Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview: QUB Dentistry Interview Questions
- The Medic Life
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Message from the Founder -> "Welcome! I’m Dr. Bakhtar Ahmad, founder of The Medic Life and a practising UK doctor. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to succeed in the Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview (focusing on Questions) - from format, sample stations, to strategy and real applicant insights. Let’s begin!"
PS: This expert "Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview Questions" guide from The Medic Life (experts in Dentistry Interview Tutoring) covers what to expect, common interview questions, and practical tips to help you succeed.
What the Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview is - and what to expect at Queen’s Belfast?
QUB uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format for its BDS Dentistry admissions.
Selection is a two-stage process: first, applicants are ranked on their academic record + admissions test (UCAT) for Home / ROI applicants; those who pass this threshold are then invited to interview.
For 2026 entry:
Home/ROI applicants attend in-person MMIs in Belfast.
International / non-ROI applicants are interviewed online, via video.
Interview window typically runs from mid-December to March each admission cycle.
Interview assesses non-academic competencies (not dental science knowledge) — the aim is to evaluate suitability for dental training and profession.
Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview: What QUB looks for -> qualities & applicant profile
At interview, QUB assess beyond grades. Key traits and values evaluated include:
Empathy and interpersonal communication skills — ability to interact sensitively, explain things clearly, show understanding and compassion.
Ethical awareness, professionalism & integrity — respect for moral values, patient-centred care, honesty, responsibility, and understanding of ethical issues in dentistry.
Maturity, responsibility & resilience — awareness of demands of dental training and future professional life; ability to cope with stress, challenges, and maintain professionalism.
Self-awareness and reflection — capacity to reflect on personal experiences, learning, and growth, and to discuss motivations and suitability realistically.
Motivation, commitment & realistic insight into dentistry — clear understanding of what studying and practising dentistry involves; genuine commitment to the profession.
Communication & teamwork potential — ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively; dentistry often involves working in teams with staff and patients.
Because of the two-stage selection, once you reach the interview stage, the outcome depends heavily on these non-academic competencies.
Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview: How selection & shortlisting works at QUB
Applicants (Home / ROI) must satisfy academic requirements (A-levels including Biology/Human Biology + Chemistry, plus required GCSEs).
Applicants must sit the UCAT in the year of application.
For shortlisting, QUB combines a score out of 45: ~36 points from academic/GCSE performance, and up to 9 points from UCAT decile ranking.
International / non-ROI applicants are considered via a more holistic review (academic record, predicted grades, reference, personal statement, English language) — UCAT not mandatory for international applicants.
After shortlisting, selected candidates proceed to the MMI interview; final offers are made based solely on interview ranking (for those who meet academic/entry criteria).
What to expect in the Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview - format & major themes
Based on recent official guidance and applicant-prep resources, here’s what to expect from QUB’s Dentistry MMI:
MMI-style stations: each station is short (approx. 4–6 minutes per question) with a circuit of stations covering different competencies.
Station types may include:
Scenario-based or role-play (e.g. dealing with a nervous patient, breaking bad news, communication)
Ethical reasoning or moral dilemmas (consent, confidentiality, resource constraints, public-health issues)
Questions requiring reflection on personal experiences (resilience, teamwork, motivation, communication)
Communication tasks: explaining complex procedures or concepts simply for non-medical persons
Professionalism/attitude assessments: values, empathy, maturity, awareness of responsibilities
Competencies evaluated: resilience, responsibility, empathy, communication, maturity, self-awareness, ethical values, understanding of demands of dental training/ profession.
For international applicants (online MMI): ensure stable internet, quiet and neutral background, working camera/mic — QUB provides guidance for online interviews.
Practice Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Interview Questions & Typical Themes - What You Should Prepare
Use these themes to practice for MMI-style stations. They reflect common questions and scenarios described by QUB and interview-prep sources.
Motivation & Suitability
Why do you want to study dentistry — and why at Queen’s University Belfast in particular?
What makes you think you are a good fit for dental school and the profession?
What parts of being a dentist do you expect to be most rewarding / most challenging?
How have your experiences (work, volunteering, school, life) shaped your desire to become a dentist?
Empathy, Communication & Patient-Centred Skills
How would you explain a dental procedure (benefits, risks, aftercare) to a patient with no medical background — e.g. a child or elderly patient?
A patient is anxious or fearful about dental treatment. How would you handle their concerns and build trust?
How would you deal with a patient who has limited understanding of English / mental health / social disadvantages?
Ethics & Professionalism
What do you think makes a “good dentist” beyond technical skill? (e.g. ethics, communication, integrity)
Suppose a patient requests treatment that is not clinically indicated (e.g. for cosmetic reasons) — how would you respond?
How would you handle a conflict between patient wishes and professional or ethical duty (e.g. resource constraints, consent issues)?
Reflection, Resilience & Personal Insight
Describe a time you faced a setback or challenging situation — how did you respond, what did you learn?
How do you cope with stress, heavy workload, emotional demands — i.e. what strategies help you maintain well-being and composure?
Have you had experience working in a team or caring role — how did that shape your interpersonal skills, empathy, or understanding of responsibility?
Awareness & Understanding of Dentistry / Public-Health Context
What do you know about the role of a dentist in community health and public dental care (especially within UK / Northern Ireland context)?
What are some ethical or social challenges facing dentistry today (e.g. access to care, inequalities, prevention vs treatment)?
Why is communication, empathy, and patient-centred care important in dentistry beyond clinical competence?
FAQs - What Applicants Commonly Ask about QUB Dentistry Interview
What format does QUB use for its Dentistry interview?
QUB uses an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format with a circuit of short stations assessing non-academic competencies.
When are interviews held?
Interviews typically run from mid-December through March each application cycle.
Do I need dental / scientific knowledge for the interview?
No — the interview focuses on non-cognitive skills: empathy, ethics, communication, professionalism, motivation; dental science knowledge is not tested.
How does shortlisting work before interview?
For Home / ROI applicants, QUB combines academic record (e.g. GCSE, A-levels) and UCAT score into a pre-interview score; the highest-scoring applicants are invited to interview.
For international applicants, a holistic review (academic records, predicted grades, personal statement, reference, English proficiency) is used.
What do interviewers assess at the MMI?
They assess resilience, maturity, communication, empathy, ethical awareness, professionalism, self-awareness, and realistic understanding of dental training demands.
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