UB SDM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Interviewing at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine requires a blend of school-specific knowledge and broad awareness of dental healthcare. This guide provides a synthesis of key information: it outlines the interview format used by UB SDM and what to expect on interview day, summarizes the mission and values that drive the school’s culture, and highlights essential program features and facts that applicants should know. It also delves into current policy issues relevant to dentistry in Buffalo and beyond, reviews the non-academic qualities that UB emphasizes in admissions, and notes the official competency framework guiding the curriculum. Common themes from past interview questions are identified to help candidates anticipate topics, and the important timelines and deadlines for the 2025–2026 application cycle are outlined. Together, these sections give a comprehensive picture to inform your interview preparation.

UB SDM’s interview process is known to be structured and multi-faceted. In recent cycles, the school has employed a format that includes multiple components, sometimes described as a modified Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) approach studentdoctor.net. For example, interviewees have reported completing a brief writing sample (around 10 minutes) and discussing a case scenario with a faculty member (such as the Admissions Director) in addition to the traditional interview studentdoctor.net. The main interview is often a panel-style conversation – typically one faculty member alongside two fourth-year dental students – creating a conversational setting where the panelists can ask about the applicant’s motivations and experiences. Notably, Buffalo’s interviewers tend to have access to the applicant’s file (open-file format), which means questions may reference your personal statement, academic record, or experiences (for instance, asking about research noted in your application) studentdoctor.net. Overall, the interview day is designed to assess not only academic potential but also qualities like communication skills, critical thinking, and fit with the school’s values.

The atmosphere of UB’s interviews is generally described as welcoming and low-pressure. Past candidates have consistently noted that the interview felt “laid back” and personable studentdoctor.net. The presence of student interviewers on the panel contributes to a more relaxed, peer-to-peer dynamic, and many applicants found the conversation to be friendly and genuine. In school feedback surveys, most interviewees have ranked Buffalo’s interview experience highly, with a moderate stress level on average studentdoctor.net. The interview day often includes informal interactions – for example, a lunch with faculty and students – which gives candidates a chance to ask questions and get to know the school in a comfortable setting studentdoctor.net. Despite the relatively relaxed tone, professionalism is still key: candidates are expected to engage sincerely and thoughtfully, as standard questions typically cover one’s preparation for dentistry, reasons for choosing UB, and understanding of the dental profession studentdoctor.net.

It’s also helpful to understand Buffalo’s interview selection and outcomes in context. UB receives a large number of applications (often 2,500+ per cycle) but extends interview invitations to roughly 300 candidates in total dental.buffalo.edu. This means obtaining an interview offer is competitive (~12% of applicants). However, once you reach the interview stage, the odds of acceptance are relatively favorable. In recent data, about 50–60% of interviewees eventually received an offer of admission. In fact, Buffalo shows a particularly high yield for in-state applicants – for one recent class, about 81% of New York residents who were interviewed were accepted, compared to roughly 52% of interviewed out-of-state applicants forums.studentdoctor.net. While the exact post-interview acceptance rate can vary by year, these figures indicate that the school carefully pre-screens candidates, and those invited to interview have a strong chance if they continue to impress. Knowing this can boost your confidence going into the interview: the school is seriously interested in you, and the conversation is a key opportunity to solidify your place in the class.

The mission of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine centers on improving oral health through education, patient care, and research in an inclusive environment. In the school’s own words, its mission is to “create an inclusive and diverse environment, fostering research and clinical training to improve oral health in our own community and the world” dental.buffalo.edu. This mission highlights UB’s dual emphasis on serving the community and advancing the field of dentistry globally. In practice, that means UB SDM seeks to train dentists who not only excel clinically and academically but also carry forward a commitment to diversity, empathy, and social responsibility. Understanding this mission is important for interview prep: many schools, including UB, want students whose personal values and goals align with their institutional purpose.

UB SDM has also outlined a set of core values that define its culture and expectations. These values guide how students, faculty, and staff interact and how the school fulfills its mission. The core values include:

• Respect & Integrity – Fostering a safe, ethical, professional and socially responsible environment for all members of the community dental.buffalo.edu.
• Belonging – Creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
• Mentorship – Preparing and supporting future oral health leaders through guidance and mentorship on a global stage.
• Excellence – Striving for the highest quality in oral health education and patient care.
• Discovery & Innovation – Embracing evidence-based practice and exploring new scientific frontiers to advance dental medicine.

These mission and values are not just formalities – they often manifest in how UB approaches admissions and interviews. For instance, a school that values belonging and integrity will be looking for candidates who demonstrate professionalism and teamwork. A focus on innovation and research suggests they appreciate inquisitive minds and may ask about your academic curiosities or research experiences. As you prepare, consider how your own experiences reflect these values. Being able to articulate a connection between your personal journey and UB’s core principles (without overtly “reciting” them) can subtly signal to interviewers that you are a good fit for their community.

The DDS program at UB is a four-year doctoral program designed to develop competent general dentists with a strong scientific foundation and extensive clinical experience. Right from the start, the curriculum balances basic science training with hands-on dental practice. UB places a heavy emphasis on the biomedical sciences in the first years, ensuring students grasp how general health and oral health interconnect dental.buffalo.edu. Uniquely, clinical exposure begins in the first year of the program – earlier than at many dental schools dental.buffalo.edu. First-year students typically spend an afternoon each week in the clinic, and this involvement ramps up each year, leading to nearly full-time patient care by the fourth year dental.buffalo.edu. This early and increasing exposure to patients helps students reinforce their classroom learning with practical experience, linking theory to real-world practice. By integrating science with clinical care from day one, UB’s program ensures that graduates not only excel in knowledge but also feel comfortable and confident treating patients by the time they graduate.

Clinical training is a particular strength of UB’s program. The School of Dental Medicine serves a large patient population in Western New York, providing students with ample opportunities to treat diverse cases. Each year the school handles over 30,000 patient visits, with roughly 6,500 active patients under treatment at any given time dental.buffalo.edu. Such volume means students get broad exposure to different dental conditions and procedures. Importantly, UB maintains a favorable faculty-to-student ratio – with about 66 full-time and 113 part-time faculty for a DDS student body of ~360 dental.buffalo.edu – which translates to strong one-on-one instruction and mentorship during clinic sessions. The clinical education is structured to simulate private practice: after instructors evaluate patients’ needs, patients are assigned to students, who then take primary responsibility for managing the treatment (under faculty supervision) dental.buffalo.edu. UB has implemented a computerized patient-management system to track each student’s clinical experience and ensure they complete a well-rounded set of procedures dental.buffalo.edu. This modern approach prepares students to transition smoothly into real-world practice, having already managed patient care logistics and comprehensive treatment planning during school.

Beyond strong clinical and science training, UB offers opportunities for students to explore individual interests. The school encourages student participation in research; some UB dental students take part in research projects and have even presented their work at national conferences dental.buffalo.edu. This reflects a culture of inquiry and can be a point of discussion during interviews if you have research experience or aspirations. Additionally, UB SDM provides a dual-degree DDS/MBA program for those interested in augmenting their dental education with business and management skills dental.buffalo.edu. This is an attractive option for students who may want to run a practice or take on leadership roles in healthcare. As a testament to its comprehensive program quality, the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is highly regarded nationally, ranked #10 among U.S. dental schools buffalo.edu. For an interviewee, knowing these program facts is valuable: it not only helps you understand what makes UB distinctive (early clinical exposure, rich clinical volume, research opportunities, etc.), but also equips you to ask informed questions and explain why Buffalo’s program aligns with your goals.

Potential Questions to Ask at the Interview

• “UB students start working with patients early on. How is the first-year clinical experience integrated with the coursework, and what support do students get as beginners in clinic?”
• “What opportunities are there for DDS students to engage in research or scholarly activities during the program?”
• “Are there community outreach or public health dentistry opportunities for students (for example, providing care in underserved areas or participating in service trips)?”
• “I’m interested in practice management – could you tell me more about the DDS/MBA dual degree option and how students balance that with their dental studies?”
• “How does UB support students who might be interested in specializing after dental school, or what resources are available for preparing for post-graduate residencies?”

These questions not only demonstrate your genuine interest in UB’s program but also invite your interviewers to share insights on details you can’t find on the website. Tailor your questions to what truly matters to you – whether it’s clinical training, research, outreach, or career development – and avoid asking anything overly obvious or readily available in admissions materials. Thoughtful questions can turn the interview into a two-way conversation and show that you’ve done your homework on the school.

Understanding the broader context of dentistry – including current policy issues in the region and country – can help you stand out in an interview. It shows that you are thinking beyond just the classroom and are aware of challenges and changes in the dental field. UB’s mission has a community and public health orientation, so being informed about these topics is especially pertinent. Here are some policy and dental healthcare topics relevant to UB’s environment (New York State) and the nation, which could come up in conversation or help inform your answers:

• Access to Care and Health Disparities – Like many areas, Western New York faces pockets of underserved populations and dentist shortages. UB SDM recognizes this, even giving admissions consideration to applicants from Dental Professional Shortage Areas dental.buffalo.edu. Policy-wise, there is ongoing discussion on how to incentivize dentists to practice in rural or low-income communities (e.g., loan forgiveness programs or state initiatives) to improve access. An awareness of these disparities and a commitment to helping address them aligns well with UB’s community-focused values.
• Dental Insurance Coverage Gaps – Nationally, oral health care access is hindered by insurance issues. Nearly 27% of U.S. adults lack dental insurance, compared to only about 9.5% who lack medical insurance time.com. This gap has spurred debate on expanding dental coverage through policy changes. For example, there are proposals to include adult dental benefits in Medicaid or even Medicare, and recent federal efforts to let states offer stand-alone dental plans on ACA marketplaces axios.com. Being aware of these discussions shows that you understand systemic challenges patients face. In an interview, you might refer to the importance of preventive care and how lack of insurance leads to people avoiding the dentist until problems become severe – a public health issue the next generation of dentists will grapple with.
• Workforce and Mid-Level Providers – To alleviate provider shortages, some states are exploring dental therapists or other mid-level dental providers. In New York, a bill has been introduced to license dental therapists to serve in high-need areas (particularly for Medicaid patients) as a way to bridge the care gap timesunion.com. This is a controversial topic: proponents argue it could expand access, while many dentist organizations oppose it, citing concerns over training and patient safety. It’s a hot policy debate that intersects with access to care. An interviewer might not ask directly about “dental therapists,” but showing familiarity with the concept – and diplomatically discussing pros and cons – could demonstrate that you stay informed on evolving trends in the profession.

Keeping up with such policy issues can inform how you answer questions like “What do you think is a big challenge in dentistry today?” or “How do you see dentistry evolving in the next decade?” It provides concrete examples to draw upon. Moreover, UB’s program places value on serving the community; demonstrating your awareness of these larger issues (and perhaps mentioning how you hope to be part of the solution) can underscore your fit with the school’s ethos.

UB SDM takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look well beyond grades and DAT scores when selecting students dental.buffalo.edu. The school explicitly states that it evaluates each applicant as a whole person – considering experiences, attributes, and potential contributions to the incoming class. Knowing this can help you prepare to showcase the personal qualities and experiences that complement your academic record. Based on UB’s admissions information, some key non-academic criteria and traits they value include:

• Service & Compassion – Demonstrated commitment to serving others and a compassionate attitude toward patients and community dental.buffalo.edu. (For example, volunteering, community service, or caregiving experiences are viewed favorably.)
• Dental Exposure – Evidence of a realistic preview of the dental profession dental.buffalo.edu. This typically means shadowing dentists, working in a dental office, or otherwise making sure you understand what a career in dentistry entails.
• Research & Problem-Solving – Participation in research or other activities that show critical thinking and curiosity dental.buffalo.edu. UB appreciates applicants who have engaged in scientific inquiry or projects, as it indicates the ability to analyze and solve problems – a key skill in dentistry.
• Leadership & Teamwork – Leadership skills and the ability to work well with others dental.buffalo.edu. This could be evidenced by leadership positions in clubs, teams, or projects, or stories of collaborating effectively in group settings. UB’s student body thrives on peer support, so they seek those who can contribute to a collaborative environment.
• Communication Skills – Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential (and often tested during the interview). Experiences that highlight your people skills, whether it’s public speaking, mentoring, or customer service, align with this criterion dental.buffalo.edu.
• Diverse Experiences & Resilience – Unique life experiences, backgrounds, or challenges overcome dental.buffalo.edu. UB values diversity in all its forms, including geographic diversity (they take note if you’re from an underserved area or a region lacking dental providers) and socio-economic or experiential diversity. If you’ve navigated significant obstacles or come from a disadvantaged background and succeeded, that resilience is a strength you bring to the class.

It’s apparent that UB is interested in well-rounded individuals who have shown leadership, service, and maturity in various settings. In the interview, you should expect questions that probe these areas of your background. For example, you might be asked to describe a meaningful volunteer experience, a leadership role you’ve held, or a time you faced a challenge (to gauge resilience). Be prepared to discuss such experiences in a reflective way – what you learned, how you grew – since that will convey the attributes UB is looking for without you having to explicitly list them. By understanding UB’s selection criteria, you can better frame your answers to highlight the qualities you possess that match what the school values.

Like all accredited dental programs, UB’s curriculum is built around a set of competencies that students must achieve by graduation dental.buffalo.edu. These competencies are essentially the skill areas and professional behaviors that define a competent entry-level dentist. While you won’t be expected to recite these in an interview, being aware of them can help you understand the school’s educational priorities – and sometimes interview questions or scenarios may tie into these fundamental domains. Broadly, by the end of the DDS program, UB expects students to be competent in:

• Critical Thinking – The ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in patient care and in evaluating research (i.e., evidence-based dentistry) dental.buffalo.edu. This means not just memorizing facts, but being able to assess situations, integrate information, and make sound decisions. (In interviews, scenario-type questions or ethical dilemmas might be used to see how you approach problem-solving.)
• Biomedical Sciences Application – A strong grasp of biomedical science and how it underpins oral health and disease dental.buffalo.edu. Dentists need a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc., and UB’s curriculum ensures this. You might get an interview question about a basic science topic or how oral health is connected to overall health, gauging your appreciation of this integration.
• Behavioral Sciences & Communication – Understanding human behavior and having the interpersonal skills to manage a diverse patient population dental.buffalo.edu. This competency is about patient-centered care – communicating effectively, showing empathy, and working with patients of all backgrounds. A question like “How would you handle a nervous patient?” or “Describe a time you worked with someone very different from yourself” would relate to this area.
• Practice Management & Collaboration – Knowledge of dental practice management, healthcare systems, and the ability to function as a leader of the oral health care team dental.buffalo.edu. Essentially, UB trains students not just in clinical skills but also in how to run a practice and work with dental assistants, hygienists, and other professionals. They want graduates who can later manage a practice and collaborate in multidisciplinary healthcare settings.
• Ethics and Professionalism – Adherence to ethical principles and professional responsibility dental.buffalo.edu. Dentists must make ethical decisions and uphold professionalism. In interviews, you might be asked about scenarios that test integrity or ethics (for example, what you would do if you saw a classmate cheating, or how you handle mistakes) – these gauge your alignment with this competency.
• Comprehensive Patient Care – The ability to provide all aspects of general dentistry at a level ready for unsupervised practice dental.buffalo.edu. This includes diagnosing oral conditions, devising comprehensive treatment plans, performing clinical procedures across disciplines (restorative, periodontal, endodontic, oral surgery, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, etc.), and managing patient recalls and emergencies. UB’s program ensures students get experience in the full spectrum of general dentistry, including treating patients with special needs dental.buffalo.edu dental.buffalo.edu. While an interviewer won’t quiz you on specific treatments, they may ask what area of dentistry interests you or discuss your experiences observing various procedures, indirectly touching on your exposure to comprehensive care.

The key takeaway is that UB is committed to graduating dentists who are competent, ethical, and ready to serve the public. For you as an applicant, understanding this framework reinforces why the school might be asking certain interview questions. If you get a behavioral question or a scenario, think about which competency it might relate to – it can help you structure a thoughtful response. Highlighting instances where you’ve demonstrated critical thinking, ethical judgment, teamwork, or adaptability will show that you’re already on your way to meeting these competencies. In summary, aligning your interview discussion with the qualities of a well-rounded, competent dentist (as defined by UB and CODA) can subtly underscore that you’re prepared to thrive in their program.

Every interview is different, but past applicants to UB SDM have reported a variety of question types that seem to come up frequently. By reviewing these themes, you can ensure you have thought about relevant topics beforehand (though remember, you should not script answers – just have ideas and examples in mind). Common themes from past UB dental interviews include:

• Motivation and “Why Dentistry?” – Almost every interview will feature something about your motivation for pursuing dentistry. UB is no exception: expect to discuss why you chose dentistry and often why you are interested in UB specifically. For example, students have been asked questions like “Tell me about what made you want to pursue dentistry” or “Why Buffalo?” studentdoctor.net. Be prepared to articulate what inspired you, what you find appealing about the profession, and what draws you to UB’s program (this is a chance to mention those program facts or values that resonate with you). They may also probe into where you see yourself in the future – one reported question was about where the applicant sees themselves in five years and whether they plan to stay in New York studentdoctor.net, which is a way of gauging your long-term vision and perhaps your ties to the region.
• Personal Background and Experiences – UB interviewers often ask about your experiences to date, giving you an opening to talk about important parts of your application. This could be a general “Tell me about yourself” prompt or specific inquiries about things like your academic interests, research projects, or extracurricular activities. For instance, some interviewees were asked to name a favorite class or discuss something from their undergraduate studies they enjoyed studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. You might also get questions about your exposure to dentistry: “What did you learn from shadowing?” or “Have you worked as a dental assistant and what was that like?” These are all opportunities to highlight experiences that shaped you and to demonstrate insight into what you learned from them. Essentially, UB is interested in who you are beyond the numbers – so think about the narrative of your journey into dentistry.
• Ethics and Professionalism – Interviews frequently include questions aimed at assessing your judgment and ethical standards. At UB, candidates have reported questions like “What does professionalism mean to you?” studentdoctor.net or “Describe a conflict situation you have been through and how you dealt with it” studentdoctor.net. You might be presented with a hypothetical scenario requiring an ethical decision, or simply asked about a time you faced a moral dilemma. These questions test your integrity, empathy, and communication skills. When answering, it’s often good to demonstrate that you can see multiple sides of an issue, prioritize patient well-being, and follow ethical principles (like honesty, responsibility, and seeking help when appropriate). Given UB’s value on integrity and empathy, showing a balanced and principled approach to such scenarios is important.
• Awareness of the Dental Field – Some questions probe how much you understand the profession and its challenges. UB interviewers have brought up topics such as current challenges in dentistry or asked for your take on an issue facing dentists today studentdoctor.net. You might be asked, “What do you think is the biggest challenge in dentistry currently?” or “How do you think dentistry will change in the next 10 years?” These are chances to mention things like access to care, the need for preventative care, technological advancements (e.g., digital dentistry), or any other well-known issue. It ties back to the policy topics section – demonstrating an informed perspective on, say, the importance of oral health literacy or the impact of insurance on patient care can really show your passion and foresight. Don’t worry – they’re not expecting a policy expert, just someone who has thought about the profession beyond their personal bubble.

In preparing for these themes, reflect on your own experiences and viewpoints. Have concise stories ready for common prompts (why dentistry, tell me about yourself, a leadership experience, etc.) and be ready to discuss or explain anything you’ve done in depth (because open-file interviews mean anything on your application is fair game). The goal is to let the interviewers know you on a personal level – why you’re passionate, how you’ve prepared, how you think through issues – and to show that you’d be a great addition to the UB community. By anticipating these thematic areas, you can practice articulating your thoughts and reduce on-the-spot stress, while still keeping your responses natural and not overly rehearsed.

Finally, it’s important to stay on top of the application timeline. Below are key dates and deadlines for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle (for entrance in Fall 2026). Being aware of these ensures you don’t miss any steps and also helps you understand where the interview fits into the broader process:

• May 2025 – Application Opens: The ADEA AADSAS application for the class entering 2026 becomes available in May dental.buffalo.edu. You can begin filling out your application at this time.
• June 3, 2025 – First Submission Date: This is the first day you can submit your completed AADSAS application for UB (and other dental schools) dental.buffalo.edu. Early submission is strongly encouraged since UB uses rolling admissions.
• Rolling Review (Summer/Fall 2025): UB reviews applications continuously as they become complete. The admissions committee typically starts looking at verified applications in June and extends interview invitations starting in late summer (August) dental.buffalo.edu. Because interview spots start filling up by September, applying early improves your chances of getting an interview offer dental.buffalo.edu. (However, note that invites are not strictly first-come, first-served – a strong application in September could still be invited before a weaker one from July dental.buffalo.edu.)
• December 1, 2025 – Application Deadline: This is UB’s final deadline for the AADSAS application dental.buffalo.edu. All application materials, including official DAT scores, must be received by AADSAS by this date dental.buffalo.edu. UB will not consider applications (or DAT scores) submitted after Dec 1. Waiting until the deadline is not recommended; by late fall fewer interview slots remain dental.buffalo.edu.
• December 15, 2025 – First Acceptance Notices: Per ADEA guidelines, dental schools begin sending out initial acceptance offers in mid-December adea.org. UB participates in this timeline. If you interview in the early fall and are a top choice, you could receive an acceptance email or call on or shortly after Dec 15. (This date is often an exciting “Acceptance Day” across U.S. dental schools.) Students typically have a window (e.g., 30 days) to respond with a deposit adea.org.
• January – March 2026 – Interviews and Decisions: UB continues interviewing candidates through the winter (interviews have been known to run into February or even early March for the last slots) forums.studentdoctor.net. Admissions offers continue on a rolling basis. If you interview later in the cycle, you might receive an acceptance in late winter or early spring. UB may also start a waitlist as the class fills; if so, they may notify some candidates of waitlist status around this time.
• Spring 2026 – Finalizing the Class: By March or April, the class is usually close to full. Accepted students must submit a tuition deposit to hold their seat (UB’s deposit is $1,250 for DDS) by the deadline stated in their offer letter dental.buffalo.edu dental.buffalo.edu. Students can withdraw for a refund until a certain date (for 2025 entry it was April 1 of that year) dental.buffalo.edu. If any accepted students withdraw or decline, UB will offer those spots to waitlisted applicants. The class roster is finalized by early summer.
• August 2026 – Matriculation: The new DDS class (class of 2030) will begin its orientation and classes in August 2026. At this point, the interview that once seemed so daunting will be a memory, and you’ll be embarking on your dental school journey at UB!

Keep in mind that UB is on a rolling admissions system, so timing can be critical. Interview invites are sent out in batches – if you applied early and are well-qualified, you might hear about an interview as soon as late summer. If you applied closer to the deadline, you might not hear until winter (or you might miss out if slots are full). The earlier you interview, the earlier you could be accepted, but whenever your interview is scheduled, make sure you’re fully prepared by that date. Also, after your interview, patience is key; UB aims to notify interviewees of decisions within a few weeks, but if you interview before December, the school may wait until the first acceptance date to inform you. Use that waiting period to continue learning about the school and confirming that it’s the right fit for you. And if you’re placed on a waitlist, don’t lose hope – spots often open up later in the spring. Knowing this timeline will help you stay calm and informed throughout the admissions journey.

The University at Buffalo SDM offers a highly regarded program, and their interview process is your chance to show you belong there. In this guide, we reviewed the interview format and what it’s like to interact with UB’s welcoming faculty and students, as well as the school’s mission-driven approach and the qualities they value in candidates. We also touched on big-picture issues in dentistry that you should be aware of, and looked at the timeline so you know what to expect and when. With this knowledge in hand, you can focus on presenting your best self – someone who is well-informed, aligned with UB’s values, and passionate about dentistry. As you prepare, reflect on your experiences and how they relate to what UB is looking for, stay updated on dental topics, and most importantly, be ready to articulate why you want to join the Buffalo dental community. Good luck at your interview – and Go Bulls!