Detroit Mercy Dental Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (Detroit Mercy Dental) emphasizes a mission-driven, student-focused approach in its admissions process. This guide provides a synthesis of key information for interview preparation, including the format and structure of Detroit Mercy's dental school interviews, the core mission and values that define the school's culture, and essential facts about the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program. It also highlights relevant policy issues in dentistry that candidates should be aware of, the non-academic qualities Detroit Mercy prioritizes in applicants, the competency frameworks that guide the program's educational outcomes, and common themes from past interview questions. Additionally, the guide outlines the timelines and deadlines for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Taken together, these insights will help applicants understand what to expect and how to align their preparation with Detroit Mercy Dental's expectations.

Interviews at Detroit Mercy Dental are by invitation only and serve as a crucial component in the admissions decision. The format has traditionally been an open-file, one-on-one interview in which a single interviewer (often a faculty or admissions committee member) meets with the candidate. In an open-file interview, the interviewer has reviewed the applicant's file (including grades, DAT scores, personal statement, and other credentials) and may ask follow-up questions about those details. The conversation style can vary: some candidates report a very conversational, relaxed exchange, while others have experienced a more direct question-and-answer session. Much depends on the individual interviewer's approach, though overall the atmosphere is generally described as moderately low-stress and friendly.

In recent years, Detroit Mercy has incorporated additional structured assessment elements into the interview process. Notably, invited applicants are required to complete an online Kira Talent assessment around the time of their interview invitation. The Kira assessment presents standardized prompts (often situational or behavioral questions) to evaluate communication skills, ethical reasoning, and personality in a timed video format. Some interviewees have likened parts of Detroit Mercy's process to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) style, citing ethical scenarios and station-like questions with nondisclosure agreements in place. However, the core in-person (or live virtual) interview remains a single interviewer format, supplemented by these scenario-based questions. Detroit Mercy shifted interviews to virtual formats during the height of COVID-19, but many candidates have since returned to campus for in-person interviews, aligning with the school's preference for having applicants visit and "see our school". Whether virtual or on-site, interviewees typically also participate in a tour of the facilities (often led by current students) and an orientation to the program on interview day.

The interviews are open-file, meaning discussion may draw from any aspect of your application. Interviewers might reference your personal statement, ask about experiences listed in your AADSAS, or discuss your academic record. Because of this, applicants should be prepared to talk in depth about anything they have submitted, from research projects to volunteer work, in a professional and honest manner (while direct interview advice is beyond our scope, knowing your own file thoroughly is essential). Importantly, Detroit Mercy Dental's post-interview outcomes tend to be favorable for those who perform well. The school extends more offers than its class size to fill each cohort – for example, about 445 acceptance offers were made for the 144 seats in the 2023-2024 first-year class. This corresponds to roughly a 24% overall acceptance rate (offers out of total applicants) for that cycle. While exact interview invitation numbers aren't published, these figures suggest that a significant proportion of interviewed candidates ultimately receive an offer of admission. In other words, once you secure an interview at Detroit Mercy, your chances of acceptance are relatively high compared to the initial odds, underscoring the importance of the interview in the selection process.

Detroit Mercy Dental's mission is rooted in the university's Jesuit and Mercy heritage, emphasizing academic excellence, ethical service, and social responsibility. The official mission statement of the School of Dentistry highlights a "forward thinking, inclusive learning environment" that integrates scholarly activity, evidence-based teaching, and service. The goal is to develop "competent, socially and ethically sensitive healthcare professionals who are committed to patient care and community wellness". In practice, this means the school values not only strong scientific and clinical abilities, but also a commitment to integrity, compassion, and service to others. Interviewers may therefore be interested in how an applicant aligns with these values through their experiences and motivations (for example, commitment to volunteering or treating underserved populations).

The core values explicitly identified by Detroit Mercy Dental's faculty and staff are Excellence, Service, Respect, Life-long Learning, and Integrity. "Excellence" reflects the expectation of high standards in clinical training and academics. "Service" underscores the school's commitment to community outreach and caring for those in need, consistent with its Catholic and Jesuit mission. "Respect" and an appreciation for diversity are central, fostering an environment where all backgrounds are valued and patients are treated with dignity. "Life-long Learning" denotes that graduates should remain curious and continue to grow professionally throughout their careers. Finally, "Integrity" indicates that ethical conduct and honesty are non-negotiable traits for Detroit Mercy dentists. These mission-driven values often translate into interview topics: candidates might be asked about ethical dilemmas (testing integrity and ethics), about their community service experiences (demonstrating service and respect for communities), or about times they pursued excellence or growth (showing a commitment to learning and improvement). Understanding the school's guiding principles can help candidates frame their own stories and goals in a way that resonates with Detroit Mercy's ethos.

Detroit Mercy's Doctor of Dental Surgery program is a four-year curriculum designed to produce well-rounded general dentists. The program's goal is to graduate dentists with a strong foundation in the biomedical and clinical sciences, who are also attuned to the needs and values of individual patients and the broader community. The first part of the curriculum builds knowledge in basic sciences and preclinical skills, preparing students before they begin clinical patient care. Clinical training is integrated progressively, with students eventually providing comprehensive patient care under faculty supervision in the school's clinics. The academic year starts in late August and runs through late July, with a break in August, and students graduate in May after fulfilling all requirements over the eight academic semesters. Each incoming D.D.S. class at Detroit Mercy comprises approximately 144 students, making it a mid-sized program. As a private, faith-based institution (the school is part of a Catholic university), Detroit Mercy Dental strives to combine rigorous clinical education with a compassionate, service-oriented perspective.

A distinctive offering at Detroit Mercy is its Seven-Year Dental Program, an accelerated track for select undergraduates. In this 3+4 program, students spend three years at University of Detroit Mercy's undergraduate campus and, if they meet specific GPA, DAT, and interview criteria, move directly into the four-year D.D.S. program. This provides a pathway for high-achieving students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a D.D.S. in a shortened timeframe, while guaranteeing a seat in the dental school contingent on satisfactory performance. For internationally trained dentists, Detroit Mercy has also launched an Advanced Standing/Accelerated Dental Program, which is a two-year curriculum allowing foreign-trained dentists to earn a U.S. D.D.S. while teaching part-time. (The school notes that it does not offer a traditional advanced-standing admission for international dentists outside this special program.)

Detroit Mercy Dental is especially known for its strong community-based training. The school has been active in providing dental services to underserved populations in Detroit and surrounding areas since the 1970s. It operates outreach initiatives like the Titans for Teeth Mobile Dental Clinic, a 38-foot mobile dental coach outfitted with eight dental chairs that travels to area schools and community centers. This mobile clinic enables students to deliver preventive and restorative care to children and other community members who might not otherwise have access, serving thousands of patients annually. Through such mobile programs and partnerships with community clinics, students gain real-world experience in treating diverse patient populations and learn about public health dentistry. One student-led effort, the D.O.C.S. (Dental Outreach & Community Service) group, even established a free, student-run dental clinic at a local church in Detroit to provide care on Saturdays to underserved residents. This culture of outreach means that interviewees interested in community service will find ample opportunities at Detroit Mercy and should be familiar with these programs.

In terms of facilities and resources, Detroit Mercy's dental school campus in Corktown (Detroit) features modern clinics, simulation labs, and technology to support dental education. Current students and interviewees often note that the facilities are well-equipped and that the faculty are supportive and approachable, contributing to a collaborative learning environment. The school also encourages student research through its Student Research Program, pairing interested dental students with faculty mentors to conduct projects in areas ranging from basic science to clinical studies. While research is not a graduation requirement for the D.D.S., having opportunities to engage in research or scholarly activity is a valued aspect of the program – and something that can be discussed at interviews if it's part of an applicant's background or interests.

Questions to Consider Asking

• Community Outreach: "I know Detroit Mercy Dental places a strong emphasis on serving the community. Could you tell me more about how students participate in outreach programs like the Titans for Teeth mobile clinic or the D.O.C.S. student-run clinic?"
• Clinical Experience: "At what point in the D.D.S. program do students begin treating patients, and how are clinical experiences integrated throughout the four years?"
• Research Opportunities: "What kind of research opportunities are available for students, and how do students balance research activities with their coursework and clinical training?"
• Curriculum and Support: "How does the curriculum integrate emerging trends in dentistry (such as digital dentistry or interprofessional education), and what support systems are in place to help students succeed in the challenging coursework?"
• School Culture: "Can you describe the student culture and environment at Detroit Mercy Dental? For instance, how do students collaborate or receive mentorship from faculty and upperclassmen?"
• Mission and Values: "Detroit Mercy's mission emphasizes social and ethical sensitivity. In what ways do you see that mission reflected in the daily life of students or the teaching approach at the dental school?"

These questions are examples that connect directly to aspects of Detroit Mercy's program and values. Asking informed questions in your interview can demonstrate your genuine interest in the school and help you gather information to determine if the program is the right fit for you. Be sure any questions you ask are not readily answered by the school's website or literature (to show you've done your homework) and are personally meaningful to you.

Candidates interviewing at Detroit Mercy (or any dental school) should be prepared to discuss or at least be aware of current issues and policy topics in dentistry. Given Detroit Mercy's focus on serving underserved communities, one prominent topic is access to dental care. Michigan, like many states, faces disparities in oral healthcare access – for example, as of recent years over 1.3 million Michigan residents were living in designated dental health professional shortage areas. To address gaps in care, Michigan enacted legislation to license dental therapists, a new type of midlevel provider similar to physician assistants, who can perform certain dental procedures under a dentist's supervision to expand care in underserved regions. The introduction of dental therapists (Public Act 463 of 2018 in Michigan) is a significant local policy development that a Detroit Mercy applicant might discuss when talking about improving access to care. It aligns with Detroit Mercy's community-oriented mission, as these providers are intended to help clinics (potentially including those run by the university or its graduates) reach more patients in need.

Another policy area is public health initiatives in dentistry. Detroit, for instance, has been involved in public oral health measures such as community water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay – a topic that sometimes comes up in discussions about public health policy. Interviewers might not ask specifically about fluoridation unless it relates to an ethical scenario (e.g., balancing public good vs. individual choice), but being aware of its importance can be useful. Similarly, candidates should be cognizant of healthcare reforms that include dentistry. Nationally, there have been ongoing discussions about expanding dental coverage under programs like Medicare or the Affordable Care Act. For example, proposals in recent years have aimed to add limited adult dental benefits to Medicare or to incentivize states to include adult dental coverage under Medicaid. Since Detroit Mercy Dental educates future practitioners likely to serve diverse patient populations, having a perspective on how insurance and policy affect patients' access to care could inform a thoughtful conversation if the topic arises.

Other contemporary issues in dentistry that could be relevant include the opioid prescription guidelines and dentists' role in managing pain amid the opioid crisis, the rise of teledentistry (accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic) and how regulatory changes have opened the door for virtual dental consultations, and the importance of infection control and public safety in dental practice post-COVID. Additionally, Detroit Mercy's values of social justice and service may bring up topics like addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in oral health, or the importance of recruiting underrepresented minorities into dentistry. The school actively seeks to increase diversity in its student body and to produce dentists who will serve in underserved areas, so policy discussions around dental workforce diversity or scholarship programs for service commitments could also be pertinent. While applicants are not expected to be experts on every issue, demonstrating awareness and a reasoned opinion on one or two key topics – especially those tied to Detroit Mercy's mission – can show that you are a well-informed, socially conscious candidate.

Like most dental schools, Detroit Mercy evaluates applicants holistically, considering not just academic metrics (GPA and DAT scores) but also a range of non-academic factors. In particular, Detroit Mercy Dental places strong emphasis on service and volunteerism. The admissions committee values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to serving others, as this aligns with the school's mission of community wellness and social responsibility. Significant community service, especially in healthcare or oral health settings, is likely to stand out positively. Many successful Detroit Mercy applicants have substantial volunteer hours or involvement in outreach programs – for instance, working at free clinics, community health fairs, or dental mission trips – that illustrate a passion for helping underserved communities.

Another key quality is leadership and teamwork. The school appreciates candidates who have taken on leadership roles in student organizations, sports, work, or other group activities. Leadership experiences suggest you have skills in communication, organization, and collaboration – all important in a dental team setting. Closely related is communication skills, which are evaluated throughout the process (including via the Kira video responses). Being articulate and demonstrating empathy and listening skills are part of what Detroit Mercy looks for, as dentists need to effectively educate and interact with patients. The Kira assessment, for example, is explicitly aimed at assessing qualities like interpersonal skills, ethical judgment, and professionalism beyond what can be seen on paper.

Detroit Mercy also values exposure to dentistry and the health professions. A minimum of 100 hours of shadowing a general dentist is required for all applicants, and many admitted students have considerably more. Shadowing (or working as a dental assistant) provides insight into the profession and signals to the school that you are serious about dentistry and understand what the career entails. Additionally, research experience can be a positive, though it's not mandatory. If you have conducted research (whether in biology, chemistry, public health, etc.), it shows curiosity and initiative. Detroit Mercy's admissions materials and student profiles often highlight research opportunities, and while they don't expect every student to be a researcher, having that background can set you apart and give you interesting talking points during interviews. Lastly, attributes like cultural competence, resilience, and integrity are crucial. The school actively seeks to enroll students from diverse backgrounds and those who have overcome challenges or contributed to diverse communities. Demonstrating that you are open-minded, can adapt to new situations, and have a strong moral compass will fulfill the non-academic profile Detroit Mercy is looking for. These traits might come across in your personal statements, letters of recommendation, and interview responses rather than any checklist – hence the importance of reflecting on your experiences and values as you prepare to interview.

Detroit Mercy's dental curriculum is designed around a set of competencies that each student must achieve before graduation. These competencies are aligned with the standards set by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) for new general dentists. Broadly, the competency framework covers all the domains of knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors a dentist needs to safely and effectively practice. This includes competencies in the biomedical sciences (understanding the scientific basis of oral disease and therapy), clinical skills across all disciplines of dentistry (such as diagnosis, treatment planning, restorative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and so forth), as well as radiology, pain management, and emergency treatment. It also encompasses professionalism and ethics, requiring students to demonstrate integrity and ethical reasoning in patient care; patient management and communication skills, ensuring graduates can effectively communicate with patients and manage patient behavior or anxiety; and public health and practice management competencies, which involve understanding how to run a dental practice, work in a healthcare team, and engage in community oral health improvement.

In the context of interview preparation, familiarity with these competency expectations can be helpful. While you won't be quizzed on the curriculum, you might receive questions that indirectly map to these domains – for example, a question about an ethical dilemma ties into the professionalism competency, and a scenario about helping a reluctant patient could relate to patient management competency. Detroit Mercy's goal, as stated in its program description, is to produce graduates who possess a "variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and health promotion skills for the delivery of patient care" and who are sensitive to patient and community needs. This is essentially a succinct description of a competent new dentist: someone who can think critically to diagnose and solve problems, perform clinically with a high degree of skill, educate patients in disease prevention, and uphold ethical and compassionate standards. Thus, when preparing for the interview, it might be useful to reflect on experiences that show you have the seeds of these competencies. For instance, think of a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem (scientific inquiry or otherwise), or how you have exhibited manual dexterity (a skill related to clinical technique), or how you've demonstrated leadership and responsibility (traits linked to professionalism and practice management). Again, the interview is not an exam of these competencies, but interviewers often look for indications that you have the aptitude and attitude to develop them through the dental program.

Reviewing feedback from past Detroit Mercy interviewees, several common themes emerge in the questions asked. A very frequent topic is "Why dentistry?" and, more specifically, "Why Detroit Mercy?" – candidates often need to articulate their motivation for pursuing dentistry and what draws them to Detroit Mercy's program in particular. Interviewers want to see genuine passion for the profession and that you have done your research on the school. Be ready to discuss what aspects of Detroit Mercy Dental appeal to you (such as its community service focus, smaller class subsections or clinical philosophy, etc.) in a sincere way. Another ubiquitous theme is self-reflection: questions about your strengths and weaknesses are commonly reported. For example, some applicants were asked to describe three strengths and one weakness, or what a friend might say about their strengths/weaknesses. These questions gauge your self-awareness and honesty, and how you handle discussing areas of improvement.

Ethical and situational questions have also been a significant component of Detroit Mercy's interviews. Many students have encountered ethical scenarios or dilemmas – for instance, a prompt such as, "If a cashier gave you too much change or didn't charge you for an item, what would you do?" (testing integrity). Others mentioned a question asking them to define professionalism or respond to a professional ethics scenario. These kinds of questions align with the school's emphasis on integrity and ethical behavior. Similarly, behavioral questions (which often start with "Tell me about a time when...") may be asked to see how you've handled challenges or teamwork in the past. A reported example includes discussing a personal challenge you overcame, which allows you to demonstrate resilience and growth.

Another theme is getting to know you beyond academics: interviewers might ask about your hobbies, interests, or recent readings to see what you're like as a person. One applicant noted being asked, "What is the most recent book you read?", and others have been asked about their favorite non-science course in undergrad or how they spend their free time. These questions assess your well-roundedness and communication skills in a casual context. They also give you a chance to highlight traits or skills that might not be obvious from your application (for instance, discussing a hobby that involves manual dexterity or artistry can subtly reinforce your fine motor skills and creativity, which are useful in dentistry).

Overall, past interviewees describe Detroit Mercy's interview experience as fair and conversational, with a mix of personal and ethical questions. Some found the interview very relaxed, while others thought it was more structured; this again seems to depend on the interviewer and possibly whether the interview included multiple scenario stations. It's wise to be prepared for both styles: be ready to engage in a friendly conversation about your journey and interests, but also stay sharp for any hypothetical scenarios or ethical questions that may be presented. Practicing responses to common themes – like "Why dentistry?", ethical dilemmas, teamwork experiences, and self-assessment of strengths/weaknesses – can help you enter the interview with confidence. Remember, the goal of these questions is not to trip you up, but to understand who you are, how you think, and whether you'll thrive at Detroit Mercy Dental.

For those applying in the 2025-2026 cycle (with the aim of joining Detroit Mercy's D.D.S. Class of 2030), it's important to keep track of the application and interview timeline:

• May 2025: The ADEA AADSAS application portal opens in mid-May (soft launch). Applicants can begin filling out their application at this time.
• June 1, 2025: The AADSAS cycle officially opens for submission around early June. Submitting early is advantageous, as Detroit Mercy Dental uses rolling admissions and interview slots can fill up as the cycle progresses.
• July – November 2025: Interview invitations are sent out on a rolling basis. Detroit Mercy typically starts interviewing candidates in the summer or early fall. In recent cycles, interviews have been held as early as August and into the late fall. If you receive an interview invite, you will also be prompted to complete the online Kira assessment soon after (usually within a specified window of a week or two).
• December 15, 2025: This is the first date U.S. dental schools, by mutual agreement, begin extending acceptance offers for the cycle. Detroit Mercy participates in this process, so if you interview early (summer/fall), you may hear good news on or shortly after Dec 15. The admissions office traditionally makes personal phone calls to accepted students around this date (as reported by past applicants).
• December 31, 2025: Application deadline for Detroit Mercy Dental. All primary application materials must be submitted and verified by AADSAS by this date. Note that waiting until the deadline is not recommended due to the rolling nature of interviews; the class could be largely filled by then. However, any applications in by Dec 31 will be considered if spots remain.
• January – April 2026: Post-December interviews and acceptances. If not all seats are filled in the initial December wave, Detroit Mercy will continue interviewing and accepting applicants in early 2026 (and will also manage a waitlist). Some candidates who interview in December or January might receive offers in January or February. The class is filled on a rolling basis until all 144 seats are confirmed.
• Spring/Summer 2026: Incoming students complete pre-matriculation requirements (e.g., final transcripts, immunizations, etc.) and get ready to start dental school. Detroit Mercy's orientation for the new D1 class is typically in early August 2026, with classes starting shortly thereafter.

It's worth noting a few changes effective in the 2025-2026 cycle. Detroit Mercy now requires 100 hours of dental shadowing (previously 60 hours) with a general dentist, which must be completed by the time of application. Also, prerequisite courses must be recent – for this cycle, any prerequisite coursework must be from 2018 or later (a seven-year window). If an applicant has old prerequisites, they need to be refreshed or retaken. Another update is that the CASPer exam is no longer required, simplifying the application process (Detroit Mercy had required CASPer in some previous cycles, but has dropped it now). Instead, the focus is on the interview and Kira assessment to evaluate those personal attributes. Keeping these dates and requirements in mind, applicants should plan ahead to submit early and ensure all materials (including the Detroit Mercy supplemental fee and photo upload, which are requested after AADSAS submission) are completed in a timely manner. By staying organized with the timeline, you can maximize your opportunity to secure an interview and move smoothly through the admissions process.

In summary, preparing for a Detroit Mercy Dental interview involves understanding the school's holistic admissions approach and its distinctive identity. The interview format is primarily an open-file, one-on-one conversation supplemented by scenario-based questions, so be ready to discuss your background in depth and think on your feet. The school's mission – centered on advancing health for all with excellence, integrity, and service – permeates its program, meaning that your alignment with those values can be just as important as your academic credentials. Detroit Mercy's D.D.S. program offers rich clinical and community experiences, from state-of-the-art training to meaningful outreach initiatives, which you can inquire about during the interview to demonstrate your interest. Having awareness of relevant dental policy issues, showcasing non-academic strengths like leadership and empathy, and appreciating the competencies the program instills will all contribute to a well-rounded impression. By reflecting on these areas and reviewing common interview question themes, you'll be well positioned to convey both your fit for Detroit Mercy and your enthusiasm for dentistry. Good luck with your interview process!