DownloadAlmost every dental school interview opens with some version of “Why dentistry?” The interviewer is listening for whether you understand what dentists actually do all day, and whether you have chosen it for its own sake rather than as a fallback.
What makes dentistry distinctive
Strong answers are specific to dentistry. Things applicants genuinely draw on include:
- Hands-on, precise work combined with scientific knowledge.
- Continuity of care. Many dentists see the same patients for years.
- Prevention. Much of dentistry is about stopping problems before they start, and teaching people to look after their own oral health.
- Visible results that affect confidence, eating, speech and comfort.
- Leading a team of dental nurses, hygienists, therapists and technicians.
- The link between oral health and general health, and inequalities in who gets care.
Choose the one or two that are genuinely true for you, and back them up with something you saw or did.
A structure
- The specific draw to dentistry.
- One experience that showed you it, briefly.
- What you learnt about the reality, including something hard, such as anxious patients, long days or the business side of practice.
- Why that makes you want it.
Answering “Why not medicine?”
This follow-up is common, and it is a fair question because the two courses attract similar applicants. Do not criticise medicine. Explain what you want that dentistry offers more of: the hands-on precision, continuity with patients, the focus on prevention, or the balance of clinical work and running a team. If you considered medicine seriously, saying so honestly and explaining how you decided is fine.
Mistakes to avoid
- Talking about money or hours. Even if they matter to you, they are not why you will be good at it.
- Only liking the science. Dentistry is a people job with anxious, sometimes frightened patients.
- “I like working with my hands”, with nothing behind it. Give evidence: a hobby, an instrument, a craft, a placement where you saw the fine motor skill involved.
- Sounding like a failed medicine application. Make it clear this is your choice.
An example
“What draws me to dentistry is that it combines precise practical work with long-term relationships with patients. At a practice placement I watched a dentist treat a teenager who was terrified after a bad experience as a child. She went slowly, explained each step and let him raise a hand to stop. By the end he was asking questions. I also saw how much of the day went on prevention and paperwork, which made me realise the job is as much about education as treatment. That is the side I am most excited by.”
Follow-up questions to expect
Why not medicine?
What dentistry offers you specifically, said with respect for medicine.
What does a dental nurse or hygienist do?
Know the team and what each role does.
What are the challenges facing NHS dentistry?
Access, the contract, inequalities, workforce.
How would you treat an anxious patient?
Listen, explain, give control, go at their pace.
How have you shown manual dexterity?
A real example, and what it taught you about precision and patience.
Frequently asked questions
How do I answer “Why not medicine?” in a dentistry interview?
Explain what dentistry offers that you want more of, such as hands-on precision, continuity with patients or prevention, without criticising medicine.
Is it bad to mention salary in a dentistry interview?
It is best avoided. Focus on what draws you to the work and to patients.
What do dental schools look for at interview?
Genuine motivation, insight into the job and team, communication, ethics, and often evidence of manual dexterity.