Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (Queen Mary University of London) uses a traditional panel interview for its BDS Dentistry admissions — not an MMI. Conducted online in recent cycles by a panel of two senior staff and a current student, it often includes a pre-interview article to read and discuss. Barts weights the UCAT for shortlisting, typically expecting a competitive decile to reach interview.
| UCATScore expertise — Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry This guide is prepared by the UCATScore admissions team, verified against official university sources for 2026/2027 entry. Practise the Barts / Queen Mary stations in our online Dentistry Interview question bank and book a Barts / Queen Mary-specific mock to walk in ready. |
Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview at a Glance (2026/2027)
| Interview format | Traditional/structured panel interview (not MMI) |
| Length | 20 – 30 minutes |
| Delivery | Virtual/online (recent cycles) |
| Panel | Two senior clinical/non-clinical staff + a current student |
| Pre-interview task | Usually an article to read beforehand and discuss during the interview |
| Interview window | January – February |
| UCAT | A competitive decile is typically needed (around the third decile nationally or better) |
| Admissions test | UCAT (required) |
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle)
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle): Per-university interview prep modules covering the exact format, question style and selection focus of individual UK medical and dental schools — in one bundle.
What Is the Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview Format?
Barts / Queen Mary uses a traditional, structured panel interview for BDS Dentistry — not an MMI. The interview is 20–30 minutes long and, in recent cycles, has been virtual/online. The panel usually comprises two members of senior clinical or non-clinical staff and a current student.
A distinctive feature: the interview normally includes an article that you read before the interview and then discuss during it. This tests your reading, comprehension, critical thinking and communication in real time — so be ready to summarise, analyse and respond to unfamiliar material.
Interviews are typically held online between January and February. To reach interview, applicants usually need a competitive UCAT decile (around the third decile nationally or better), alongside meeting the academic requirements (typically A*AA).
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – What Barts / Queen Mary Assesses… Key Traits
Barts / Queen Mary’s panel looks for the qualities of a future dentist. Assessors typically evaluate:
| Attribute | What it means at Barts / Queen Mary |
| Motivation & realism | A genuine, realistic approach to dentistry as a career. |
| Communication skills | Clear communication — including discussing the pre-interview article. |
| Initiative, resilience & maturity | The maturity and resilience to handle a demanding degree and profession. |
| Teamwork | The ability to work with others and contribute to a team. |
| Organisation & problem-solving | Structured thinking and problem-solving, plus likely contribution to university life. |
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle)
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle): Per-university interview prep modules covering the exact format, question style and selection focus of individual UK medical and dental schools — in one bundle.
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – How Barts / Queen Mary Selects and Shortlists Applicants
Barts / Queen Mary combines academic requirements (typically A*AA) with the UCAT to shortlist. Applicants generally need a UCAT score above a competitive decile threshold — roughly the third decile nationally or better — to be considered for interview.
At the panel interview, the pre-interview article is central — you’ll be expected to discuss it thoughtfully, so practise reading unfamiliar material quickly and forming a clear, balanced view.
The panel assesses a broad set of professional attributes, from motivation and communication to teamwork and likely contribution to university life — so prepare well-rounded examples that go beyond academics.
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview Timeline & Key Dates
Use this timeline to plan your preparation. Dates are for 2026 entry (2027-entry dates follow a similar pattern — always confirm against your invitation and the official page).
| When | What happens |
| 15 October 2025 | UCAS deadline (6pm) for 2026 entry |
| October – December 2025 | Academic + UCAT (decile) shortlisting |
| December 2025 – January 2026 | Interview invitations (with pre-interview article) |
| January – February 2026 | Online panel interviews |
| Spring 2026 | Offer decisions released |
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle)
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle): Per-university interview prep modules covering the exact format, question style and selection focus of individual UK medical and dental schools — in one bundle.
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – How to Prepare for the Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview
| Focus area | What to do |
| Practise article discussion | The interview usually includes an article to read beforehand and discuss. Practise summarising unfamiliar material, forming a balanced view and responding to questions on it. |
| Prepare for a panel, not a circuit | This is a 20–30-minute panel, not an MMI. Rehearse sustained, conversational answers rather than rapid-fire stations. |
| Aim for a competitive UCAT decile | You typically need around the third decile nationally or better to reach interview. Prepare the UCAT thoroughly. |
| Set up for an online interview | Recent cycles are online. Test your camera, microphone, internet and lighting, and keep your display name matching your UCAS name. |
| Show contribution to university life | The panel considers your likely contribution beyond academics — prepare examples of teamwork, leadership and involvement. |
| Reflect on your experience | Tie work experience and caring roles to what you learned about dentistry and patient care. |
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – Reflecting on Experience – the STARR Framework
Whatever the station, strong answers reflect rather than list. Use STARR to turn any experience into genuine insight — the quality that separates offers from rejections.
| STARR step | What to include |
| Situation | Briefly set the scene — where you were and what was happening. One sentence is often enough. |
| Task | The challenge or focus of the moment — what needed to be done or decided. |
| Action | What you (or the professional you observed) actually did — the specific behaviour or decision. |
| Result | The outcome — what happened as a result of that action. |
| Reflection | The most important step: what it taught you about the profession, patients or yourself — and how it shapes your suitability. |
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle)
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle): Per-university interview prep modules covering the exact format, question style and selection focus of individual UK medical and dental schools — in one bundle.
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview Questions (Practice Bank)
Barts / Queen Mary’s panel spans motivation, communication, teamwork, resilience and discussion of a pre-interview article. Use the bank below to rehearse sustained, conversational answers — and practise discussing an unfamiliar article aloud.
Motivation & Suitability for Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
- Why do you want to study dentistry rather than medicine or another healthcare career?
- Why do you want to study dentistry at Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London) specifically?
- What experiences (work, volunteering, caring roles) influenced your decision, and what did you learn?
- What makes a good dentist beyond clinical skill?
- What are you most looking forward to, and most apprehensive about, in a dental career?
Understanding the Profession for Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
- What are the biggest challenges facing dentistry in the UK today?
- What role does prevention and public health play in modern dentistry?
- What do you understand about the working life of an NHS dentist?
- How does the dental team work together, and why does that matter for patients?
- What is the difference between NHS and private dental care, and what issues does that raise?
Communication & Empathy (incl. role-play) for Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
- A patient is anxious about treatment after a previous bad experience. How would you reassure them?
- How would you explain a root canal to a nervous child or an elderly patient?
- Role-play: break some disappointing news to a patient (a simulated scenario).
- Describe a time you communicated with someone who was upset or difficult.
- How would you respond to a patient who disagrees with your recommended treatment plan?
Ethics & Professionalism for Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
- A patient cannot afford a recommended treatment plan. How would you handle this ethically?
- You witness a colleague behaving unprofessionally. What would you do?
- What do consent and confidentiality mean in a dental setting?
- Is it ever acceptable to treat a patient against their wishes? Explain your reasoning.
- A friend asks you to whiten their teeth using training materials. How do you respond?
Scenario, Teamwork & Reflection for Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
- Describe a time you worked in a team under pressure. What was your role and what did you learn?
- Describe a time you faced failure or criticism. How did you respond?
- You’re given a community with poor oral-health statistics. What outreach might you propose?
- How do you manage stress, workload and your own wellbeing?
- Tell us about a time you demonstrated attention to detail or manual dexterity.
Data, Public Health & Awareness for Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
- You’re shown data on sugar consumption and tooth decay. What does it suggest?
- Should sugary drinks be taxed more heavily to improve oral health? Argue both sides.
- What are your views on water fluoridation? Structure a balanced argument.
- Why is access to NHS dentistry a growing problem, and how might it be addressed?
- How would you promote better oral health in a school or care-home setting?
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle)
University-Specific Interview Prep (bundle): Per-university interview prep modules covering the exact format, question style and selection focus of individual UK medical and dental schools — in one bundle.
Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027 – Model Answer Outline: “Why dentistry, and why Barts / Queen Mary?”
What they assess: genuine, informed motivation; realistic understanding of dentistry; specific reasons for choosing Barts / Queen Mary.
Structure your answer in three moves:
- Open with what genuinely draws you to dentistry — the blend of science, manual precision and long-term patient relationships — anchored in a specific experience rather than a cliché.
- Connect to Barts / Queen Mary specifically — the course structure, clinical exposure, ethos or values that fit how you want to learn. Be concrete; avoid generic praise that could apply to any school.
- Close with realistic insight — acknowledge the challenges (workload, emotional demands, technical skill) and show you’re committed to developing the dexterity, empathy and resilience the profession needs.
| UCATScore tip Interviewers can tell a memorised script from genuine reflection in seconds. Prepare the shape of your answer, then let your real experiences carry it. Practise this exact question in a Barts / Queen Mary-format mock with a UCATScore tutor. |
Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview FAQs – Queens Mary Dentistry Interview: Queens Mary (Barts) Dentistry Interview Questions 2026/2027
What interview format does Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry use?
A traditional/structured panel interview (not MMI), 20–30 minutes long, conducted online in recent cycles by two senior staff and a current student.
Is there a pre-interview task at Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry?
Yes — the interview normally includes an article you read beforehand and discuss during the interview.
Is the Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry interview online or in person?
Virtual/online in recent cycles. Confirm the delivery method in your invitation.
What UCAT score do I need for Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry?
A competitive decile is typically required — roughly the third decile nationally or better — alongside meeting the academic requirements (typically A*AA).
When are Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry interviews held?
Typically online between January and February.
What does the panel assess?
Motivation and realism about dentistry, communication, initiative, resilience and maturity, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving, and likely contribution to university life.
Prepare for Your Barts / Queen Mary Dentistry Interview with UCATScore
UCATScore helps you turn a Barts / Queen Mary interview invitation into an offer with a dentistry-specific question bank, Barts / Queen Mary-format mock interviews, and expert feedback from people who know exactly how UK dentistry schools select.
- Dentistry Interview Course (MMI) — station-by-station technique
- Online Dentistry MMI Circuit — a realistic, timed rehearsal
- MMI Station Bank — ethics, role-play, data and communication stations
- 1-2-1 Interview Tutoring — a Barts / Queen Mary-format mock with a practising dentist
Prepared by the UCATScore admissions team. Verified against official University sources and the Medical/Dental Schools Council for 2026/2027 entry. University processes are reviewed annually — always confirm the latest details in your interview invitation and on the official Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London) website before your interview