Iowa Dentistry Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the University of Iowa School of Dentistry & Dental Clinics' DDS program and interview process. It covers the interview format (a one-on-one, closed-file interview approach), the school's mission and core values emphasizing excellence and person-centered care, and key program features like early clinical experiences, specialty clerkships, and a strong research focus. Also discussed are relevant policy issues affecting dentistry in Iowa and nationally (such as access to care in rural communities), the non-academic qualities Iowa looks for in applicants (e.g. service, leadership, and diversity of experiences), and the official competency framework guiding the curriculum. Common themes from past interview questions are identified to illustrate what topics candidates might encounter, and a timeline of important application dates for the 2025–2026 cycle is provided.

Interviews at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry are typically conducted in a one-on-one format and are closed-file, meaning the interviewer has not reviewed the applicant's academic file beforehand. The style is conversational and relatively low-pressure – most candidates have described the stress level as average or moderate – and the overall experience is generally positive. Interviews are by invitation only and usually take place in person at the dental school (though virtual interviews were used during the pandemic). They are scheduled on weekdays from August through November, and last roughly 20–30 minutes with one faculty or admissions committee member. Following the interview, about one in three interviewed applicants are ultimately offered admission (for example, 240 candidates were interviewed for ~80 seats in a recent class), which underscores the importance of making a strong impression during this brief interaction.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry's mission centers on performing at the highest levels in patient care through an integration of education, research, technology, and service. In other words, the school is committed to optimal oral health outcomes by combining cutting-edge knowledge with compassionate service. Its core values include Excellence (striving for the highest standards), Person-Centered care (focusing on individual needs and well-being), Respect (maintaining a professional, trustworthy environment), Character (upholding the highest ethical standards), Creativity (embracing innovation and new ideas), and Collegiality (collaborating across disciplines). These mission and value statements convey the qualities and goals the school instills in its community. In preparation for an interview, it's helpful to be mindful of these ideals – for instance, displaying professionalism and a commitment to ethical, patient-centered care aligns with Iowa's stated values.

Iowa's DDS program offers a four-year curriculum known for its strong clinical and academic foundation. Students begin clinical experiences in their first year, earlier than at many schools, which helps them build practical skills from the outset. By the third year, Iowa uses an innovative clerkship model: students rotate through ten different dental specialty areas (all ADA-recognized specialties) as part of the curriculum. This comprehensive exposure ensures graduates are familiar with a breadth of dental disciplines. The College is also proud to have one of the most accomplished student research programs in the country, meaning there are abundant opportunities for students to engage in research and even present or publish their work. In addition, over 15 student organizations are active within the College, allowing students to develop leadership skills and pursue interests in areas like community service, specialty clubs, and professional development. As the only dental school in the state of Iowa, the program sees a high volume of patients and a wide variety of cases, contributing to a rich clinical experience for students. The school has also put an emphasis on student wellness and support resources, reflecting a culture that cares about work-life balance and mental health during the rigors of dental training. These distinctive features of the program – early clinical exposure, broad specialty training, research opportunities, leadership development, and a supportive environment – can serve as great talking points during an interview. For example, an applicant might ask about how the clerkship rotations are structured or how students can get involved in research projects, to show genuine interest in what makes Iowa's program unique.

Being aware of current policy issues in dentistry can help applicants demonstrate insight during interviews. In Iowa and the surrounding region, a major topic is access to dental care in rural and underserved communities. The state has been experiencing a shortage of dentists who accept Medicaid, which means many low-income and rural patients struggle to find providers. As a result, initiatives like the Iowa Mission of Mercy (a large free dental clinic event) and increased reliance on the University's own dental clinics for specialized care have emerged to fill the gap. Interviewers might bring up questions about how to improve access to care or ask for applicants' thoughts on serving underserved populations, given the school's role as a safety-net provider in Iowa. On a national level, there are ongoing discussions about the quality and regulation of dental services. For example, the recent shutdown of a direct-to-consumer orthodontic company raised concerns about patient safety and highlighted the importance of involving licensed dentists in patient care. The ADA responded by reaffirming that regular supervision by dental professionals is crucial in orthodontic treatment. Other national issues include workforce shortages in dentistry, the push for integrating oral health into primary health care, and debates on emerging technologies like teledentistry. Being conversant with such topics – without necessarily taking a strong stance – shows that an applicant is informed about the broader field of dentistry. It provides an opportunity in the interview to discuss how one might engage with these challenges as a future dentist.

Like many dental schools, Iowa takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants, meaning that factors beyond GPA and DAT scores play a significant role in admissions decisions. The admissions committee specifically looks for evidence of personal growth, resilience, and dedication to the profession demonstrated through a variety of experiences. Strong academic performance is important, but leadership roles, community service, dental-related experience (such as shadowing or assisting), research involvement, work experience, and other extracurricular activities can all bolster an application. In fact, the College recommends that applicants have significant volunteer or community service hours (40+ hours is a guideline) and notes that individuals who show a commitment to caring for underserved communities receive strong consideration. Showing leadership – for example, being an officer in a club or starting an initiative – and having hands-on exposure to dentistry can indicate to Iowa that you are well-rounded and passionate about the field. During the interview, you may not be asked directly about every item on your resume, but interviewers often delve into these non-academic aspects, so be prepared to discuss what you learned from your volunteer work or leadership experiences. Iowa's emphasis on qualities like service and leadership aligns with its mission of integrating service into dental education and suggests that the school values students who will contribute positively to the community and the profession.

The University of Iowa's DDS program is structured around a defined set of competencies that students must achieve before graduation. These competency domains cover all the key skills and professional behaviors required of a dentist. They include: Critical Thinking (for example, making evidence-based decisions and self-evaluating one's learning); Professionalism (adhering to ethical principles, legal standards, and demonstrating honesty, integrity, and responsibility in patient care); Communication and Interpersonal Skills (effective communication and teamwork with patients and colleagues); Integrated Health Management (which involves providing preventive care and considering patients' overall health and social determinants as part of oral health management); Practice Management and Informatics (understanding the business, management, and information technology aspects of running a dental practice); and Patient Care – which is broken into subdomains covering everything from assessment and diagnosis to treatment planning, and ultimately the delivery of comprehensive care and maintenance of oral health. Each competency domain consists of specific skills or learning outcomes. For instance, under Professionalism, students are expected to "apply ethical principles and legal standards in the provision of dental care", and under Patient Care, they must be able to "formulate a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for patients". While applicants are not expected to recite these competencies, it's useful to recognize that the program has a clear roadmap for training competent, ethical practitioners. In an interview, understanding the school's competency framework can indirectly help you frame your answers – for example, if asked about teamwork or ethics, you can recall that these are pillars of the program's educational goals.

• Motivation and "Why Iowa": Many interview questions probe an applicant's motivation for dentistry and reasons for choosing Iowa. For example, candidates have been asked "Why do you want to be a dentist?", "Why Iowa?" or "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?", which allow you to discuss your passion for the field and how Iowa's program fits your goals.
• Personal qualities and self-reflection: Interviewers often inquire about an applicant's personality, strengths, and coping strategies. You might be asked how friends or family would describe you, to name your biggest strengths or weaknesses, or "How do you manage stress?" These questions let you highlight personal attributes like work ethic, empathy, time-management, or resilience. One past example includes describing three words that characterize you, which tests your self-awareness.
• Ethics and values: Iowa's interviewers commonly touch on ethical reasoning and professional values. Hypothetical scenarios or direct questions might prompt you to consider the qualities every dentist should have or to discuss an ethical dilemma. For instance, applicants have reported being asked about their "experience with confidentiality" in a professional context, or "What ethical principles do you live by?". These questions assess your integrity, honesty, and understanding of the responsibilities of a dentist. It's wise to be ready with examples of times when you faced a moral decision or observed ethical conduct in a dental setting.
• Situational judgment: Some interview questions are scenario-based, requiring you to think on your feet. Interviewees have encountered situations like, "If an employee's spouse called the office to say the employee (your dental assistant) is sick and can't come in, what would you do?" Such scenarios evaluate your problem-solving skills, professionalism, and judgment. They don't necessarily have one "right" answer; rather, the interviewer wants to see that you approach problems thoughtfully, prioritize ethics and patient care, and can communicate your reasoning clearly.

1. May 13, 2025 – The ADEA AADSAS application for the 2025–2026 cycle opens (applicants can begin working on their dental school application).
2. June 3, 2025 – First day to submit an AADSAS application for this cycle (submissions open shortly after the application portal opens).
3. September 15, 2025 – Deadline to submit the AADSAS application to Iowa. All required materials (including official DAT scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters) must be in by this date. (Note: Applications missing any components by September 30, 2025 will not be considered and will be canceled).
4. August – November 2025 – Interview period: Interviews are conducted on weekdays during these months for selected applicants who are invited by the Admissions Committee. It's advantageous to schedule as early as possible if invited, since interview spots can fill up quickly.
5. December 15, 2025 – Earliest acceptances: Iowa participates in the national dental school acceptance timeline, so December 15 is the first date offers of admission are released. Accepted students are typically notified via email or phone. Those admitted will need to submit a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure their seat in the class (usually due within a couple of weeks of the offer, per ADEA guidelines).

In summary, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry seeks to identify future dental professionals who not only excel academically but also embody the school's values of excellence, ethics, service, and interpersonal skills. By understanding the interview format and what the program emphasizes – from its mission and innovative curriculum to the current issues facing dentistry – applicants can enter the interview ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue. This guide has synthesized key information about Iowa's DDS program, the interview process, and the qualities prized in its applicants. With thorough preparation and an appreciation of what makes Iowa's dental program unique, candidates can approach their interview with confidence and convey how they align with the institution's goals and culture.