Western Schulich Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University takes a holistic approach to training and selecting future dentists. Admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program combines strong academic requirements with an in-depth evaluation of personal qualities. Candidates are invited to a structured, 30-minute interview conducted by a three-person panel (comprised of a dentist, a current student, and a community member) schulich.uwo.ca. The school’s mission emphasizes serving diverse communities with integrity and care schulich.uwo.ca, and this ethos is reflected both in the curriculum and in the attributes sought during admissions. The four-year DDS program offers extensive clinical training and community outreach opportunities schulich.uwo.ca, creating a rich educational environment that applicants can inquire about during their interviews.

Broad awareness of the healthcare landscape is also important for interview preparation. Canada’s new national dental care plan and Ontario’s public dental programs are relevant policy topics that demonstrate an understanding of the context in which graduates will practice canada.ca eohu.ca. Beyond academics, Schulich Dentistry values non-academic strengths such as leadership, volunteer service, and research experience schulich.uwo.ca. The program aligns with national competency standards that stress ethical, patient-centered, evidence-based care scribd.com. Reflecting these values, past interview questions have often centered on ethical dilemmas, teamwork, and personal motivations studentdoctor.net studentdoctor.net. Finally, the application process follows a tight timeline – with applications due in the fall, interviews in early winter, and offers by late February – meaning applicants must be mindful of key dates and ready to prepare on short notice schulich.uwo.ca schulich.uwo.ca.

Schulich Dentistry uses a panel-style interview that is standardized for all candidates. Interviews are conducted virtually over a dedicated weekend in early February and last approximately 30 minutes schulich.uwo.ca. Each interview panel consists of one faculty dentist, one community member, and one current dental student, all trained to ask the same structured questions of every applicant schulich.uwo.ca. This format is designed to ensure fairness and consistency, similar in spirit to the Canadian Dental Association’s structured interview approach. The questions tend to be scenario-based or behavioral, rather than probing details of the applicant’s file, indicating that the interview is effectively a "closed-file" assessment focused on how candidates think and respond in the moment studentdoctor.net. As a result, interviewers evaluate qualities like ethical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving under standardized conditions.

Approximately 200 applicants are invited to interview each cycle, vying for about 56 seats in the DDS program schulich.uwo.ca. This means roughly one in three to four people interviewed will receive an offer of admission, underscoring the importance of the interview performance. Invitations to interview are sent out in late January, usually only a couple of weeks before the interview date schulich.uwo.ca. While the interview itself is just one component of the admissions score (combined with GPA, DAT, Casper, and the autobiographical sketch), it is a pivotal factor in final ranking schulich.uwo.ca. Candidates should be aware that Western does not require traditional one-on-one faculty interviews or multiple mini-interviews (MMIs); instead, its single panel interview with structured questions fulfills a similar role of assessing non-academic competencies. Understanding this format helps applicants anticipate the style of interaction – professional but conversational – and the need to articulate their thinking clearly within a timed panel setting.

Western’s Schulich Dentistry is guided by a mission of community service, professional integrity, and scholarly excellence. The program explicitly aims to prepare dentists who will serve diverse communities with compassion and accountability schulich.uwo.ca. In practice, this means the school emphasizes three broad roles: Educators, Researchers, and Community Caregivers schulich.uwo.ca. Faculty are leaders in basic science and clinical teaching, researchers advance oral and systemic health knowledge, and the school actively engages in providing care to those who need it most through outreach clinics schulich.uwo.ca schulich.uwo.ca. These values — combining high-quality education, innovative research, and community outreach — define the school’s identity.

Importantly for interview preparation, Schulich Dentistry’s values signal what qualities the school is looking for in applicants. The emphasis on integrity and ethical decision-making suggests that honesty and professionalism are paramount (for example, upholding ethical standards in patient care is expected of all graduates) scribd.com. The commitment to serving the underserved means the school values empathy, social responsibility, and a desire to give back to the community. Western’s own admissions materials invite applicants to demonstrate alignment with these principles — the autobiographical sketch asks candidates to reflect on their life experiences and personal values in relation to the school’s mission schulich.uwo.ca. In the interview, questions often implicitly touch on these themes, gauging whether an applicant’s mindset resonates with Schulich’s mission. Being conscious of the school’s core values (like community service, integrity, accountability, and a pursuit of excellence) allows candidates to frame their experiences in a way that matches what Schulich Medicine & Dentistry stands for.

Schulich Dentistry offers a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery program based at Western University’s campus in London, Ontario. Each incoming class has approximately 56 students (including up to four international students) schulich.uwo.ca. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in biomedical and dental sciences, pre-clinical simulation training, and progressively intensive clinical experience. By the third and fourth years, students treat patients in the on-site dental clinics under supervision, gaining hands-on skills in general dentistry. The program also distinguishes itself through its community-oriented initiatives: students participate in outreach programs like Dental Outreach Community Service (DOCS) and Oral Health, Total Health, which deliver care to vulnerable and underserved populations schulich.uwo.ca. These experiences not only benefit the community but also enrich student learning in public health and empathy. Western’s dental school is part of an interdisciplinary health science campus, which means dental students learn alongside medical and other health professional students. There are opportunities for research and scholarship as well – interested students can pursue summer research projects or extracurricular involvement in faculty research labs, leveraging Western’s strong research infrastructure. Notably, applicants who have already completed graduate degrees receive bonus points in the admissions process schulich.uwo.ca, reflecting the school’s encouragement of advanced education and research experience.

These program features can serve as excellent talking points during an interview. They give candidates a chance to discuss why Western’s program appeals to them and to ask informed questions. Showing knowledge of the program’s offerings demonstrates genuine interest. For instance, an applicant might mention Western’s outreach clinics when talking about their own volunteer experiences, or bring up the school’s research opportunities if they have a background in research. Engaging interviewers on specifics of the program also helps shift the conversation into a richer dialogue. Below are a few example questions a candidate could consider asking in order to learn more about Schulich Dentistry and to show enthusiasm for what it offers:

• “Western’s dental program involves community outreach initiatives like DOCS. How do students typically get involved in these programs, and what impact have you seen them have on the community and students?”
• “What research or mentorship opportunities are available for DDS students who are interested in academic dentistry or pursuing research alongside their studies?”
• “How is the curriculum adapting to new developments in dental technology and techniques? For example, in what ways are students exposed to digital dentistry or other emerging innovations during the program?”

Being aware of current policy issues and healthcare trends is an important part of preparing for a professional school interview. At Western and in Ontario/Canada more broadly, several policy topics are particularly relevant to dentistry and oral health. These not only could arise in conversation, but understanding them will demonstrate that a candidate is informed about the context of dental practice. Below are some key policy-related themes and how they connect to the Schulich Dentistry program’s environment:

• Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) – The federal government has recently initiated a national dental care program to improve access to dental services for uninsured Canadians. Budget 2023 committed $13 billion over five years to make dental care affordable for families under a certain income threshold canada.ca. As this plan rolls out (with seniors and children being phased in first canada.ca), future dentists should recognize its significance – it represents a shift toward integrating dentistry into Canada’s healthcare system. Discussing this policy, or being able to answer questions about access to care, will show an interviewer that you understand broader healthcare challenges and initiatives.
• Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program – At the provincial level, Ontario funds a dental care program for low-income seniors (65+). Launched in 2019 and now expanded, this program provides free routine dental services (checkups, fillings, extractions, dentures, etc.) to seniors below a certain income (e.g. under $25,000 for a single senior) eohu.ca eohu.ca. This addresses a critical gap in care for an often-neglected population. Since Western’s dental school serves Southwestern Ontario, knowledge of OSDCP is relevant – students may encounter patients who benefit from it during their clinical training. It also ties into discussions about preventive care and public health strategy for aging populations.
• Access to Care and Community Outreach – A persistent policy and ethical issue in dentistry is the unequal access to oral healthcare among different communities. Many rural, low-income, or marginalized groups face barriers to obtaining dental care, whether due to cost, provider shortages, or other socio-economic factors canada.ca. Schulich Dentistry directly engages with this issue through its community service programs (DOCS and others) that bring dental care to those who might not otherwise afford or access it schulich.uwo.ca. In an interview, candidates might be asked their thoughts on serving underserved populations or how they’ve contributed to their community. Being able to reference this issue – and even Western’s efforts in this area – shows alignment with the school’s socially responsible mission. It’s wise to be aware of related topics like water fluoridation debates, indigenous oral health disparities, or the role of public dental clinics, as these are part of the broader conversation on improving access.

Like all dental schools, Western looks for well-rounded candidates. While strong grades and DAT scores are essential, Schulich Dentistry explicitly emphasizes a range of non-academic criteria during selection schulich.uwo.ca schulich.uwo.ca. The invitation to complete a “Western Autobiographical Sketch (ABS)” is one clear example of how the school assesses personal qualities beyond the numbers. In the ABS, applicants highlight their experiences, values, and what they have learned outside the classroom schulich.uwo.ca. In essence, the admissions committee is interested in who you are as a person and what you will contribute to the school and the profession. Based on Western’s materials and the attributes of successful applicants, some key non-academic factors include:

• Community Involvement and Service: Demonstrated commitment to helping others is highly valued. Whether it’s volunteering at dental clinics, participating in community service organizations, or initiating a charitable project, such experiences show alignment with Schulich’s community-focused mission schulich.uwo.ca. Western explicitly asks how applicants have served diverse communities, signaling that a service ethos is a core selection criterion.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Holding leadership roles (in clubs, sports teams, student government, etc.) or being an active team member can indicate strong interpersonal skills. The program wants students who can collaborate and eventually lead in clinical teams. Past interview questions have probed teamwork and conflict resolution scenarios studentdoctor.net, reflecting the importance of these qualities. Candidates who have taken initiative or managed responsibilities (like being a team captain or project leader) can stand out in this area.
• Research and Scholarly Curiosity: Western is a research-intensive university, and the dental school encourages a spirit of inquiry. Engaging in undergraduate research, publications, or pursuing a graduate degree (MSc, PhD) before dental school can be a significant asset. In fact, applicants with a completed graduate degree receive bonus points in the admission scoring schulich.uwo.ca. This signals that the school values the analytical skills, perseverance, and depth of knowledge gained through research. Even for those not coming in with advanced degrees, showing an interest in evidence-based practice or discussing a research project can underscore one’s academic maturity.
• Diverse Life Experiences and Resilience: Western’s admissions process values the “lived experiences” of applicants schulich.uwo.ca. Overcoming challenges, adapting to new environments, or having unique life experiences (such as extensive travel, working in healthcare, or caring for family members) can translate into personal growth and resilience. The autobiographical sketch and interview give space for applicants to share formative experiences. Traits like adaptability, cultural competence, and empathy often emerge from such discussions. For example, an applicant who has worked with different patient populations or balanced school with significant life obstacles can demonstrate qualities of resilience and understanding that enhance their candidacy.

It’s worth noting that Western does not require reference letters or a set number of volunteer hours as part of the application schulich.uwo.ca. Instead, the onus is on applicants to convey their non-academic accomplishments and character through the ABS, Casper situational judgment test, and the interview. The selection committee assesses these qualitative aspects holistically. Therefore, successful candidates tend to be those who not only excel academically but also bring rich experiences, a track record of involvement, and personal qualities that mesh with Schulich Dentistry’s values. Keeping these criteria in mind can help applicants reflect on which of their own experiences to highlight when preparing for interview questions.

Schulich Dentistry’s curriculum and expectations for students are guided by nationally recognized competency frameworks for dental education. In Canada, all accredited dental programs adhere to the Competencies for a Beginning Dental Practitioner in Canada, a comprehensive list of skills and professional attributes new dentists must possess cda-adc.ca. This framework (updated by stakeholders and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada) outlines 47 key competencies ranging from clinical skills to communication and ethics scribd.com. For example, graduates are expected to provide culturally sensitive care, apply biomedical and clinical science knowledge to practice, make evidence-based decisions and continually self-evaluate their performance, all while upholding the highest ethical and legal standards scribd.com. These competencies drive the design of Western’s DDS curriculum – ensuring that by the time students graduate, they have been trained in each essential domain, from technical procedures to patient management and professional responsibilities.

For interview preparation, awareness of these competency expectations can be useful. It signals what qualities Western is ultimately trying to develop in its students. For instance, communication skills and professionalism are core competencies; unsurprisingly, the interview will assess how well you communicate and handle ethical scenarios. Health advocacy is another theme (reflected in Western’s focus on community service). Understanding that Western’s program aims to produce dentists who are not just clinically competent but also communicators, collaborators, leaders in the community, and lifelong learners can help you appreciate the rationale behind certain interview questions. When you discuss any experience in the interview, you can implicitly connect it to one of these professional competencies (for example, describing a situation where you demonstrated teamwork, which aligns with the collaborator role expected of healthcare professionals). In summary, the competency framework is like a blueprint for the kind of practitioner you are training to become, and the interview is one opportunity for the admissions committee to gauge your potential to grow into that role.

Western’s interview questions tend to reflect the school’s holistic and scenario-based approach. Past applicants and public feedback have highlighted several recurrent themes in the questions asked. Familiarizing yourself with these themes (without memorizing answers, since spontaneity is also evaluated) can boost your confidence going into the interview. Common themes include:

• Ethical Dilemmas: Many candidates have been presented with scenarios that test their integrity and ethical reasoning. For example, one reported question involved a situation where an employer asks you to lie about witnessing an accident to avoid liability studentdoctor.net. Such questions evaluate your honesty, moral judgment, and willingness to stand up for what is right, even under pressure. When faced with an ethical scenario, interviewers are looking for evidence of your professional integrity and the thought process you use to arrive at a principled decision.
• Balancing Commitments and Empathy: Another frequent theme is how you handle conflicting responsibilities, especially when others are depending on you. A typical prompt might be along the lines of, “You have an important exam tomorrow, but a close friend calls in need of emotional support – what do you do?” studentdoctor.net. This type of question assesses time management, empathy, and judgment. The interviewers want to see if you can find a compassionate solution without neglecting critical obligations. It also gives insight into your personal priorities and stress management skills when pulled in different directions.
• Motivation for Dentistry: It’s very common to be asked directly or indirectly, “Why dentistry?” studentdoctor.net. Western, like all dental schools, wants to understand your drive for pursuing this career. Interviewers might ask what sparked your interest in dentistry or what you find appealing about Schulich’s program in particular. Be prepared to articulate the reasons behind your career choice, whether it’s a passion for patient care, an interest in science and hand skills, a personal experience (such as observing a dentist who inspired you), or a combination of factors. Your answer should convey genuine enthusiasm and insight into the profession, showing that you’ve thought seriously about your fit for dentistry.
• Accountability and Self-Improvement: Interview questions often probe how you respond to personal challenges or failures. One example shared by past interviewees was, “Tell me about a time you handed in an assignment late,” and how you handled the consequences studentdoctor.net. Questions like this assess accountability, honesty about one’s mistakes, and the ability to learn from setbacks. In formulating your response, emphasizing what you learned and how you changed your behavior afterward is key. Western’s evaluators appreciate when candidates demonstrate resilience and a commitment to growth, aligning with the idea that dentists must continually improve and take responsibility in their practice.

In addition to these themes, some interviews include multi-part questions or hypotheticals that require you to think on your feet about complex issues (for example, scenarios involving patient communication challenges or ethical gray areas with multiple layers). The overall pattern is that Schulich’s interview is not a rapid-fire trivia quiz, but rather a thoughtful conversation grounded in scenarios and personal experiences. Understanding these common themes can help you practice articulating your values and decision-making processes. However, it’s important to approach each question genuinely; the interviewers are interested in your reasoning and self-reflection, not just a “right” answer. Keeping the school’s values and the competencies of a good dentist in mind, as discussed in previous sections, will naturally guide you toward appropriate responses.

The application process for Schulich Dentistry is highly structured, and staying on top of deadlines is crucial. Notably, the window between receiving an interview invitation and the interview date is short (often only about two weeks) schulich.uwo.ca, so it’s wise to prepare early. Below are the key timelines for the 2025-2026 cycle (for entry into the DDS class of 2026) and what each milestone means for applicants:

• Mid-September 2025 – Application opens. Prospective students can begin the application via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). This is when you start compiling transcripts, DAT scores, Casper registration, and begin the autobiographical sketch process schulich.uwo.ca.
• November 1, 2025 (4:30 p.m. ET) – Application submission deadline. All primary application components must be submitted by this date, including the OUAC application and the release of Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) scores and Casper scores to Western schulich.uwo.ca. This is a firm deadline – late applications are not considered, so applicants should aim to have everything in well before this date.
• November 11, 2025 (4:30 p.m. ET) – Supplementary document deadline. Any required supporting documents not submitted through OUAC (such as official transcripts from all universities attended, World Education Services evaluations for international transcripts, proof of English proficiency if required, and proof of Canadian permanent residency status if applicable) are due by this date schulich.uwo.ca. It’s critical to arrange these documents to arrive on time; missing documents can invalidate an application.
• Late January 2026 – Interview invitations released. Schulich Dentistry will notify selected applicants via email around the end of January if they have been invited to interview schulich.uwo.ca. Typically, about 200 interview invites are sent, so if you receive one, it’s a significant accomplishment. The invite email will contain instructions for scheduling or confirming the interview slot, which is usually during a designated weekend in February. Because this notification comes fairly late in the cycle, it’s advisable for candidates to have already been practicing interview skills beforehand.
• Early February 2026 – Interview Weekend. The interviews are held virtually during a weekend in early February (often the first or second weekend) schulich.uwo.ca. Applicants should ensure they have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment for their interview panel. Western typically provides details on the exact date and any technical logistics in the invitation. Being prepared and punctual for your interview session is essential, as is observing professional etiquette even in the virtual format.
• Late February 2026 – First-round offers and waitlist. Admissions decisions are released by the end of February or very early March schulich.uwo.ca schulich.uwo.ca. If you are accepted, you will receive an offer of admission via email and you’ll need to respond (usually with a deposit) by a specified deadline. If you are placed on the waitlist, you’ll be informed of that status; Western does not initially reveal your exact ranking on the waitlist schulich.uwo.ca. Historically, Western’s waitlist can see considerable movement (a significant portion of the class might be filled from it), so there is still hope if you’re waitlisted. Unfortunately, candidates who are not accepted or waitlisted will receive a declined notification around this time as well.
• June 30, 2026 – Post-admission requirements due. Admitted students must fulfill all post-admission conditions by the end of June schulich.uwo.ca. These typically include submitting final official transcripts (showing completion of any in-progress courses or degrees), proof of required immunizations and health screenings, and a Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening schulich.uwo.ca schulich.uwo.ca. Western provides admitted students a list of these requirements. Missing a requirement or deadline could result in losing your seat, so admitted students need to pay close attention to instructions.
• Late August 2026 – Orientation Week. The DDS Class of 2026 will begin orientation in the last week of August (sometimes carrying into early September) schulich.uwo.ca. This includes introductions to the program, faculty, clinics (with something known as "Kit Orientation" where students receive and learn about their dental instrument kits), as well as social activities. Attendance is mandatory for all orientation events, as they cover essential training and information to start dental school. Students are advised not to schedule any travel or other commitments during this period.

By keeping these deadlines in mind, applicants can organize their application timeline and avoid last-minute issues. In summary, aim to have your application materials ready early, be prepared to respond quickly to an interview invite in late January, and plan ahead for the interview and post-interview steps. Western’s admissions process moves swiftly from winter into early spring, so time management is key – a trait that, fittingly, is also assessed during the interview process.

In conclusion, preparing for the Schulich Dentistry interview involves a thorough understanding of the program and its values, as well as an awareness of the wider context of dentistry in society. Western’s admissions process is holistic: a structured panel interview gauges qualities like integrity, empathy, and critical thinking, aligning with the school’s mission to graduate community-minded, ethical practitioners schulich.uwo.ca. By reviewing the interview format, reflecting on how your experiences connect to Schulich’s core values, staying informed about relevant dental policies, and being mindful of the critical application timelines, you can approach the interview with confidence and insight. This comprehensive preparation will help you convey not just your qualifications, but also your fit with the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry – a school dedicated to excellence in clinical practice, research, and community service.