Well, I guess I don't know off the bat whether you're male of female, hope4dent. If you're a guy, I'd definitely say wear a suit. If you're a gal, I think you can make a good impression wearing something classy but not necessarily a suit: there are just more clothing options for women out there, some of which I'd think would be very appropriate, but what do I know.
😀
I've gone to meet with deans and stuff (and am still making more appointments! (I'm applying in 2005 cycle as well)) and I prepared in the following ways, most of which will just come naturally because of your interest in the schools and the field:
- Spend lots of time on their website. Poke around every nook and cranny. Look for student web pages.
- Find out whether the dean is a DDS, PhD, or both. Gives you possible conversation topics (like PhD: research and DDS: practice) and makes sure you don't embarrass yourself by referring to the wrong kind of thing.
- You could ask about:
the curriculum
the clinics where you'll be practicing
workspaces (community/open vs. personal/cubicles)
rotations through difft clinics (emergency, pedo, etc.)
how soon students get some clinical exposure
given your background, what you can do to be a very competitive applicant
Be enthusiastic. Be grateful. Most of all, be YOURSELF.
I'd also be ready for some grilling questions, which may not be likely to come up, but if you don't think about what your answers would be then they'll ask (like taking an umbrella to work to ensure it won't rain, or lighting up a cigarette at the bus stop to ensure the bus comes in 30 seconds so you have to put it out). To learn what these kinds of questions are, I've found a great resource is SDN's own "Interview Feedback" section for dental schools. Learn from the experience of others!
Here's the link.
Best of luck!!
