Meharry Dental School Interview: DDS 2026-27

Meharry School of Dentistry DDS guide from its own pages: two interviews with faculty, alumni or Nashville dentists, rolling review and the Dec 15 deadline.

Meharry gives every invited candidate two interviews, with interviewers drawn from its basic science and dental faculty, its dental alumni and Nashville dentists, on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Here is what Meharry publishes, where its pages differ, what applicants report, and how to prepare. return ( <> Meharry DDS Requirements and Class Profile The Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry is in Nashville, Tennessee. Meharry's dental program opened its doors on October 4, 1886, and Meharry's 2026–2027 catalog calls the school "one of two historically Black Dental Schools in the nation." Its DDS is a four-year program in general dentistry. "The class size is 75," its admissions FAQ says, and its About Us page says the school "receives close to 3,000 applications and admits approximately 75 undergraduate dental students and 10 international dental students each year." You apply through AADSAS and then Meharry's own

supplemental application, and the deadline is "December 15 of the year prior to matriculation": December 15, 2026, for a 2027 start. Review begins on August 1 and admissions are rolling. These are the figures Meharry publishes about who gets in: Figure. What Meharry publishes. Where. Class size. 75. Admissions FAQ (undated). Applications a year. “close to 3,000 applications” (About Us); an “Average number of applicants” of 3,000 (FAQ). About Us page; admissions FAQ. Average GPA of students admitted. 3.35 cumulative, 3.25 basic science. Admissions FAQ (undated; no class named). Encouraged minimum GPA. 3.0 cumulative, and 2.5 in biology, chemistry and physics. 2026–2027 catalog. DAT. No minimum, average or target published. None of the pages we read. No DAT target to measure yourself against. Meharry's FAQ asks "What scores on the DAT are considered competitive?" and then doesn't name one, and none of the Meharry pages we read publishes a

DAT minimum or average, on the old 1–30 scale or on the 200–600 scale the DAT has used since 1 March 2025. Its catalog says only that "Candidates for admission are evaluated on a competitive basis relative to acceptable scholastic records, satisfactory performance on the DAT, and three favorable recommendations." Meharry publishes no acceptance rate either, and we don't compute one from its counts. In state or out of state? The Meharry admissions pages we read state no residency preference. The School of Dentistry's vision, on its About Us page, places "special emphasis on African Americans and other people of color as well as others from disadvantaged backgrounds." Separately, the college's application portal says "The mission of Meharry Medical College includes empathy for the disadvantaged" and that "Any preference given to students is given in light of this mission." The DDS pages don't say whether applicants who aren't US citizens

or permanent residents may apply; ask admissions@mmc.edu. Prerequisite coursework Course. Semester hours. Quarter hours. General biology or zoology, with lab. 8. 12. Inorganic chemistry with quantitative analysis, with lab (the catalog says general or inorganic chemistry with labs). 8. 12. Organic chemistry, with lab. 8. 12. General physics, with lab. 8. 12. English composition (the catalog: English grammar and composition, or a writing-intensive equivalent). 6. 9. Biochemistry. 3. 5. Calculus or statistics. 3. 5. Grades: Meharry's prerequisites page asks for "an average of 'C' or better" in each of these, and its catalog says "The applicant must have completed the prerequisite courses with a grade of 'C' or better"; its FAQ calls a C or higher "recommended." Plan on a C or better in every prerequisite course. The FAQ adds "ALL prerequisite courses must have a letter grade," and the catalog doesn't accept pass/fail courses "unless it is

the policy of the institution or college attended." Community college and AP: "Community college courses are accepted," but "The prerequisite science courses MUST be taken at an accredited college or university." The FAQ says AP credit "may be accepted, as long as it is listed on the college transcript and the grade for the AP coursework is B level or better," and strongly advises "that no more than 16 credit hours of basic science and prerequisite courses be taken for advanced placement." The catalog accepts AP credits "provided they are accepted by the undergraduate institution" and recommends additional advanced-level courses if you used AP for a prerequisite. Recommended courses: anatomy/physiology, microbiology and histology/cell biology are "strongly recommended" (the catalog adds statistics), and genetics, molecular biology and pharmacology are recommended. The catalog adds that applicants who have taken public health courses

"are better equipped to navigate the public health certificate program that is included in the dental school curriculum," though they aren't required. The DAT: "All applicants must take the DAT. An official report of performance is required." The catalog says "DAT exams taken after December 15 of the year prior to matriculation will not be considered for admission," which means no later than December 15, 2026, this cycle. The FAQ's advice is to take it "after taking the subjects covered by the test and only after preparing for it," not "just for practice." Three letters, through AADSAS: the FAQ says "Three letters of recommendation are required, two must be from science professors," and that a Pre-Health Committee recommendation "will meet the recommendation requirement." The Application Process page says applicants whose school offers a health professions advisor or committee "should submit a letter from this person or committee," and

otherwise "a minimum of three (3) individual letters, including two from science professors." The catalog accepts a committee letter "in place of the two recommendations from science professors," which leaves the third letter unclear. The Application Process page says letters are "due directly to AADSAS by December 13th"; the catalog says "by the December 15th deadline." Aim for December 13, and ask admissions@mmc.edu what a committee letter covers. The supplemental application: once all your required application materials have been received and verification is complete, Meharry emails you a link. "Upon completion, a processing fee of $65 will be assessed," paid online ("Please do not send a separate payment to Meharry"), and "The Admissions Committee requires that you upload a photo when you are submitting your Supplemental Application." The page says it "allows the applicant to further describe their activities." The FAQ says your

application isn't considered complete until you have submitted it and paid the fee. The catalog adds that the fee is non-refundable. The personal statement: "The personal statement is very important and is carefully reviewed." The FAQ asks for "error-free essays without redundancy, run-on sentences, clichés, embellishments, fancy words, and spelling errors," and tells you to "avoid inserting their own names in the text," meaning your own name. Shadowing: the Meharry pages we read name no shadowing requirement or number of hours. The FAQ lists "Shadowing" among the improvements it looks for in reapplicants, along with more basic science coursework, an improved DAT score, community service and at least one new letter. Out of school a while? Candidates "who have been out of school for more than two (2) years and/or who have not had science courses for three years or more should take review courses before taking upper-level science courses

and before taking the DAT." Technical standards: Meharry's technical standards "are prerequisites for admission to and graduation from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry." A DDS candidate "must have aptitude, abilities, and skills in five areas": observation, communication, motor function, "quantitative and intellectual conception" and "behavioral and social stability." Among them: "The candidate must have manual dexterity, including full functioning wrists, hands, fingers, and arms." "Students must attest to their ability to meet technical requirements," on a form you sign; it doesn't say when the form is due. Credit hours and online courses: Meharry's pages disagree. How much college you need: Meharry's prerequisites page says "at least 90 semester hours/140 quarter hours," and its FAQ says students "MUST complete 90 credit hours." Its 2026–2027 catalog says "at least 96 semester hours/140 quarter hours from a US or Canadian

accredited college or university." Plan on the stricter 96 semester hours. A bachelor's degree is "preferred" but "not required," the FAQ says; the prerequisites page calls one "highly recommended." Online prerequisites: the FAQ says "It is recommended that science prerequisites are taken in an in-person format," allows an exception for schools that only offer a course online or hybrid, and says "Coursework taken virtually during 2020-2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be accepted." The catalog says "Online courses 'are not accepted' towards required prerequisites." Take your prerequisites in person if you can, and confirm both points in writing with admissions@mmc.edu. How long your DAT and prerequisites count. The DAT: the FAQ says "Only test scores within the last three (3) years will be considered." The catalog says "The test must have been taken within three years of the proposed matriculation date" in one place and "The DAT

scores must be no older than three years from the year of application" in another. The safe reading is a DAT taken within three years of your 2027 start, and no later than December 15, 2026. Prerequisites: the FAQ says "Pre-requisites expire five years from the date the degree is conferred," though the committee "may consider candidates that have been engaged in academic pursuits," such as a science master's or post-baccalaureate degree. The catalog says applicants "must also have completed the required course prerequisites within the last five years," and a note in the FAQ, about what "many dental schools" do, says "within five (5) years of matriculation to dental school." If any of your prerequisites is near five years old, ask admissions@mmc.edu before you apply. CASPer or Kira?. Meharry's DDS admissions pages, its FAQ, its technical standards and the School of Dentistry pages of its 2026–2027 catalog don't mention CASPer, Acuity

Insights, Kira or any similar assessment, so they don't say whether one is required. What they do ask for is AADSAS, with your transcripts and letters; an official report of your DAT scores; the Meharry supplemental application, with its $65 fee and a photo; and, if you are invited, two interviews. To confirm anything, Meharry's FAQ asks you to "submit your question in writing to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at admissions@mmc.edu." The Meharry Interview: What the School Says Required, by invitation. Asked "Is an interview required of all applicants? Who will interview me?", Meharry's FAQ answers "Yes, an interview is required." The college-wide admissions section of its catalog says "selected applicants are invited for interviews" and are notified by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Two interviews. "All candidates invited for an interview will receive two interviews from: Meharry Medical College basic science

faculty, Meharry School of Dentistry faculty (active and retired), Meharry School of Dentistry alumni or dentists from the Nashville community." Meharry doesn't say how long each interview lasts, how many interviewers sit in each, whether you meet different people in the two, or whether they have read your application, and it calls neither one a panel nor one-on-one. Rolling, until the class is full. "The review of applications for admission begins August 1 annually and continues until the class is filled," and "students will be interviewed and accepted until the class is filled." Meharry publishes no interview months. The setting isn't stated. None of the Meharry pages we read says whether this cycle's interviews are virtual or in person. The only hint is in the FAQ's answer about visiting: "a specific visit to the School of Dentistry should be scheduled between May 1 and September 15 to avoid conflicts with campus interviews." That is

advice about when to visit, not an interview window. Dress. "Candidates should dress in professional business attire." The FAQ spells it out: "suit or sports jacket with a tie," or "a solid blouse and suit (pants suit, or a jacket with knee-length skirt, heels or pumps no higher than three inches)." What it counts for. The catalog's college-wide section says "Once conducted, an evaluation of the interview is submitted to the Admissions Committee for final action." Meharry's FAQ says candidates are selected on undergraduate academics, DAT scores, "personal characteristics, awareness of the dental profession, leadership experience, community service, and potential for success in dental school as expressed in the letters of recommendation and a personal statement." It doesn't say how much the interview weighs. Two interviews: tell your story twice, for any listener. Your two interviews may be with very different people: basic science

faculty, dental faculty, dental alumni or Nashville dentists. Because Meharry doesn't say whether your interviewers have read your file, be ready to introduce yourself and tell your story with specific examples in each interview, keep the two accounts consistent, and explain dentistry and your path to it in plain words that work for a scientist as well as a dentist. What applicants report These come from a public applicant forum and its invite tracker, which a volunteer compiles from applicants' reports. They are not Meharry's words: This cycle (2026–27): the tracker, last updated 25 September 2026, lists Meharry's first invitations on 19 August and a first interview date of 28 August, in person. In the forum's Meharry thread, one applicant reported submitting the supplemental application on 6 August and receiving an interview invitation on 26 August, for an interview on 16 October. Four other applicants reported receiving the

supplemental application on 8 September; on 30 September one of them asked whether anyone with a September 8 supplemental had been invited, and another replied, "I haven't yet." No post in this cycle's thread describes the setting or the interview. Last cycle (2025–26): the tracker, last updated 22 October 2025, listed Meharry's first invitations on 7 October 2025 and a first interview date of 10 October, virtual. The forum's Meharry thread differs: no invitation was reported there before 21 October, though on 20 October one applicant posted, "I called today and they said they've started already." On 21 October, two applicants posted that they had been invited, and a third later wrote that theirs came on the 21st; the two who named the setting both said in person ("I received an invite for an in person earlier today," one wrote). On 31 October, an applicant on a campus tour wrote, "they were interviewing today. It was just their second

day of interviews." Applicants reported invitations through the winter. One applicant, invited in early December, posted on 18 December that "there were dates available till March," and two applicants reported interviewing on 16 January. One who wrote on 4 March that their invitation had come "about a month ago" listed the dates offered as "feb 16th ( i think), feb 27th and march 6th!" and later wrote that March 6 was the last date offered. One applicant posted just after midnight on 15 December 2025, "Got accepted," by an email that "came in at 12:01," and described the interview as "Very conversational not stressful at all." Another, who interviewed on 16 January, posted "Accepted Feb 3rd." One who reported interviewing on 16 February posted on 2 April 2026 that an email the week before said their "consideration/application is still under review." None of the posts in either thread says who the interviewers were, how long each

interview lasted or what was asked, and none mentions an MMI, CASPer or Kira. Our 2026–27 interview tracker sets Meharry's reported dates beside those of every other school on the forum's tracker. What Meharry doesn't publish. When interviews run, whether this cycle's are virtual or in person, how long each interview lasts, how many interviewers sit in each, whether they have read your application, what is asked, what else happens on an interview day, and how soon decisions follow. Prepare a clear, specific account of your motivation, your service and your experiences that works for any interviewer, and follow what your invitation says about the setting. Practice Your Meharry Answers Out Loud. Every invited Meharry candidate has two interviews, with faculty, alumni or Nashville dentists. Practice telling your story and answering motivation, behavioral and ethical questions out loud, clearly enough for any interviewer, and get instant AI

feedback on structure and clarity.. Start Practicing Free →. Meharry's 2026–27 Admissions Timeline When. What Meharry says. June 2026. Applications opened: “Candidates can begin applying online in June by completing the required AADSAS application”. From August 1. “The review of applications for admission begins August 1 annually and continues until the class is filled”; admissions are rolling, and there is no early admission. After AADSAS verifies your application. Meharry emails a link to its supplemental application: pay the $65 processing fee online and upload a photo; the FAQ says your application isn't complete until you do. Until the class is filled. Interviews, by invitation: “students will be interviewed and accepted until the class is filled” (no months published). December 13. Three letters due to AADSAS (the Application Process page; the catalog says by the December 15 deadline). December 15, 2026. Application deadline:

“December 15 of the year prior to matriculation”; the catalog won't consider a DAT taken after this date. December 15. First acceptances: “all dental schools affiliated with ADEA AADSAS have agreed to initially notify candidates of acceptance on December 15th”. After an offer. A non-refundable $800 enrollment deposit to reserve your seat (the catalog); a background check within 30 days before New Student Orientation (the college's admitted-students page). By April 15, 2027. “After December 15th, acceptances are ongoing with the goal of making final decisions by April 15th prior to matriculation”. 2027. Classes begin; the date isn't published (see below). Meharry publishes no interview window and no date for invitations. Its FAQ says Meharry "will also send you regular email notifications updating your application status," and that "it is each candidate's responsibility to regularly check with AADSAS to ensure that his/her application is

complete." Its Application Process page still says "The supplemental application for the 2025 admission cycle will be available on August 1," an older cycle's line; this cycle, one applicant in a public forum reported receiving the link on 6 August, and four on 8 September. December 15 is both the deadline and the first-offer date. Meharry's FAQ gives December 15 as its application deadline and as the day "all dental schools affiliated with ADEA AADSAS have agreed to initially notify candidates of acceptance." Because admissions are rolling, with students "interviewed and accepted until the class is filled," an application completed near the deadline reaches the committee only as the first offers go out (our reading, not Meharry's words). Submit AADSAS early, and finish the supplemental application, its fee and your photo as soon as the emailed link arrives. A June start? Plan for it. Meharry hasn't published the 2027 start date. Its

application portal labels the School of Dentistry's entry terms "Fall 2026 / Fall 2027," but its 2026–2027 calendar shows this year's first-year class, the Class of 2030, starting in June: D1 orientation on June 22–26, 2026, then MAPS (the "Mini-Academic Program for Success," which the catalog calls "the first course offered to incoming D1 students") from June 29 to July 24, before D1 and D2 classes resumed on August 12. Its cost-of-attendance page budgets the first year at 12 months. If 2027 follows the 2026 calendar (our assumption, not Meharry's word), you would start in late June 2027: plan for that, and confirm the date with admissions@mmc.edu. Visiting: the FAQ says "a specific visit to the School of Dentistry should be scheduled between May 1 and September 15 to avoid conflicts with campus interviews" (call 615.327.6076); for 2026, that window has passed. Campus tours are separate, and Meharry's pages describe them differently:

the FAQ lists Friday tours at 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. (615.327.6223), while the college's Prospective Student Tours page offers 90-minute tours by appointment, in the fall from August 15 through November 15, "on Tuesdays, Thursdays and select Fridays (the first and third Friday of each month)" at "9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.," and further down says "Our tours are currently on Tuesday and Thursday at 12 PM." Request one through that page. What Meharry Looks For Meharry says "all applications are considered based on a holistic review process." Its FAQ says candidates are selected on their undergraduate academics, their DAT scores, "personal characteristics, awareness of the dental profession, leadership experience, community service, and potential for success in dental school as expressed in the letters of recommendation and a personal statement." Its technical standards add: "Empathy, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal

skills, willingness, an ability to function as an effective team player, interest, and motivation to learn are all personal qualities that should be assessed during the admission and educational process." With the school's mission and core values, they make the best checklist for the interview: Service to the underserved: the School of Dentistry's home page says it selects "a distinct body of students who individually demonstrate a commitment to service, possess cultural understanding, indicate the ability to successfully complete the rigorous curriculum, conduct research, and serve underserved populations in the Meharry tradition." One of its core values is "Empathy – compassionate service for underserved and health care disparities." Have one specific service story and what it taught you. Cultural understanding: another core value is "Cultural Competence – embracing and understanding cultural differences" (the catalog calls it

"Cultural Intelligence"). Be ready to talk about serving or working with people whose backgrounds differ from yours. Awareness of the profession: the FAQ names "awareness of the dental profession" among its criteria. Know what a general dentist's work involves, from what you have seen yourself. Leadership: "leadership experience" is one of the FAQ's criteria, and a core value is "Leadership – mentoring and encouraging students to pursue leadership opportunities." Integrity: "Integrity – professionalism and ethics in all aspects of life." The DDS goes to students who complete the program "while demonstrating high ethical and moral standards." Communication: the technical standards say a candidate "must be able to communicate effectively and with sensitivity toward patients, their family members, or guardians to establish a good rapport," and to "explain treatment procedures and alternative solutions." Composure and taking feedback: the

standards say a candidate must be able to "function effectively under stress" and to "adapt to changing environments, display flexibility," and they ask whether a candidate can "reasonably be expected to accept the criticism and respond with the appropriate modification of behavior." Have an example of each. Research: the home page says the School of Dentistry selects students who, among other things, "conduct research," and Meharry's dental students have the Ewell Neil Dental Society, organized in 1918, among whose purposes is to "stimulate research among its members." Know your personal statement. Meharry's FAQ says "The personal statement is very important and is carefully reviewed." It doesn't say whether your interviewers will have read it, but reread yours before the day and be ready to go deeper on anything in it, with the specific details a written statement leaves out. The best Why Meharry material is in its history and its

patients. Meharry's catalog says the dental department of Central Tennessee College, Meharry's first home, "was launched as the first institution in the South for training African American dentists." First-year students take their basic sciences "through courses taught through the School of Medicine," an approach Meharry says "has proven effective for over 100 years." A Public Health Certificate Program "is part of the overall predoctoral curriculum." In the third and fourth years, students "provide comprehensive patient care and gain additional experience in hospitals, public health facilities and other community settings." Oral Health Day, a community service event offering free cleanings, fillings and extractions, is "mostly staffed with faculty-supervised Meharry School of Dentistry students" and has seen "as many as 600 procedures performed in one day." And the School of Dentistry building houses the Delta Dental Simulation Lab,

with "40 simulation units." Connect one of these to how you want to learn and whom you want to serve. Drawn to research? Meharry's DDS/PhD "adds three to four years to the D.D.S. education." Its FAQ says candidates "must first be admitted to the Meharry School of Dentistry" and then write to the Dean; "After an interview with the Dean, the Dean will recommend a candidate to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research," and you also apply to the Graduate School and take the GRE. The catalog lists "Participate in a personal interview" among the DDS/PhD requirements, without saying whether it is that same interview. The catalog also describes a Master of Health Sciences (MHS) degree that "serves as an alternative for admission for some students": its students "have graduated from an accredited college or university and show great promise but lack competitive science grade point averages or Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores for acceptance

into the dental education program." The catalog's MHS admission requirements list no interview. The practice questions below are ours, built on the criteria above. Meharry does not publish its interview questions. Internationally trained dentist? Meharry's FAQ says "Meharry has a two (2) year advanced standing program for foreign trained doctors. Candidates must apply online through ADEA CAAPID." This guide covers only the four-year DDS; our comparison of advanced-standing programs includes Meharry's. ); }; export default MeharryDentalSchoolInterview; meharry-dental-school-interview Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry Meharry Meharry Dental School Interview (DDS) 2026- Two Interviews & Requirements Meharry Dental School DDS 2026-27 Meharry School of Dentistry DDS guide from its own two interviews with faculty alumni or Nashville dentists rolling review and the Dec 15 deadline. Meharry dental school interview Meharry Medical

College School of Dentistry interview Meharry DDS interview Meharry School of Dentistry admissions Meharry dental school requirements Meharry DDS requirements Meharry dental school interview format 2026-10-08 2026-10-08 Domestic Program Two interviews with faculty alumni or Nashville dentists Meharry gives every invited candidate two interviews with interviewers drawn from its basic science and dental faculty its dental alumni and Nashville dentists on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Here is what Meharry publishes where its pages differ what applicants report and how to prepare. “All candidates invited for an interview will receive two interviews Meharry Medical College basic science faculty Meharry School of Dentistry faculty (active and retired) Meharry School of Dentistry alumni or dentists from the Nashville community.” Degree DDS (four years general dentistry) Nashville Tennessee Interview Format Two interviews from

basic science faculty dental faculty (active and retired) dental alumni or Nashville dentists Interview Setting Not stated on the Meharry pages we read (its FAQ s advice on visits mentions “campus interviews”) Interviews review from August 1 “until the class is filled”; no months published Dress Professional business attire (its FAQ) Deadline December 15 2026 (AADSAS); letters to AADSAS by December 13 (the catalog says December 15) Supplemental Link emailed after verification; $65 fee and a photo CASPer / Kira Not mentioned on Meharry s DDS pages Class Size 75; “close to 3 000 applications” a year GPA / DAT Admitted students 3.35 cumulative 3.25 basic science (undated); no DAT figure published Decisions First acceptances December 15; the goal is final decisions by April 15 Classes Begin 2027 date not published; the Class of 2030 began with orientation on June 22–26 2026 requirements Requirements & Class Profile 2 prerequisites

Prerequisite Coursework 3 interview-format What Meharry Says About the Interview 2 what-applicants-report What Applicants Report 3 timeline Meharry s Admissions Timeline 2 what-meharry-looks-for What Meharry Looks For 2 sample-questions Practice Interview Questions 2 preparation-tips Expert Preparation Tips 2 admissions-stats Admissions Statistics 2 prep-checklist Prep Checklist 2 faq FAQ 2 Traditional / Motivational Tell me about yourself. Meharry does not publish its interview questions; these are practice questions built on what it says it weighs. Every invited candidate “will receive two interviews ” and Meharry doesn t say whether your interviewers have read your application so build a 90-second answer that stands on its who you are the experiences that led you to dentistry and why Meharry is the next step. You may give it twice so keep it consistent. Why dentistry? Meharry s FAQ names “awareness of the dental profession” among its

selection criteria. Anchor your answer in something specific you saw or did in a dental setting then say what it confirmed for you about the work. One of your interviewers may be basic science faculty rather than a dentist so make it clear without jargon. Why Meharry? Use what Meharry says about a dental program that opened in 1886 in a school its catalog calls “one of two historically Black Dental Schools in the nation”; first-year basic sciences taught through the School of Medicine; a Public Health Certificate Program that “is part of the overall predoctoral curriculum”; and clinical years with experience in “hospitals public health facilities and other community settings.” Connect one of them to how you want to learn and whom you want to serve; Nashville alone is not a reason. How have you served your community and what did it teach you? Meharry s School of Dentistry home page says it selects students who “individually demonstrate a

commitment to service” and “serve underserved populations in the Meharry tradition ” and its FAQ names community service among its selection criteria. Pick one experience say what you did and for whom and explain how it shaped the dentist you want to be. Behavioral Tell me about a time you worked on a team toward a shared goal. Meharry s technical standards list “an ability to function as an effective team player” among the personal qualities that “should be assessed during the admission and educational process.” Keep the setup short show what you did and how you kept the team working and say what the team achieved. Describe a leadership role and what you accomplished in it. Meharry s FAQ names “leadership experience” among its selection criteria and one of its core values is “Leadership – mentoring and encouraging students to pursue leadership opportunities.” Pick a time you took responsibility for an outcome not just a title and say

what changed because of you. Tell me about a time you received criticism. What did you do with it? Meharry s technical standards ask whether a candidate can “accept the criticism and respond with the appropriate modification of behavior.” Choose real feedback that was hard to hear say what you changed and show the result. Tell me about a time you were under pressure. How did you handle it? Meharry s technical standards say “The candidate must be able to tolerate physically mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.” Describe a real situation what you did in the moment and what you learned from it. Ethical / Scenario A patient can t afford the treatment you recommend. What do you do? One of Meharry s core values is “Empathy – compassionate service for underserved and health care disparities ” and its Oral Health Day offers free cleanings fillings and extractions to the underserved. Explain the

options without judgment consider phased or alternative treatment and community resources and never lower the standard of care. Show your reasoning; a question like this rarely has a single right answer. A patient whose background differs from yours doesn t trust your treatment plan. What do you do? One of Meharry s core values is “Cultural Competence – embracing and understanding cultural differences ” and its technical standards ask that a candidate communicate “with sensitivity toward patients their family members or guardians to establish a good rapport.” Show that you would listen first explain the plan and its alternatives in plain words and respect the patient s right to decide. A frightened patient asks you to stop in the middle of treatment. What do you do? Meharry s technical standards call for “the development of mature sensitive and effective relationships with patients” and name “concern for others” among the personal

qualities to be assessed in admission. Show that you would pause and listen explain in plain words what is happening and what stopping would mean involve your supervising dentist and respect the patient s decision. You see a classmate cheating on an exam. What do you do? Meharry lists “Integrity – professionalism and ethics in all aspects of life” first among its core values and it awards the DDS to students who complete the program “while demonstrating high ethical and moral standards.” Describe an escalation path from a direct conversation to the proper channels and say why integrity matters when patients will trust your license. Apply December 15 is also the first-offer date Meharry s deadline is “December 15 of the year prior to matriculation ” and its FAQ says ADEA AADSAS schools “initially notify candidates of acceptance on December 15th.” Admissions are rolling with students “interviewed and accepted until the class is filled ”

so submit AADSAS early and finish the supplemental application its $65 fee and your photo as soon as the emailed link arrives. Prepare for two interviews with different kinds of interviewers Meharry draws its interviewers from basic science faculty dental faculty (active and retired) dental alumni and Nashville dentists. It doesn t say whether they have read your application so practice introducing yourself and telling your story with specific examples in plain words that work for a scientist or a dentist and keep it consistent across both interviews. Dress the way Meharry asks Meharry s FAQ says “Candidates should dress in professional business attire” and spells it a “suit or sports jacket with a tie ” or “a solid blouse and suit (pants suit or a jacket with knee-length skirt heels or pumps no higher than three inches).” Meharry doesn t say whether this cycle s interviews are virtual or in person so follow what your invitation says.

Settle the rules where Meharry s pages disagree Meharry s pages give 90 or 96 semester hours of college letters due December 13 or December 15 and different rules on online prerequisites and on how long your DAT counts. Plan on the stricter reading of each and ask the Office of Admissions and Recruitment in writing at admissions@mmc.edu as its FAQ invites. Requirement Detail Degree awarded DDS a four-year program in general dentistry; Nashville Tennessee Application AADSAS (applying opens in June) and Meharry s supplemental application whose link is emailed after a $65 non-refundable fee and a photo Deadline December 15 2026 (“December 15 of the year prior to matriculation”) Letters Three through AADSAS two from science professors or a committee letter (Meharry s pages differ on what it replaces); due December 13 (Application Process page) or by the December 15 deadline (catalog) Interview Required by two interviews from Meharry basic

science faculty dental faculty (active and retired) dental alumni or Nashville dentists; rolling “until the class is filled” Interview setting and window Not published (its FAQ s advice to visit the School of Dentistry between May 1 and September 15 “to avoid conflicts with campus interviews” is about visits not an interview window or setting) Class size 75 (FAQ); about 75 DDS students and 10 international dental students admitted each year (About Us) Applications “close to 3 000 applications” a year (About Us) Average GPA students admitted 3.35 cumulative 3.25 basic science (FAQ undated; no class named) Encouraged minimum GPA 3.0 cumulative and 2.5 in biology chemistry and physics (2026–2027 catalog) DAT Required; no minimum or average published; counts for three years (its pages word the limit differently); none taken after December 15 2026 Acceptance rate Not published College credit At least 90 semester hours (prerequisites page

FAQ) or 96 (2026–2027 catalog); a bachelor s degree preferred not required Prerequisites Biology or zoology inorganic chemistry organic chemistry and physics 8 semester hours each with lab; English composition 6; biochemistry 3; calculus or statistics 3; a C or better with letter grades Online prerequisites in person recommended with virtual coursework from 2020–2022 accepted; online courses “are not accepted” Shadowing No requirement named; listed among the improvements Meharry looks for in reapplicants CASPer / Kira Not mentioned on Meharry s DDS pages Technical standards Prerequisites for admission and graduation; students must attest to their ability to meet them on a form they sign Deposit $800 non-refundable to reserve a seat after acceptance Decisions First acceptances December 15; ongoing after that with the goal of final decisions by April 15 2027 Coursework and the DAT (by the dates Meharry gives) By the time you at least 96

semester hours of college (the catalog s figure; Meharry s site says 90) from a US or Canadian accredited school; a bachelor s degree is preferred but not required Every prerequisite with a C or better and a letter grade the four sciences with labs taken in person if you can and to be safe completed within the five years before you start (Meharry s pages count the five years three different ways) A DAT taken within three years of your 2027 start and no later than December 15 2026 Three letters two from science professors or your school s committee letter; ask admissions@mmc.edu whether a committee letter covers all three Apply (Meharry s AADSAS then its supplemental application) Submit AADSAS applying opens in June review begins August 1 and admissions are rolling When the emailed link arrives complete the supplemental application pay the $65 fee online and upload a photo; your application isn t complete until you do Have your letters

reach AADSAS by December 13 the earlier of Meharry s two dates Have everything in by December 15 2026 and watch your email for status updates If you are invited Prepare for two interviews with basic science or dental faculty alumni or Nashville a clear story specific examples and the same account in both Plan professional business attire and follow your invitation on where the interviews take place Prepare a Why Meharry answer a specific service story and an ethical scenario to talk through Reread your personal Meharry says it is “very important and is carefully reviewed” Hard dates December letters due to AADSAS (the catalog says by the December 15 deadline) December 15 application deadline; a DAT taken after this date isn t considered December first acceptances; offers continue after that April 15 Meharry s goal for final decisions After an the $800 non-refundable enrollment deposit What is the Meharry dental school interview format?

Meharry s FAQ says “Yes an interview is required” and “All candidates invited for an interview will receive two interviews Meharry Medical College basic science faculty Meharry School of Dentistry faculty (active and retired) Meharry School of Dentistry alumni or dentists from the Nashville community.” It doesn t say how long each interview lasts how many interviewers sit in each whether they have read your application or what is asked and it calls neither interview a panel nor one-on-one. The college-wide admissions section of its catalog says “an evaluation of the interview is submitted to the Admissions Committee for final action.” Is the Meharry dental interview virtual or in person? The Meharry pages we read don t say. The only hint is in its FAQ s advice on “a specific visit to the School of Dentistry should be scheduled between May 1 and September 15 to avoid conflicts with campus interviews.” A public applicant forum s invite

tracker which a volunteer compiles from applicants reports lists Meharry s 2026–27 interviews as in person; for 2025–26 it listed them as virtual while the two applicants in the forum s Meharry thread who named the setting that cycle both said in person. Follow what your invitation says. Does Meharry use the MMI? The Meharry pages we read describe no MMI. Its FAQ describes two interviews with faculty alumni or Nashville dentists and none of the Meharry pages we read mentions stations or a multiple mini interview; nor does any post in a public applicant forum s 2025–26 or 2026–27 Meharry threads. Prepare for two conversations about your motivation your experiences and your judgment. Does Meharry require CASPer or Kira? Meharry s DDS admissions pages its FAQ its technical standards and the School of Dentistry pages of its 2026–2027 catalog don t mention CASPer Acuity Insights Kira or any similar assessment so they don t say whether one is

required. What they do ask for is AADSAS with your transcripts and letters; an official report of your DAT scores; the Meharry supplemental application with its $65 fee and a photo; and if you are invited two interviews. If you re unsure write to admissions@mmc.edu. What GPA and DAT do I need for Meharry dental school? Meharry s catalog says applicants “are encouraged to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a Biology Chemistry and Physics GPA of 2.5 ” and its undated FAQ gives the average GPA of students admitted as 3.35 cumulative and 3.25 in the basic sciences without naming a class. Meharry publishes no DAT minimum or average on the old 1–30 scale or the 200–600 scale the DAT has used since 1 March 2025. The DAT is the catalog won t consider one taken after December 15 of the year before you start and Meharry s pages count scores for three years though they word that limit differently. When is the Meharry DDS application

deadline? December 15 Meharry s pages say “December 15 of the year prior to matriculation.” Applying opens in June review begins August 1 and admissions are rolling “until the class is filled.” Its Application Process page says your three letters are “due directly to AADSAS by December 13th ” while its catalog says “by the December 15th deadline ” so aim for December 13. December 15 is also the day its FAQ says ADEA AADSAS schools first notify candidates of acceptance so apply well before it. Is a bachelor s degree required for Meharry dental school? No but it is preferred. Meharry s FAQ says “While a bachelor s degree is preferred it is not required ” and its prerequisites page calls one “highly recommended.” What you need is enough college credit and Meharry s pages differ on how “at least 90 semester hours/140 quarter hours” on its prerequisites page (its FAQ says 90 credit hours) and “at least 96 semester hours/140 quarter hours

from a US or Canadian accredited college or university” in its 2026–2027 catalog. Plan on 96 and confirm with admissions@mmc.edu. When does the first year start at Meharry? Meharry hasn t published the 2027 date. Its application portal lists the School of Dentistry s entry terms as “Fall 2026 / Fall 2027 ” but its 2026–2027 calendar shows this year s first-year class the Class of 2030 starting in June orientation on June 22–26 then MAPS the first D1 course from June 29 to July 24 before D1 and D2 classes resumed on August 12. Its cost-of-attendance page budgets the first year at 12 months. If 2027 follows the 2026 calendar (our assumption not Meharry s word) you would start in late June plan for that finish your coursework before then and confirm the date with admissions@mmc.edu. Howard Dental School Interview Guide (DDS) In Washington D.C.: Howard s older DDS page describes a 25–30-minute panel interview and a second interview with the

Director of Admissions; its two official sites give different dates. Domestic Program /schools/howard-dental-school-interview Tennessee (UTHSC) Dental School Interview Guide (DDS) In one interview at the College of Dentistry usually with three faculty members and the Admissions Committee chair; interviews usually begin in early July. Its September 30 deadline has passed. Domestic Program /schools/tennessee-dental-school-interview Louisville Dental School Interview Guide (DMD) In typically one or two one-on-one interviews of about 20–30 minutes each late August to February; Casper required of all applicants. Domestic Program /schools/louisville-dental-school-interview Kentucky Dental School Interview Guide (DMD) In UKCD s panel interview “a traditional interview in conversation style ” with Admissions Committee members faculty staff and students. Domestic Program /schools/kentucky-dental-school-interview MUSC Dental School Interview

Guide (DMD) In Charleston South MUSC s virtual interview day with two 30-minute interviews with faculty members (its undated FAQ) and a December 15 deadline. Domestic Program /schools/musc-dental-school-interview