The MMI
Happy November and well done to those of you who have recently sent off your application to various dental schools! Lots of you will hopefully be receiving interview offers shortly and so we have designed an interview series to help support you in your preparation. This week we will look at one of the most popular dental interview formats- the MMI.
WHAT IS AN MMI?
MMI stands for Multiple Mini Interviews. Over the past few years, many dental schools have shifted to using MMIs to test a range of skills and select well-rounded candidates. This form of interview involves a series of short stations, each typically lasting for around 6-10 minutes. The short assessments are marked individually and scores are combined together at the end. Whilst the thought of having several mini interviews may appear daunting at first, this style of interview presents the opportunity for candidates to impress on multiple occasions.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN MMI?
In the coming weeks, our interview series will feature in-depth strategies focusing on individual MMI stations. However, to give you an idea of what to expect, below we have provided some questions used in common MMI stations.
Motivation
Why do you want to study dentistry?
What did you learn from your work experience?
Ethical Scenario
You are a first year dental student and overhear one of your friends saying that they have pictures of an upcoming exam. What do you do?
You are observing a dentist. They smell of alcohol when they walk past you. What will you do?
Leadership and Teamwork
Can you describe a time where you displayed good leadership skills?
Tell me about a time where you worked in a team and experienced a setback. How did you overcome this?
Who are the members in a dental team?
Knowledge
What is fluoride?
What are the main differences between private and NHS dentistry?
What dental treatments are covered under the NHS?
Social awareness
How has the field of dentistry changed in the past 10 years?
Why is technology useful in dentistry? Can you name any new technology being used currently?
Role play
John Smith, a 32 year old patient, is visiting the dentist for the first time ever, for a routine checkup. During the examination you notice decay, caries and overall poor oral health. John is very anxious to hear about his oral health. You have to explain what you found during the examination to John.
Professionalism
Should dentists be available on social media? What may be the consequences of this?
Do you think it is appropriate for dentists to smoke and consume alcohol in their personal life?
Top tips for acing your MMI!
ONLINE MMIs
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities have begun conducting their MMIs online on platforms such as Zoom. Although this may seem slightly unusual, the format should not differ greatly. Remember to maintain good eye contact throughout and to ensure you carry out the interview in a comfortable and quiet environment.
WANT MORE ADVICE?
Our team at I Want To Be A Dentist are here to support and guide you through the entire admissions cycle. If you have any questions, or would like a one-to-one MMI mock session, book online with one of our tutors. You can expect to receive tailored feedback and have the chance to experience what an MMI circuit will be like.