UBC Dentistry Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s interview process assesses both academic strength and personal qualities of applicants dentistry.ubc.ca. This guide provides a concise overview of what to expect and how to prepare, covering the interview format, the school’s mission and values, key program features, and the broader context of dentistry in British Columbia and Canada. It also outlines the non-academic criteria UBC considers, the competency framework guiding the DMD curriculum, common themes from past interview questions, and important application timelines for the 2025–2026 cycle. Together, these insights help applicants understand what UBC Dentistry is looking for and how the interview fits into the overall admissions process.

UBC Dentistry uses a multi-faceted interview that includes both one-on-one and group components. Specifically, the format consists of a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and a Small Group Interview (SGI) blackstonetutors.com. During the MMI, candidates rotate through a series of short stations dealing with various questions or scenarios, each typically with a different interviewer. The SGI involves several applicants collaborating or discussing in front of evaluators, allowing the school to observe teamwork, communication, and problem-solving dynamics. All interviews are conducted in-person, and interviewers are deliberately kept "blind" to the applicant’s file and academic records dentistry.ubc.ca, meaning it is a closed-file, unbiased assessment focusing on personal attributes and situational responses.

This interview format is conversational in parts but also structured: candidates should be ready to interact with practicing dentists and faculty members who serve as interviewers blackstonetutors.com. The inclusion of an SGI indicates that UBC values how applicants engage in group settings, reflecting the collaborative nature of dental practice. Performance in both the MMI and the group interview is critical; the admissions committee considers interview results alongside the overall application in making final decisions blackstonetutors.com. Post-interview, the chances of acceptance are significantly higher than the initial odds – UBC receives roughly 400 applications for about 70 spots (≈18% overall acceptance) dentistry.ubc.ca dentistry.ubc.ca, but if an applicant is among those invited (perhaps on the order of 120–150 interviewees), the post-interview acceptance rate could be in the range of roughly half of those interviewed. In other words, once invited to the interview, an applicant’s prospects improve considerably, underscoring the importance of thorough interview preparation.

Understanding UBC Dentistry’s mission and values provides insight into the qualities and goals the program emphasizes. The Faculty’s vision is to be “trailblazers in oral health for British Columbia and beyond,” and its purpose centers on advancing oral and general health through progressive education, innovative research, and community service dentistry.ubc.ca dentistry.ubc.ca. In line with this purpose, UBC Dentistry upholds core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion, innovation, and transparency dentistry.ubc.ca. These guiding principles are woven into the program’s culture and curriculum, and interview questions or discussions may indirectly touch on them. For example, a commitment to community engagement and innovation is part of the school’s mandate dentistry.ubc.ca, so candidates might find opportunities during the interview to discuss experiences that reflect compassion, ethical integrity, inclusivity, or a drive for innovation. Being aware of UBC’s mission can help applicants frame their understanding of the dental profession and the role of the dentist in society in a way that resonates with the school’s ethos.

UBC is also unique as the only university in British Columbia that provides dental, dental hygiene, and graduate specialty training under one roof give.ubc.ca. This speaks to a broader mission of serving the province’s needs in oral health education and patient care. The school’s values manifest in initiatives like community dental clinics and outreach, a strong research agenda, and an emphasis on ethical practice. During interviews, applicants aren’t asked directly to recite the mission statement, but demonstrating an understanding of these values—through one’s perspectives on patient care, public service, teamwork, and lifelong learning—can show alignment with UBC’s philosophy. The interviewers are looking for future dental professionals who will embody qualities such as integrity and compassion in their practice, consistent with the faculty’s values.

UBC’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program is a four-year curriculum known for its innovative, student-centered approach to dental education dentistry.ubc.ca. The program utilizes inquiry-based learning, blending hybrid problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based discussions with traditional lectures and extensive clinical experience dentistry.ubc.ca. This means students spend considerable time in small-group learning and self-directed study, which helps develop critical thinking and collaboration skills. Basic biomedical sciences are integrated with behavioral and clinical sciences throughout the program, so that graduates acquire the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed for competent practice dentistry.ubc.ca. Notably, UBC places less emphasis on passive lectures and more on active learning and problem-solving, reflecting a modern educational philosophy.

Clinical training is a major strength of the program. Students begin honing psychomotor and clinical skills early – first in simulation labs and then with patients under supervision, progressively handling more complex cases dentistry.ubc.ca. The Faculty boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre, where students gain hands-on experience while treating a diverse patient community give.ubc.ca. Being the only dental school in BC, UBC Dentistry has a vital role in serving the region’s oral health needs, and it leverages cutting-edge technology (UBC is described as one of the most technologically advanced dental schools give.ubc.ca) to enhance learning. Class sizes are around 70 students per year dentistry.ubc.ca, fostering a close-knit learning environment. The program’s comprehensive training and resources are points of pride and may come up in conversation – for instance, interviewers might discuss the PBL approach or community clinics, giving candidates a chance to show their familiarity with UBC’s educational style.

Demonstrating knowledge of these program features can be advantageous in an interview. It not only shows your genuine interest in UBC but also helps you tailor your responses about "why UBC" or how you learn best. For example, knowing that self-directed learning is heavily emphasized dentistry.ubc.ca, you might highlight your experience thriving in less structured or group-learning environments if prompted. Similarly, awareness of the program’s strong clinical component and outreach can inform your discussions about practical experience or community service. Interviewers often appreciate when candidates are informed about the school, as it reflects enthusiasm and due diligence.

Potential Questions to Ask at the Interview

• How does UBC Dentistry integrate its hybrid problem-based learning and case-based approach into the curriculum, and what support is available for students new to this learning style?
• At what stage of the DMD program do students begin treating patients, and how does the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre enhance the clinical training experience for students?
• What opportunities are there for dental students to get involved in research or community outreach during their time at UBC, and how do these activities fit into the overall program?

These sample questions are designed to not only obtain useful information but also to signal to interviewers that you are engaged and knowledgeable about the program. Asking about specifics – like the PBL curriculum or clinical training facilities – can open up a dialogue and show that you’ve done your homework. It’s important that any questions you pose are genuine and not answerable by easily accessible material (so as not to appear uninformed). By focusing on unique aspects of UBC’s program (for example, advanced simulation technology or community rotations), you demonstrate both enthusiasm for and understanding of what makes this dental school distinctive.

Dental education and practice do not exist in a vacuum – being aware of current policy issues and broader trends in oral health can help applicants stand out in interviews. UBC’s curriculum and values encourage students to understand the community and healthcare system context. In British Columbia and Canada at large, access to affordable dental care has been a prominent topic. For instance, the federal government has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan in phases, which by 2025 is expanding coverage to millions of Canadians who previously couldn’t afford dental treatment canada.ca. Provincially, BC has programs like the Healthy Kids Program that provide basic dental coverage to children in low-income families www2.gov.bc.ca, and limited dental benefits for adults on social assistance www2.gov.bc.ca. Interviewers might not quiz you directly on policy details, but they could frame questions about how to improve access to care or ask your opinion on including dental care in universal health coverage. Demonstrating an informed perspective – for example, acknowledging the significance of the new federal dental plan or understanding challenges faced by underserved communities – shows that you are thinking like a healthcare provider and public health advocate.

Another important theme, especially in the regional context, is cultural safety and indigenous health. UBC, like other Canadian institutions, is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by incorporating cultural competence in healthcare training. In BC’s oral health field, there is a strong commitment to anti-discrimination and indigenous cultural safety – the BC College of Oral Health Professionals publicly emphasizes cultural humility and is working to embed equity and reconciliation in oral health care oralhealthbc.ca. Nationally, the formation of the Indigenous Dental Association of Canada in 2022 highlights efforts to improve oral health outcomes for Indigenous communities canada.ca. In an interview, this context could appear as an ethical scenario or a discussion about treating patients from diverse backgrounds. Awareness of such issues will help you discuss topics like how a dentist should approach care in rural or indigenous communities, or the importance of trust and respect in patient communication. It aligns with UBC Dentistry’s values of inclusion and service and shows the panel that you’re preparing to be a socially conscious professional.

Other policy-relevant topics might include the role of preventive dentistry in the public health system (e.g., community water fluoridation debates, school dental programs) or how technological advancements (like tele-dentistry apps developed at UBC) can help reach vulnerable populations give.ubc.ca. The key for interview prep is not to become a policy expert overnight, but to be conversant with the major issues shaping the dental profession in Canada. If asked about a “hot topic” – say, your thoughts on the new dental care plan or on improving care for marginalized groups – you can draw on these real-world developments to form a thoughtful answer. UBC’s interviewers will appreciate applicants who are mindful of the broader impacts of dentistry and can discuss dentistry’s role in society.

While strong grades and DAT scores are essential to get an interview, UBC places significant weight on non-academic factors when selecting students dentistry.ubc.ca. The admissions process looks for well-rounded individuals who have shown initiative, community spirit, and other qualities beyond the classroom. Volunteering and community service are highly valued, consistent with UBC’s service-oriented mission dentistry.ubc.ca – many successful applicants have a track record of helping in their communities or working with underserved groups. Leadership experience is another desirable trait, reflecting the expectation that a dentist is not only a healthcare provider but also a community leader dentistry.ubc.ca. This could mean holding a leadership role in a student organization, sports team, or any group where you demonstrated responsibility and the ability to guide or inspire others.

Additionally, UBC Dentistry encourages research and innovation, so involvement in research projects or other scholarly activities can strengthen an application. The school’s emphasis on advancing knowledge dentistry.ubc.ca suggests that curious and research-minded students are a good fit for the program’s culture. Many applicants also showcase manual dexterity and artistic skill (for example, through hobbies like painting, playing a musical instrument, or crafting) because dentistry is a hands-on profession – although UBC doesn’t require a formal manual dexterity test, these interests can come up in the autobiographical sketch or interview. Importantly, UBC expects candidates to have explored the profession: dental shadowing is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, with at least 30 hours suggested dentistry.ubc.ca. Shadowing or working in a dental setting gives you insight into the field and can provide anecdotes to discuss during interviews. In fact, interviewers often ask directly about what shadowing or dental exposure you have done blackstonetutors.com, as well as any volunteering or research experience, indicating how crucial these experiences are in the selection process.

Overall, UBC’s selection committee conducts a “global assessment” of each applicant’s fit for the program dentistry.ubc.ca. Attributes like communication skills, empathy, resilience, and teamwork are evaluated through your references and interview performance. The inclusion of group exercises in the interview itself is telling – it means UBC is specifically looking at how you collaborate and respect others. When preparing, reflect on your extracurricular experiences and be ready to discuss them: not in the sense of boasting, but to illustrate what you learned and how you grew. The aim is to paint a picture of an applicant who not only excels academically but also embodies the personal qualities that align with UBC Dentistry’s values and the demands of the profession.

UBC’s DMD program is guided by formal competency frameworks that define the expected skills and behaviors of graduates. In fact, all Canadian dental schools, including UBC, have adopted the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) Educational Framework for developing competency in dental programs pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This framework identifies broad domains of competence – essentially the key abilities and professional qualities a new dentist must have. There are five “global” competency areas described by the ACFD framework pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, each encompassing specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes. For example, they include clinical expertise in diagnosis and treatment, communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism and ethics, practice management and leadership, and health promotion/population health (while the framework’s exact wording may differ, these themes are covered within its competencies).

UBC Dentistry outlines the competencies expected of its graduates in alignment with the ACFD framework dentistry.ubc.ca. The program’s curriculum is intentionally designed so that every course and learning activity maps to developing these competencies. For instance, problem-based learning cases are not just academic exercises – they train students in critical thinking and collaboration (key components of professional competency). Similarly, clinical rotations and community outreach develop technical skills as well as ethical patient care and cultural sensitivity. Being aware of this framework can assist applicants in understanding what qualities UBC might probe in interviews. If you consider the competency domains, it’s likely the interview will touch on areas like ethics (testing your professionalism), teamwork (communication skills), and your understanding of a dentist’s role in the healthcare system (health advocacy). The ACFD framework essentially gives an official stamp to the idea of the “well-rounded” dentist, which is what UBC is aiming to select and train.

In practical terms, questions or scenarios during the interview may correspond to these competency areas. For example, an MMI station could present an ethical dilemma to gauge your professionalism and integrity, or the group task might assess communication and teamwork. Knowing that UBC values these competencies, you can ensure that your personal stories and examples (when asked about past experiences) highlight relevant skills – whether it’s leadership, empathy, manual dexterity, or problem-solving. While you don’t need to cite the “ACFD framework” in the interview, being mindful of it means you’ll be touching on the attributes that the program expects in its future students and practitioners.

Reviewing common themes from past UBC Dentistry interviews can help in anticipating the kind of topics and scenarios you might face. One prominent theme is motivation and insight into dentistry. Candidates are frequently asked about their interest in the field – “What got you interested in dentistry?” – or why they want to be a dentist as opposed to other professions blackstonetutors.com. You should expect to articulate why dentistry suits your aspirations and how you’ve confirmed this career choice (for example, through shadowing or related experiences). Along with “Why dentistry?”, interviewers often probe “Why UBC?” specifically – they may ask what appeals to you about UBC’s program and also what you think might be challenging about it blackstonetutors.com. Having concrete reasons for choosing UBC (such as the curriculum style, location, clinical opportunities, or research reputation) and knowing some unique aspects of the program will help you answer these effectively.

Another common theme is learning style and teamwork, which aligns with UBC’s PBL approach. You might be asked how you learn best or about your experience working in groups blackstonetutors.com. Questions like “Are you a good self-directed learner?” or “Tell me about your experience with problem-based or case-based learning” have been reported blackstonetutors.com. These are chances to demonstrate that you can thrive in UBC’s collaborative, student-driven learning environment. If you have been in team-based projects or say, a study group that tackled problems together, draw on those experiences. Similarly, since dentistry is as much an art as a science, interviewers have tended to ask what you will bring to the school beyond academics blackstonetutors.com – this invites you to talk about your personal qualities, hobbies, or life experiences that would enrich the class (for example, an artistic talent, a unique background, or a significant non-academic achievement).

Ethical and situational questions are also a staple of interviews (especially in an MMI format). UBC is known to include scenarios that assess professionalism, ethics, and empathy. While we don’t have a list of exact questions, you should be prepared for prompts such as dealing with a difficult patient situation, responding to a classmate who is cheating, or addressing a moral dilemma in a community service context. The interview may test how you reason through these problems and whether your values align with a caring health professional. In past years, students have also encountered questions about handling the rigors of the program – e.g., “How will you handle the workload here?” blackstonetutors.com – which is about time management and stress management. Be ready to discuss strategies you use to stay balanced and resilient during challenging times.

Additionally, given UBC’s emphasis on research and community, you might be asked about current issues or to comment on a “hot topic” in dentistry (this ties back to the policy awareness discussed earlier). Some reported questions have touched on recent trends or controversies in oral health. It’s wise to have thought about things like the impact of new technologies, access to care issues, or public health measures, as noted. Finally, personal questions like “Tell us about an academic project you took on outside of class”, “What was the most interesting part of your studies or extracurriculars?”, or “Tell us about your volunteer work” blackstonetutors.com have come up, which allow you to highlight experiences that you’re passionate about. The overarching themes are: know your why (for dentistry and UBC), know yourself (your experiences and qualities), and be prepared to engage with ethical and community-oriented questions. Practicing with a variety of question types will help you feel more confident for whatever combination of MMI stations and panel-style discussions UBC presents.

Staying on top of the admissions timeline is an important part of interview preparation – you need to know what’s happening and when so you can plan accordingly. For the 2025-2026 application cycle (which corresponds to entry into the DMD Class of 2030 at UBC):

• Application Opening: The ADEA AADSAS application for UBC opens on May 13, 2025 (with the system allowing submissions starting June 3, 2025) dentistry.ubc.ca. It’s wise to start your application early, as you’ll need time to gather transcripts, complete personal statements, and request references.
• DAT Deadline: All applicants should complete the Dental Aptitude Test by August 31, 2025 to ensure scores can be submitted on time for this cycle dentistry.ubc.ca. Plan your DAT preparation and test date so that your scores are ready by the fall deadline (UBC accepts either the Canadian or American DAT).
• Application Deadlines: The primary application deadline is October 10, 2025 dentistry.ubc.ca. Supporting documents (such as official transcripts and any required verifications) must be submitted by October 24, 2025 dentistry.ubc.ca. Additionally, AADSAS verification of your application must be completed by October 31, 2025 dentistry.ubc.ca, so it’s highly recommended to submit all materials well in advance to avoid delays.
• Interview Invitations: UBC typically sends out interview invitations in mid-January. While the exact date can vary slightly year to year, candidates invited to interview will be notified via email (in past cycles, invites have been known to come around the third week of January, once fall term grades and all files are assessed). Be sure to monitor your email (and spam folder) around this time so you don’t miss an invitation.
• Interview Dates: For this cycle, interviews are scheduled to be held in February 2026, specifically on February 18 and February 20, 2026 dentistry.ubc.ca. If you receive an invite, you will be assigned a spot on one of those days. All interviews will be conducted in person at UBC (Vancouver), so plan for any travel or accommodations if you are coming from out of town. Attendance on your scheduled interview day is mandatory dentistry.ubc.ca.
• Admission Offers: The Admissions Committee makes decisions swiftly after interviews. Offers of admission will be sent out by the end of March 2026 dentistry.ubc.ca (historically often in the last week of March). You will receive an email (and/or phone call) if accepted, and others may receive waitlist notifications or regrets around the same time.
• Response and Deposit: Accepted applicants are typically given about two weeks to respond and secure their seat. UBC Dentistry requires a non-refundable deposit (approximately $11,250 CAD) to be paid within two weeks of the offer dentistry.ubc.ca. This deposit will go toward first-term tuition. If you’re admitted, be prepared for this financial commitment and the tight decision turnaround in early April.
• Orientation and Start of Classes: The DMD Class of 2030 will begin orientation and classes in late summer 2026. UBC’s dental program usually starts the academic year in the fourth week of August dentistry.ubc.ca, earlier than many undergraduate programs. By that time, you’ll be expected to be on campus and ready to dive into the intensive first term of dental school!

Keeping these dates in mind is crucial. If you’re invited to interview, knowing the timeline helps you count backwards to ensure you have sufficient preparation time for February. Additionally, being aware of when offers come out can help alleviate some anxiety – you’ll know how long the wait might be post-interview. Ensure that all your contact information in the application remains up to date and that you can access your email around the notification times. The period between October (application deadline) and January can feel long, but it’s an ideal time to prepare for interviews. For example, once you submit your application by October, you could start practicing MMI scenarios in November and December so that you’re ready if the invitation arrives. By adhering to the deadlines and respecting the timeline, you not only avoid disqualification due to a late submission, but you also demonstrate professionalism and time management – qualities that matter in dental school.

In summary, excelling in the UBC Faculty of Dentistry interview requires a blend of knowledge and self-awareness. We’ve reviewed how UBC’s interview is structured (with both MMI stations and a collaborative group exercise) and discussed the school’s mission-driven values of innovation, community service, and integrity that form the backdrop of their questions dentistry.ubc.ca dentistry.ubc.ca. We explored the distinctive features of the DMD program – from its PBL curriculum to its cutting-edge clinical facilities dentistry.ubc.ca give.ubc.ca – and connected these to intelligent inquiries you might raise during the interview. We also looked at the wider landscape of dentistry in BC and Canada, noting key policy issues like expanding dental care access canada.ca and cultural competency oralhealthbc.ca that could emerge in discussion. Importantly, UBC seeks candidates who are more than their GPAs: leadership, empathy, research curiosity, and a genuine commitment to the profession all count heavily in their holistic admissions process dentistry.ubc.ca. By understanding the competencies UBC expects in its graduates and recognizing common themes in past interview questions, you can better anticipate how to present your experiences and values in alignment with what the program is looking for. Lastly, being mindful of the admissions timeline ensures you navigate the process smoothly, from application to interview to (hopefully) acceptance. With thorough preparation and a clear sense of UBC Dentistry’s ethos, you will be well-equipped to make a strong impression on interview day. Good luck!