Interview insights

For everybody who is attending dental school interviews, this post would be an insight about what not to do. One would assume it’s basic etiquette but lately I have been seeing it a lot, do not chew gum in your interview!!! It looks disrespectful to the interviewer, school and your fellow applicants. Maybe it keeps you concentrated or it helps you with your anxiety but it only portrays as disrespect to the other person. On the contrary if you are so unserious about your opportunity, straight up reject the interview offer because there are multiple people out there who are praying to get that one opportunity to prove themselves!

Applicant would be judged from the moment they walk in the building to the time that you are out of their sight post check out. Be conscious about how you present yourself and try not to be rude to anybody in the premises ( even to campus security). Schools want to know who you are as a person, and how well can you blend in their cohort, so trying to stand out of the crowd may not work always. Additionally, do not ask your interviewer if you can work as hygienist or DA after starting school, those statements are so contradictory! Think about it, if you wanna continue in those roles why are you even applying to dental schools? You may think you sound enthusiastic about being in dental environment, but it sounds otherwise. Your experience should be inferred, that’s when you would be acknowledging your worth.

Advanced standing candidates are respected for their experience and maturity in clinics. Do not try to change this ideology by not following basic etiquette. Be the confident clinician that you are and have that dignity.

With the interview season going on for some schools and coming up for others, I hope everybody has a successful cycle. I’m a current AS student, happy to help with anything about the process!! ( I have been through the same struggle has you and I just want to give back to the community)