Ask questions about this school. Answers use aggregated data and are subject to error.
👋Hi there! How can I help?
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 426 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional8–8.9 Very Good7–7.9 Good6–6.9 Mixed< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about reasons for choosing the specific school, motivations for pursuing dentistry, ethical dilemmas faced, future career goals, and personal accomplishments. Some respondents mentioned being asked questions in an MMI format and may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement during their interviews.
Give me 3 reasons why we should pick you over another student.
ASDOH has a zero tolerance policy for cheating. If your friend gave you the answers to next week's midterm, what are your choices and why would you choose them?
Out of respect to the school, I choose not to post any specific questions. Keep up on current events and be prepared to answer basic interview questions.
Students said most interesting question asked at A. T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health discussed a wide range of topics including specialty preferences, stress management, role models, and ethical scenarios. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure requirements, while other common themes included questions about community dentistry, historical figures, and current events.
ASDOH has a zero tolerance policy for cheating. If your friend gave you the answers to next week's midterm, what are your choices and why would you choose them?
If I tell you they will "suppress" it. Kinda big-brother/ anti-free speech don't ya think? And I thought the internet was about truthful communication.
Mountain crash. Have several items which are most important. 1=lighter, 2=pot for boiling water, 3=hatchet to cut wood, 4=snowshoes to shovel snow... think about not leaving the crash site. You need to drink water to not get dehydrated at the high altitude, fire to keep warm, hatchet to cut wood for fire, snowshoe to shovel snow away from fire, bottle of sleeping pills isn't important and should be last=10, fish hooks=9 too cold to fish, won't be there long enough to starve anyway, flashlight will run out of batteries, twine can be used to gather wood together, rifle to keep wild animals away, but really bears hibernate in the winter in the mountains, so there is your hint of the 10 items and listing them in their importance to keep you alive for a few days.
The scenario question really gave me a hard time. The interviewers were being really stubborn about the nature of the question. It was difficult to converse with them
Students said most difficult question asked at A. T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health discussed was related to the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, with challenging scenarios and group presentations, possibly subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Common interview questions included ethical dilemmas, healthcare system comparisons, personal qualities, community involvement, and current events, alongside unexpected questions on geography and world leaders.
Give me 3 reasons why we should pick you over another student.
Name a time you showed sympathy for someone else when you weren't volunteering? (**This question wasn't really difficult, it just wasn't the typical interview question which threw me off**)
ASDOH has a zero tolerance policy for cheating. If your friend gave you the answers to next week's midterm, what are your choices and why would you choose them?
The current events questions aren't difficult, but the way they ask you puts you on the spot and it is difficult to think of the answer in that setting. The essay was a very difficult question. I understand why they asked it, but if you are a moral person you do not have a very good experience to write about.
No question was inherently difficult, but if you've spent the last 4+ years with your nose in science textbook it might come out in the questioning.
Think on your feet = good
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents were neutral about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had an open file interview.
Was this interview in-person or virtual?
Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing practice questions, reading over their application materials and the school's website, and participating in mock interviews. Some also emphasized the importance of staying informed on current events and being true to oneself during the interview process.
This website and googled typical interview questions. I also read over my application and personal statement and explored ASDOH's website to make sure I was familiar with the program and what they do.
I personally find "preparing" for interviews to be counter productive. Thus, I didn't really do much beyond read the interview offer letter and get a good nights rest.
Applicants were consistently impressed by the facilities, technology, and curriculum at the dental school. The positive aspects highlighted included the new and well-equipped facilities, the modular teaching system, the emphasis on clinical experience, the friendliness of faculty and students, as well as the school's commitment to community service and public health. Suggestions for improvement included a focus on training dentists for the business aspect of dentistry and ensuring the curriculum prepares graduates for success in the field.
Honestly, not much. The guides we had were nice though.
The amount of experience you get in this school is amazing! The way the classes are taught would really work for me, where each class is taught for a week or 2, you take an exam and move on to the next class. Boards are at the end of the 1st year. Weather is awesome and the community is family friendly.
The enthusiasm of the faculty and students was impressive. Plus, ASDOH students get SO MUCH clinical experience by doing their rotations in community health clinics in their third and fourth years.
new facilities, small class size, dean Dillenberg is a very dynamic character but I think he inflates numbers a little (he said recent graduates from the school earn $160K working at public health clinics)
Dean's speech.
Digital everything!
Pre-clinc/Clinic.
Dean mentioned student's place, not restore 3 implants on average.
Located as a health science campus (Not just dental).
They are very devoted to community service and providing healthcare. 4th year students do their rotations in clinics around the country. I also liked the modular teaching system
Facilities were nice overall, systems based curriculum taught in modules of 1 subject at a time, part 1 of boards taken BEFORE you go into clinic, so you can focus on studying, teamwork approach that the students have with preparing study guides and studying for exams
The facilities were amazing! Everything is so new and so nice. I really liked the idea of the modular system...a professor will fly in to teach a course for 3 weeks and then you will take the final and be done with that class. The dean seemed awesome! He was very up-beat, and down to earth.
The way the curriculem is set up, you take 2 to 4 week modules. you take the 1st board after the first year. alot of clinical experience, and the facility is spanking new.
The facilities are amazing, probably top in the country right now. The students are very honest. The admissions staff is looking more for a great all-around person rather than a 4.0 geek. Sim lab was VERY nice. After every one of my responses the interviewers said "wow, great answer!". Have "intermurals" and other activities. All exams are given on a computer and are NBE style.
Very little. The school seemed less interested in training dentists to handle a small business atmosphere, which is the reality of dentistry. They want their students to serve the community for a small salary (meaning, give service to underprivilaged minorities. This would be okay if dental school didn't cost 250,000 dollars. The reality of the situation is that dentists need to make a lot of money in order to pay off their loans and avoid going broke, at least initially. I don't think the school's philosophy is based in reality and I don't think it's curriculum is designed to make their graduates successful in the field of dentistry. I did well in the interview (as my interviewers congratulated me afterwards), however, I felt that the interview was "looking beyond the mark" in that it was more of a test of my knowledge rather than a search into my ideals. I think they need to make some changes in order to attract better applicants.
too many...nice faculty and students, amazing facility (simlab, clinics, etc), small class, huge patient pool, pratical curriculum, and awesome weather!
Facilities were top notch, bran-spankin'-new, free parking, large potential patient pool, the dean was chill, dvd textbooks/laptops, module course system, no med students to share classes with, weather is great if you like it warm to HOT all the time, NO PBL (that I heard of),
The dean was great (not your tipical suit and tie guy). All of the students were happy, everyone was smiling, facilities are second to none. When their clinic is up and running (pretty quick) there wont be a school that can touch them. Finding patients will not be a problem.
New facility, equipment. Emphasis on providing dental care to those in greatest need. The dental instruction is provided by experts in their field from across the country and not by some old fossil who's teaching there just because of tenure, whose standard presentation hasn't changed in 15 years.
Nothing! However, the person that gave the tour thought that we should be impressed by their big parking lot. If that is all they have to offer I am NOT impressed.
-Nice facility
-Very well organized interview schedule.
-Free (and lots of) parking
-Dean came to personally speak with us.
-Lower cost of living in area
-The interview didn't drag on all day. We were done by noon, nice because those who needed to leave could, but those who wanted to stick around could do that too and explore on their own.
-The dental students seemed happy and were eager to answer questions.
-I personally found the geography interview questions to be a bit fun, sort of like a game, which helped lower my stress during the interview.
The sim lab and construction of the new clinic. The faculty and students were very nice and willing to answer all questions. The fact that the interview was set up to find a well rounded worldly person. Oh, and the bathroom is first rate...10 stars!
The technology is up-to-date, the faculty is caring, students seem happy, boards are taken the first year, class size is an asset, clinics will be brand new.
They treat there students with the upmost respect and they are very interested in becoming the top dental school in the nation. Everything they do is first class!
The collegiatlity of the students with one another. I like that this seems to be a more team based learning and not so cut-throat. The facilities are absolutely amazing. I also think the curriculum has a lot to offer.
The facility, especially the sim lab. The technology is phenomenal. The students were extremely happy as compared to other schools I interviewed at or visited. I stayed an hour after my interview talking with students. The administration were also extremely friendly. Who wouldn't want to go to a school where they could talk to the administration and not feel intimidated. The curriculum sounds awesome. Who wouldn't want to be trained by the best in the field they are studying.
School's mission to train technology advanced dentists to underserved areas (during summers, too!), the new school, state of the art resources, close interaction with the Dean (during the school's open house)and Asst. Dean, and happy students.
I was VERY impressed with the school, mostly because it is brand new and they already have accomplished so much. People going into the inteview expecting it to be set up like other schools are just kidding themselves and are ignorant of the way the world works. Give Arizona 100 years and it might function like BU or NYU. Those schools have been around that long.
The facilities are awesome, the curriculum sounds intense, but it makes more sense to me than having 5 months to cover subjects. I'd rather do them quickly and have all the lectures at the same time.
The school is beautiful. The interview time was well organized. The surrounding area is awesome. The school appears to be positioned to lead dental education.
New technologies, sim labs and wireless T1 internet for all computers/labtop inside the building. After graduation (DDS), you can take 3 extra online courses and receive your Master of Public Health. DVD VitalBook library - pretty much no books, books are compressed into a DVD.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of personal interaction during the interview process, feeling like the interview was impersonal and structured. Many noted the school's location in a remote area, with limited campus activities and clinical facilities. Suggestions included improving interviewer engagement, providing more individualized interactions, and enhancing campus amenities and diversity.
No access to simlab outside of class, a D4 student told us he barely learns anything and has horrible grade, but that "he will still be a dentist". Not the thing you want to hear from a dental school.
Location, students, general lack of enthusiasm from staff, faculty, students. Didn't seem like anyone wanted to be there. By the end of the day even the interviewees seemed unimpressed/bored. Geesh.
I guess this isn't a typical complaint but they always had us doing something so there was never any downtime to chat with the other applicants or mentally prepare yourself for the interview.
Stressful interview.
Wish there are more green or building around the school, but they did recently open a YMCA. The city itself was ok.
More diversity wouldn't hurt.
Although I think the modular teaching system is great, they pull in professors from all over the country. So once the class is over your professor is gone.
School do not offer health insurance u have to buy it from third party IF u like very sad I believe. It is in the middle of no where, the interview is stressful, try not to panic, relax and answear each Q carefully.
-hot weather
-Mesa is in the middle of nowhere literally -small campus (2 small buildings)
-faculty came off as a little cold, some of them seemed jaded by the volume of students they had to deal with (maybe they shouldn't interview 600ish applicants then?)
-i felt a big brother presence watching us the entire interview day
The interview process was extremely structured and minimally personal. The interviewers did not deviate from the list of questions they asked. Also, the peg board test was supposed to be an ice-breaker, but was extremely stressful.
The tuition is a lot. In the interview there wasn't much response from the interviewer, making it difficult for me to know how I Was doing. It's a new school that is still working out the kinks.
price, school in the middle of nowhere, parking seemed a bit of a problem, 4th year is composed of 3 or 4 rotations that are 4-6 weeks long each, and they are all over US. Between each rotation, you spend time at a community health clinic in Phoenix. Not cool if you have a family, b/c they can't go with you...
a couple of the students seemed ovrly stressed. they said if you cant handle change dont come here. that the school being so new is still working out the bugs. also the price is high.
The school is in the middle of nowhere practically. It isn't far to Phoenix, or a metropolitan feeling atmosphere, but Mesa seems a little podunk and with little cultural life.
It wasn't negative per se, but the school still hasn't graduated a class of dentists. So ASDOH is still admittedly making mistakes, learnign from those mistakes and then making corrections on the fly.
The school was very small and way out in the middle of nowhere. It seemed more like a Tech school than a Dental school. The clinic was not open. I don't see where the patients are going to come from. It looks like there will be a lack of patients once the clinic opens. The school says the clinic will be accessible for the low income community, but the school is located way out in the suburbs in a rich neighborhood. I think it would take over an hour by bus for the "token" poor people to get to the school. They are proud of the "safe" area where the school is in and said that at other schools you have to worry about your safety. I found that offensive because the area where the school is is a completely white area and an "unsafe" area is usually considered an area full of minorities. As a dental student you should be taught compassion and should not be scared of going to school in an ethnically diverse area. The school says they have a community service focus and I was not asked once about my community service activities. They did not seem to care at all about community service. They have very few community service outreach programs and didn't seem interested in making more. They focused more on my knowlege of a few random geography questions and names of world leaders rather than my interest in community service and using dentistry to make a difference in the world.
NBE pass rates are below national average. The first 2 classes are still "working out the kinks", as will the next class and probably a few after that. Current affairs questions were unreasonable, unrelated, and difficult. Students complained about the laptops they had to buy (wanted better quality). The campus is in the middle of nowhere, literally. Made me fell inferior due to my grades at the end of the interview, which should not have been the case.
No pool (yet), Mesa smells like cow sh*t, Mesa is an identity-less strip mall of a town with more geriatrics than an AARP convention (not a singles school/town), 19/54 of 2nd yrs are LDS and many people I encountered (in Mesa as a whole) seemed over-zelous to share thier religous bliefs, food offered consisted of donuts covered with saran-wrap and bottled bevrages, the interviewers barely broke a smile the whole morning, no med students/nurses nearby (dating).
The interview was stressing a lot on current events.It was unfair as some of the students knew current event questions before the interview as some of their friends had already been through this school interview, so that was kind of disappointing for those who didnot know answers to current event questions.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs seemed arrogant and unwilling to address concerns of prospective students. The public/community health focus is admirable but there was an underlying attitude that if you want to make money you are just another greedy American (I also sensed an anti-american attitude based on side comments by the associate dean who was with us but hey, that could've just been me)....there is no clinic, and very little organization.
The school is in the middle of nowhere. They have 4 or 5 programs crammed into one building. No clinics yet. Curriculum needs work. Inflated housing market. Not a state sponsored program and no alumni therefore it is extemely Expensive. Strongly opinionated staff that seem arrogant.
-Tuition is not necessarily a bargain.
-Not too racially/ethnically diverse.
-Personally, for some reason people just seem to be a bit rude in the Phoenix metro area.
-No mention of research opportunities (understandably since the school is rather new).
-No place to grab a bit to eat in the main building.
The interview was a bit strange, for starters. While the school is new and some of the aspects about the curriculum were intriguing, the administration came across as painfully idealistic and glib. The interview, which was interesting to say the least, was conducted in such a manner that it seemed to emphasize knowledge over personal character. I was especially turned off by the lack of eye contact on the part of my interviewers and the seemingly lack of interest in my responses. During the Q&A at the end of the day I asked the assistant dean how they plan to prepare their students for the reality of small-business management. This clearly disturbed him as he didn't answer the question directly. Instead he responded by saying that the business end of dentistry (staff management, billing, etc.) caused him grief and perplexed him to the point that he ran to research and other fringe endeavors. After reflecting on his response, visiting the school, and hearing their aspirations, it is my opinion that ASDOH seeks to prepare and funnel their students into community and government subsidized clinics. This is not to say it's a bad thing, rather it is simply not my cup of tea. Their board scores aren't anything to write home about and their clinic has yet to be built. I am curious to see what kind of clinicians they turn out and whether or not their program becomes the envy of the dental community or its dancing dog.
the curriculum is an attempt to be innovative but it is going to fail. They say that they will prepare you for your boards after the first year but they scored less than the national average on their boards. They don't have a clinic yet. When you start your third year they are going to send you out to different clinics rather than have you stay at the school and learn how to do it correctly. The school is TOO osteopathic. Their philosophy is that the total health is just as important as the dentistry, which is true, but we are studying to become DENTISTS! The school is extremely small. There are only two classrooms. I could go on and on but I'll stop here.
The condenscending tone of the interviewer when he asked "the common knowledge" questions and the group activity that doesn't prove anything.
Where do I start? The lack of professionalism of the facutly (the dean was consistently asked to be quiet during interviews), the campus library, the smell of the campus, the format of learning (cramming), etc, etc, ETC.....
The surroundings of the school smelled awful. I felt I was in a farm land. Sorry I am a true californian, I would never trade the beach for desert and rural areas.
No school tour. The students were on a break that day, there was not many to talk to. Those that were there were a little odd (except Gavin). Lack of specific information on the curriculum, faculty, etc. With only one class of students there, it is impossible to understand what four years will be like at this school.
The interview was a joke. If they base their acceptances off of a group activity and a few questions about current events, how can they really get the candidates that deserve to be there?!?
It was very disorganized. The interviews were taking place while interviewees congregated outside rooms (window pathed) During my interview, The interviewer had to stop on numberous occasions to tell people outside to keep it down (once it was the Dean that was being too loud)
It seemed like half the time, the staff and faculty did not know where they were supposed to be.
lack of diversity, rural, the area is a bit smelly when I stepped out of the car.
After interview, we stood in the hall way for around 45 mins or so. It's be nice if they can put us somewhere in the library to sit, rather than just standing in the hall way.
The interviewees had a long group exercise and the dean of admissions sat and watched behind us and took notes on each of our performances. I would prefer more one on one time for them to get to know who I am. Also, the dental school only consists of one lecture hall and a simulation lab. The clinic hasn't been built yet. The school has a LOT of growing to do but has potential to be a great program.
The interview was much less personal than I thought it would be. We were in groups for most of the 3.5 hour day with only about 20 minutes of one on one time with our interviewers. Since group dynamics are often quite different than reality when under observation, I don't see why so much emphasis was placed upon it. I didn't feel as though I got to know them or they got to know me.
Applicants commonly expressed a wish to have known more about the format of the interview, the level of stress involved, and the specific activities or tests involved, such as the MMI format, the pegboard test, and group activities. Additionally, many applicants mentioned a desire for more information about the school itself, including its community orientation and faculty dynamics, as well as the overall experience and impressions of the interview day.
do not be fooled by the friendly/funny faculty. they are the most intense and grill you come interview time. the girl who interviewed immediately before me came out crying...that was a real booster
That I would have to do a dexterity test with little stainless steel rods while my hand were shaking and sweaty from being nervous. Also, I did not know that ASDOH was planned on a UOP template, using many ideas from Arthur Dugoni. The school has no tenured faculty, all contractual, which is a big plus in my book.
How unattractive the Phoenix metro area realy is. I never felt like I saw a 'community' but rather just isolated housing developments. The East Valley area is growing rapidly and ideas like zoning and planning aren't evident.
They interview 400 students and only accept 54. Your odds are extremely low. I don't understand why they interview so many students. I think it is really unfair to invite so many to the interview. That the school doesn't seem to care at all about community service.
A lot of the people being interviewed knew the current event and geography questions ahead of the time. I know that they are trying to look for a well rounded person with their interview style and questions, but having such a limited number of questions gives some people a really unfair advantage!
The students raved about the cheap living but that is because they lived in the middle of nowhere. Promoted private sector as well as public health. Clinic will open this spring. About 1/3 of the class is Mormon, which I learned from the students, making it an interesting mix of students. Many students appeared to be married.
ASDOH interviews 400 for 54 spots, so odds of acceptance are slightly better than 1/8. Mesa taxis cannot be relied upon even when ordered the night before. Mandatory attendance policy (3 strikes = out).
The second year students are in class a few hours a day??? Some weeks they are in class a few hours a day for 2 or 3 days and that is it. This info was given to me by a current second year student who was glorifying how "easy" school was...
school is in the middle of nowhere. Mesa is not in the nice parts of Phoenix. I thought the area would look closer to a nice suburb of LA. It looks more like a small dsert patch in New Mexico. There a lot of Mormons at the school.
Someone told me about this underground site, but I didn't have time to check it out before my interview. I wish I had. I think I was the only person in my group who felt out of the loop during the interview.
I should have not came here at all. The interview was intimidating. My student interview (part of the panel) was not friendly at all. The other two faculty memeber were not very genuine. I felt intimidated through out the interview.
That the interviewers were going to ask geography/world issue questions. (Which I am not up to date on!) They don't really care if you know the answer; they just want to see how you respond to something you don’t know or that is difficult. But I still freaked and my mind went blank!
Applicants commonly shared feedback about the positive aspects of the school's interview experience, facilities, and curriculum, while also expressing concerns about the interview process, lack of diversity, and perceived contradictions in the school's training approach. Suggestions included improving interview formats to better assess applicants and addressing concerns about program substance and implementation of stated emphases.
This school came off to me as one that doesn't prioritize learning, more so focused on mental health. Which is fine, but you would think you want your dental students to know what they are doing when it comes to class and clincals.
I like how they said your grades, DAT, shadowing don't matter now. We want to get to know you. At the interview, they asked me all about my grades and DAT lol
Definitely research the school and ask unique questions about their program. They didn't ask me WHY I chose that specific school, so I brought it up myself.
Overall an amazing experience, honesly the tuition is the only downside, however I feel like this school provides amazing education and what attracts me the most is the amount of experience you get there!
Honesty just have fun and relax. The questions they give you are very straightforward and if you have prepared/practicing typical interview questions before you should be fine. Some people complained that there interviewers didn't show any emotion, but I was able to get them to smile and laugh which made me feel pretty good!
there is a 5 min group presentation where first, they observe your group discussing how to present a generic, dental-related topic for 15 min, and then you present. they test you with a peg board.
First, it kind of sucks that people are putting fake questions to freak people out on this forum. I think if you are trying to sabotage people then you are really not in this for the right reasons. At least in my interview, there were no geographic questions, political, etc. They were really just trying to get to know me as a person and what my true intentions for going to dental school were. For all you pre-dents out there, understand that this isn't a profession you can just do for the money and I think if you are really doing this to help people and make a difference, then, show them that side of you and you will get in. Be honest and true to who you are. Sorry if this sounds sappy but its the truth.
It was my first interview at a dental school which made me feel extra nervous. I felt like I didn't do that well but I guess good enough to recieve a letter saying that they will continue to consider me for their 2013 class. By the way, IF you think during the interviewing process that you are not doing well, just forget about it and turn things around. I think I allowed myself to get hung up on mistakes, which kept me from doing better.
I won't post specific questions asked of me, but I will say that if I were in your shoes, I would not bother studying geography, political, or current event questions :). For my interview at least, they seemed to be more interested in getting to know me and why I was interested in ASDOH and dentistry and public health. There were 2 dental faculty members asking the questions, and a D2 student who sat in on the interview and listened. They do still have a group activity and the manual dexterity exercise, but niether is the sort of thing that you can prepare for. Just relax and go with the flow, and everything should be ok. There are people taking notes during everything, so I think they just want to see how you work under pressure and how you work within a group.
Pretty nervous during the interview, this other guy got sick while he was interviewing he was so nervous. But the school is awesome and all the students seemed to love it!
I loved the school, the area, and the staff. The school is pricey thats it only down fall. i like the feel of the campus and there diffrent take on dentistry.
We did a group activity that was timed involving ranking survival items individually, then amongst our group as a team. Dexterity test was timed placement of small burr sized rods in holes on a peg board, which was hard when you are nervous and sweaty palms. After that the interview part was short with 2 administrators who were nice, and somewhat formal. I felt like they did want to get to know me as well as they could, but they didn't do much to calm my nerves. I tend to talk a lot when I'm nervous, so I think I rambled a bit on some of my questions. I enjoyed the current events questions because they are easy answers that are correct or not and I'm good at current events. The tour was alright. The student was a D2 that seems a little tired and burnt out. He was not negative though, just looked tired. The last year you spend about 50% of your clinical time in satellite public health clinics, working like any practicing dentist does. The D4 students complete their requirement VERY early, or at least seemed to have the opportunity to do so. This format seems like it will really prepare you well clinically for going into practice right after D school. Only ortho as a specialty allows for more experience in these other areas, although they will be building a hospital on the campus and probably including some other specialty programs as a result of this, so it may change.
Very focused and somewhat unneccessilarily intense.
I really felt rushed through the interview itself (20min, PERIOD). Considering I've flown, hoteled, and taxied my way there, missed school, work and study time and paid for it all out of pocket, the guys could have spent a little more than 20min with us; especially since we're starting at 7:45am and there was less than 10 people interviewing. $1/4 million is a lot of money to give a school for just 20 minutes work.
I left with questions unanswered.
I left with a feeling that the school's program is still largely experimental but doing its best to take the best things (read newest) from all the schools around the country and integrate them into a new and even possibly improved dental education model.
They tried a little too hard to sell us superficially on the relation to the AT Stills ostiopathic school which is thier parent organization (corporate owner/backer). It was almost as if they felt they needed to justify themselves. However, deeper probing revealed that the stated/implied osteopathic "holistic" approch is mostly hot-air since they have to get accreditted like eveyone else and teach to the same boards like everyone else.
Though every previous indication was that they emphasize volunteering and community service/outreach (as oppossed to research for example), this did not come up during the interview and was perhaps to my detriment for not mentioning it more proactively.
The interview was low-stress and well organized. The small, new school environment intimidated some applicants but some thought it was ideal. The lab and clinic has state of the art equipment superior to that of other clinics. Know your current events!
School is very idealistic. Arrogance based on "cutting edge" technology and the fact they are here to produce "oral health" providers (???). Not for me, but maybe it will be for you...
I don't know how they expect to prepare you to become a dentist. This program needs a lot of work. The atmosphere seemed a little too relaxed with no drive to preform. One of the students made the comment that you suceed because it is so easy.
A pleasant day overall. The group interaction workshop took a little time to get used to but it worked out OK. My interviewers were very friendly and personable. At first I thought the social science type questions were some sort of joke, but I could see their purpose and I personally found them to be kind of fun. After I left the interview I personally felt very impressed with the school. It was a very, very well organized day.
Quick tour followed by a talk and Q&A with the dean. Next you go through a group activity and then have your interview and writing sample. You can take advantage of your free time and tour the facility.
Overall I liked the school. Their method of teaching is in line with what boards will be expecting of students (case base studies). The faculty seemed concerned and very cognoscente of the caliber of students they want. I, for one, would like to attend the AZ school.
This school may be for some but it is not for me. I enjoyed some aspects of the school but the majority of the procedures and highlights were sketchy. I wouldn't go here if I got in.
This school interview was tuff, but it is because they only want a very high caliber of student to attend. It was very informative and very impressive.
I drove for 12 hours so that I could compete against applicants who knew specific questions that were going to be asked and who had a general idea of the other questions that were going to be asked. The school is so concerned about helping the underserved. What about being ethical and fair to applicants and taking 5 minutes to change questions for every interview so that some applicants aren't put at a huge disadvantage for not knowing about SDN.
I honestly enjoyed my experience as much as a person could under those circumstances. It is hard not to be nervous to some extent. The other students that were being interviewed were all so nice, which helped make the experience positive. I am also glad that I had the chance to talk with several of the current students who were able to answer all of my questions.
Nice facilities and technology. Stability of school doesn't concern me. This school was not for me. It's too homogenous and religious and politically conservative for my tastes. I also like schoosl with more of an urban feel. This school looked like it was in the middle of nowhere.
I was skeptical before I went to my interview because of some of the comments I read on SDN and the school being so new. When I got there, everything changed. The weather was definitely a plus (60 degrees, considering my home town was in the negatives). The people in Mesa were so friendly. The traffic was amazing compared to what I am used to. The school blew my mind. Everything and everyone was sooo nice. Arizona was in my top five but now it is for sure my number one choice!
I love ASDOH and sunny Mesa, AZ. I was accepted and ASDOH is definitely where I am going. Who wouldn't want to go to a brand new school with the best technology and where the administration and students are extremely happy and enjoy what they are doing!!!!!!!!!
To be brief, I was extremely unimpressed with the dean (or whatever he was) who hosted the interview. He seemed more concerned with his posture/physique than with any of the applicants - with the exception of a few of the prettier females.
Dr Physique, errr, Simonsen came off as being pompous and smug, and extremely pretentious. He boasted of how they have only accepted 30 or so students, and how unlike the average school that has to accept 3 students to fill a spot, Arizona has to accept 1.5
He then followed that comment by stating that of the 30 they accepted, only 9 had sent deposits.
One would think that Dr Fake-bake would know that you accept the most competitive applicants during the first round with the hopes of filling your class with the best. However, he eloquently explained how last year they wished they had room to accept applicants later in the year. Is he saying he wishes he could've replaced those students he accepted with other, better, applicants? How does the current class feel about that?
Just my two cents...
Excellent, I felt at HOME there and definately will go there when accepted. People I interviewed with were chill, faculty were nice, facilities were great, and the weather was perfect.
Arizona is lovely. Don't ask anything about why you should choose them over another school, sparks will fly. They get offended over every little question. They are the best because they said so. They don't give tenure to any teacher, and will only hire for a couple of weeks at a time. I feel sorry for any instructor that has to kiss ass to the students just so he can be invited back to work. The students run the show, if an instructor is too "hard" he doesn't get to come back. The students loved talking about this. I personally respect people who have decided to forgo a higher income and teach. The dean was really great, but that guy from Oslo, geez, what a cold stick.
ASDOH was a unique experience. Having been accepted to a number of schools (Louisville, Iowa, Nebraska, UOP) just before my interview, I felt none of the pre-interview jitters I felt elsewhere (that was nice)...
In short, I was skeptical when I came here, and in short, when accepted I will be here. Many friends, family, dentists question my decision (having been accepted to some of the best programs in the country) but I have done extensive research and am sure that this is where I want to be.
About the only thing that I can say is I took the opportunity to discuss ALL of my concerns with Dr. Dillenberg (the Dean), and after having done-so I realized two things; one, there is a massive amount of misinformation about ASDOH, and two, this is as good of an opportunity to learn dentistry in the nation.
I live about 5 miles from the school and was applying to dental school this year. I went to check out the school before applying and was very disappointed. Only 1 floor for dentistry? They send you out to do dentistry for clinical practice? Many dentists in the area are upset about the new dental school and for good reason. East Mesa where the dental school is located is saturated with dental offices. The school explains there is a need in the area but definitely not in the area where the school is built. There are parts of Arizona that need dentists but the dental school built itself in an area where dental offices are almost on every corner. There curriculum seems very experimental. I decided not to apply because I did not want to be a Guinea Pig. Overall I was not impressed. I am just glad I was able to save my money.
Arizona was one of my "safety schools", but I think it will be harder to get in there than I had thought. If I do get in it will give me something to seriously think about.
I really enjoyed myself, and Arizona is now my second choice of schools. The area is more rural than I'm used to, but it is still very close to a huge city, and the city the school is in has nearly 1 million people all around it. I think it would be a nice change of pace to study somewhere where there isn't much traffic and where you can rest in the sunshine.
I was so dissapointed. The interview was a complete disaster. This wasn't by my account, but by the account of the ridiculous format. I left there wondering if they even knew who I was and what I was about. I was extremely dissapointed in the campus and the student body that I met. They didn't go out of their way to make us feel comfortable. They only talked among themselves. That was basically 4 hours I will never get back!
Luckily I live here in Mesa, otherwise I may have felt like I wasted money on the trip. After being highly impressed with UoP and BU, my experience here was almost a let down. I still think this school is in my top two or at least three choices. The interview was more like an interview where they asked me some questions, but it wasn't too stressful.
The facilities are nice, the philosophy/mission/staff are amazing. The interview was a big disappointment, though. Zero questions about ME and MY FILE, which was frustrating. You will see what I mean.
I wasnt going to go to the interview, but found a cheap flight. I whish I would have saved my money. Although the school sparkels, there seemed to be a lack of knowledge on how to use the technology. It seemed that the only thing they are selling are how nice their school is. I didnt really hear anything about how they were going to produce competetent dintal prfessionals. I did hear how great the deans of UoP and Lousiville were.
It appears that some of the previous posters didn't pay much attention in their interviews. It was OBVIOUS that Arizona is NOT being trained on air equipment. One of the highlights was the ELECTRIC drill demonstration--and the drill is portable making it easy to take it ANYWHERE.
All in all it was a good interview and I had an enjoyable time. I was impressed with the staff and their kindness, as well as the building. It would have been nice to see some clinic space, but I guess that is happening soon enough.
The dean spoke about the underserved areas in AZ and else where. But the students are trained with air driven hand pieces, digital xrays, and paperless records. But do you think that these dental camps in the rural areas or indian reservations will have the latest technology? Or is this type of training more geared towards the high end private practice? This is blatant contradiction at its worse.
Every school that I interviewed at had a selling point which they emphasised to distinguish them from other schools. The only thing that AZ had going for it is the new building, state of the art equipment. It seemed like the program lacked substance. If you took all the materials away, all that would be left is a disorganized program that does not know how to conduct itself. They kept stressing public health, that the school was built on a needs bases, but asked how they were implementing these emphasis in the curriculum and there would a long winded answer (or lack of) that ultimately came back to "But look at our Kavo chairs"
The admissions staff is very kind and I really think that this young school has potential. The technology and simulation lab are amazing and the curriculum is structured well. Overall I felt that the interview had a lot of group activities and only a short time of one on one with an admissions staff. I felt like they didn’t get to know me well for this reason. The one on one interview was non-conversational and was more question/answer. This was kind of nerve racking. All students being interviewed get asked the same questions. The school only has first year students currently but they all seemed happy there. Overall I was impressed with this school but I think they could change the interview format to get to know each applicant better.
Amazing facilities, amazing staff, and a truly innovative curriculum. I've never had the deans of a school be so personable. This was my last interview experience, but it was also the best.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should improve communication with all involved parties, provide more updates during the application review process, include more information on financial aid, offer coffee during long days, and consider the authenticity of group presentations.
Make sure students who are not involved with directly talking to interview students know that they are coming. The one student we encountered that wasn't part of the tour made the school seem horrible to me after hearing what he was saying.
financial aid is an important section that was skipped, it woulda been nice to cover atleast a little. i know its online but discussing it with q&a is nice too
Actually had the best experience with their admissions, they were very proactive in contacting me to make sure my application is complete and even suggested what changes I should make to improve my application before they forward it for review.
The group presentation was ridiculous. This had to have been the most artificial group discussion I have ever experienced. Most of the interview day felt artificial. Worst interview process ever out of any school.
Putting the questions in front of the interviewee was really great! I would continue that practice. If there was anything I felt could be improved, it was the few personal questions about the interviewee. I felt the questions were very open ended and non-specific. I think one of the questions I was asked was, "And what of the modular system we have here at ASDOH?". My initial response was, "Well, what about it?"
