stony Brook dental students engage in community service or outreach, and how does the school support treating underserved populations?"

Stony Brook's focus on community health and service means that broader health policy issues often intersect with its educational mission. Applicants should be aware of key policy topics in dentistry at the state and national level, as these can arise in interview conversations. For instance, access to dental care is a critical issue in New York and the region – discussions might touch on how to improve oral healthcare for underserved communities or the role of academic institutions (like Stony Brook) in addressing provider shortages and public health outreach. The school's value of advocacy suggests that it appreciates candidates who understand the importance of serving the community and can speak about public-health efforts or volunteer experiences.

At the national level, Stony Brook interviewers have shown interest in applicants' thoughts on dental care within the broader healthcare system. Past interview questions have referenced current debates such as the possibility of including dental services in Medicare or significant healthcare reforms. For example, one reported question asked the applicant to imagine a scenario where "oral care just became part of the Medicare program, and dentists now make $20,000" – essentially probing how the applicant would react to a major policy change. Similarly, candidates have been asked, "What do you think the government should do in regards to dentistry?" or to comment on "the current healthcare debate in Washington". These questions assess whether the applicant is informed about healthcare policy, insurance, and the challenges facing the dental profession. Topics like the impact of insurance on patient care, the importance of preventive dentistry in public policy, the role of government programs (Medicaid/Medicare) in dental care, or the ethical implications of healthcare changes could all be relevant. While you are not expected to be an expert, having a thoughtful perspective on issues such as healthcare access, affordability, and the dentist's role in the healthcare system will help demonstrate maturity and awareness of the context in which you will practice.

Beyond strong grades and DAT scores, Stony Brook looks for well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated key personal attributes and experiences. According to the admissions information, selection is based on an overall appraisal of each applicant, meaning holistic criteria are important. Some of the major non-academic factors that Stony Brook values include:

• Significant dental exposure and interpersonal skills: Applicants are expected to have firsthand experience in dentistry (a minimum of 50 hours of shadowing and/or assisting is required) to show commitment to the field. Through these experiences, candidates ideally develop excellent communication and people skills, as dentistry is a patient-centered profession.
• Service and leadership: The school places importance on community service and involvement in extracurricular or leadership roles. Experiences such as volunteering, participating in dental outreach, or taking on leadership positions (for example, serving as a teaching assistant or club leader) indicate a commitment to serving others and the ability to work well in teams. These qualities align with the school's mission of community care and its core value of advocacy.
• Research and scholarly activity: Engagement in research or other scholarly endeavors is viewed positively. Stony Brook's admissions criteria specifically note research under "enrichment activities" considered in applications. Involvement in research (whether in dentistry or another scientific field) can demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge – traits that fit well with the school's emphasis on evidence-based practice.
• Character and professionalism: Stony Brook requires a professional character reference letter for each applicant, highlighting the importance of integrity, reliability, and professionalism. The admissions committee is attentive to personal qualities like ethical judgment, empathy, and maturity. Through your application and interviews, exhibiting honesty, responsibility, and respect for others (e.g. discussing mistakes learned from, or showing a dedication to patient welfare) will reinforce that you possess the character traits needed in a healthcare provider.

Like all accredited dental schools, Stony Brook's DDS program is structured around a competency-based framework that outlines the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes a graduating dentist must have. Understanding these competencies can help applicants appreciate what the program expects students to achieve. Key competency domains (as defined for new general dentists nationally) include:

• Professionalism and Ethics: Conducting oneself with integrity, adhering to ethical principles, and taking professional responsibility toward patients, society, and the profession.
• Patient Care (Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning): Obtaining comprehensive patient histories and examinations, formulating accurate diagnoses, and developing thorough, patient-centered treatment plans. This includes risk assessment, prevention, and knowing when to refer to specialists. Dentists must be competent in all phases of general dentistry – managing common conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, pulp pathology, and so on.
• Clinical Skills and Patient Management: Effectively performing dental procedures and managing patient well-being. This means not only technical proficiency in treatments (restorations, endodontics, periodontal therapy, oral surgery, etc.) but also skills in pain and anxiety control, managing dental emergencies, and communicating with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Dentists must be able to alleviate discomfort and handle urgent care situations appropriately.
• Practice Management and Community Oral Health: Understanding the business and administrative aspects of dental practice (such as managing an office, working with a dental team, and handling legal/risk management issues), as well as taking on a leadership role in promoting oral health in the community. New dentists are expected to be able to advocate for patients' oral health needs and contribute to community health initiatives (for example, by educating the public or participating in outreach).
• Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice: The ability to critically evaluate scientific research and dental literature and apply this evidence to clinical decision-making. Stony Brook's curriculum, like others, cultivates practitioners who can analyze information and adapt to new findings throughout their careers. This competency ensures graduates are life-long learners who will continue to integrate new knowledge and innovations into practice.

Interview questions at Stony Brook have tended to cover a broad range of topics, but certain themes appear frequently. Knowing these themes can help applicants prepare by reflecting on relevant experiences and knowledge (without memorizing scripted answers). Common themes include:

• Motivation for Dentistry: Expect questions about why you chose dentistry as a career. Interviewers often explore what sparked your interest in dentistry and whether you understand the realities of the profession. For example, past candidates have been asked, "What got you interested in dentistry?" or "Why dentistry rather than medicine?" Be prepared to articulate the experiences or insights that draw you to dental medicine, and why it's the right fit for you (as opposed to another healthcare field).
• Personal Experiences and Growth: Many questions invite you to discuss your hands-on experiences and what you've learned from them. Interviewers might delve into your shadowing, assisting, research, or work background. You could be asked to describe the most interesting thing you observed while shadowing, to reflect on something you learned from a patient interaction, or to talk about your research project and its outcomes. Similarly, you might get questions about challenges you've faced or how you've grown – for instance, "Tell us one thing good or bad that you encountered through your work experience" or "What would you do if you did not get accepted to any dental school?" These inquiries probe your resilience, insight, and dedication to dentistry.
• "Why Stony Brook?" and Future Goals: Interviewers typically want to know why you are interested in Stony Brook in particular. You should be ready for a question like "Why Stony Brook?" or even "Why Stony Brook over your state school?", which gauges how well you understand the features of this program and how you see yourself contributing to it. Additionally, expect to discuss your future aspirations – a common question is "Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?" – to show that you have thought about your career path in dentistry. They may also ask personal questions like "Tell me about yourself" or even inquire about your hobbies/interests to get a sense of your personality. These conversational elements help the interviewers determine if you'll be a good fit for the school's environment.
• Awareness of Dental Issues and Ethics: Stony Brook's interviews sometimes include questions about current events or ethical scenarios in healthcare. Interviewers have posed hypothetical situations and policy-related questions to assess an applicant's awareness and critical thinking. For example, one notable question was, "Let's say you just got into dental school, oral care became part of Medicare, and dentists now make $20,000 a year – what would you do?" Others have asked more open-endedly about the role of government in dental care or "what's the current healthcare debate in Washington about and how might it change dentistry?" These questions test your ability to discuss how broader changes could affect the profession and to reason through complex scenarios. While there may not be a "right" answer, demonstrating an informed perspective, ethical reasoning, and concern for patients' well-being when responding to such topics is important.

Applying to Stony Brook's dental program requires careful attention to the application timeline. Below are key dates and milestones for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle (for students aiming to enter in Fall 2026):

1. Late Spring 2025 (around late May): The ADEA AADSAS application cycle opens. Historically, the application portal opens in the vicinity of May 30 for the following year's entering class. It's advantageous to apply as early as possible since Stony Brook admits students on a rolling basis (meaning interview invitations and acceptances start early and continue until the class is filled).
2. December 1, 2025: Application deadline. This is the last day to submit your AADSAS application to Stony Brook and also the deadline for paying the supplemental application fee ($100) and completing any additional requirements. All materials – including the Kira online video assessment that Stony Brook uses as part of its screening – must be completed by this date for full consideration. Missing the deadline or components like the Kira assessment will disqualify an application, so plan to finish well in advance of December 1.
3. Fall 2025 – Winter 2026: Interview phase. Stony Brook extends interview invitations on a rolling basis, typically beginning in the summer or early fall for well-qualified applicants. Interviews are often held during the fall months (e.g., September through November 2025). In recent cycles, many interviews have been conducted virtually via Zoom, though this is subject to change. Note that if an applicant finishes prerequisite coursework in the fall or applies later in the cycle, Stony Brook may still consider them for a January 2026 interview slot, pending space availability in the class. However, the majority of interviews will occur before the end of 2025.
4. December 1, 2025: First acceptance notices released. Stony Brook participates in the national dental school common acceptance date of December 1st. On that day (and thereafter), the admissions committee begins issuing offers of admission to selected interviewees. Admissions are rolling, so further acceptance offers (and waitlist movement) continue through the winter and spring of 2026 until the class is filled. Those accepted will typically be given a deadline (set by the school or ADEA guidelines) to respond and submit an initial deposit to secure their seat.

In summary, thoroughly preparing for a Stony Brook dental interview involves understanding the program's format, values, and expectations, as well as being aware of the broader context of dentistry. Stony Brook's interview experience is generally described as friendly and low-stress, giving applicants a chance to have a genuine conversation about their motivations and fit for the school. By learning about the school's mission of innovative education and community service, its curriculum and unique programs, and reflecting on key issues in healthcare, you can approach the interview with confidence. The goal is to convey not only why you are a strong candidate for dentistry, but why you specifically belong at Stony Brook – demonstrating that your aspirations and values align with those of the School of Dental Medicine.