CSU CSU Dentistry: Q&A and General Discussion

[jeng]

Oh boy...

It was definitely not close. I think they received it on the 17th of October! I sent it on the 29th so my bad. I had the impression it just had to be post marked by the 30th. Now I've learnt my lesson for next year. I'm definitely going to apply next year, I still have one more year of uni to go and you cannot defer dent so I just dipped my toe in the water this year.

 

[jiles]

[MENTION=5453]ts7[/MENTION]
I imagine that the higher the ATAR, the better.
I believe that you are given a combined score based on ATAR, written application and interview. But the interview and written application are both definitely given a score. Aim to do well in both. A few people (like me) got offers based on the interview (we know this as VCE/HSC results had not been released at that time) alone, though maybe including written app. But most people received offers after ATARs had been released. It's all important (I know, internal *sigh*!)

Hutch can probably answer better, but I don't think that there were lots of 99+ ATARs (Certainly not as many as you'd see at other Unis like Grifitth). You should aim for 90+ to be competetive. I was 94.75. I know someone with 85, but that was a couple of years ago. The ATAR needed will probably get higher as time passes and more people apply.

 

[volatilevapour93]

question about what sort of interview questions asked

Hi, in the csu dent interviews do the interviewees expect you to know a little bit about dentistry? for example, do you need to know MMR (maxillo mandibular record), tooth charts, fit checker, brackets, periotests, pulptitis etc.? i picked up these terms while working with some dentists in sydney. Do the interviewers expect you to have some knowledge about dentistry?

and what questions did they ask you (for the people who got interview offers)?

 

[miss_universe]

No, you will not need to know any dental knowledge, that's why you go and study dentistry. Rather, they will ask why you choose dentistry and maybe your perception on the dental field.

And welcome to MSO!

 

[volatilevapour93]

dental knowledge for interviews?

so if i am correct, when you went for an interview they did not ask anything about dentistry? just maybe what you did as work experience? would they expect you to mention any dental terms when you answer a question about work experience?

 

[miss_universe]

No, they really wouldnt ask you anything specific about dental knowledge or terms, nor expect you to speak in those terms. If you do know terms and are comfortable with them, then sure, if its appropriate, say them. But I would really discourage saying something to try and sound impressive, but it is wrong. That is not a good thing.

 

[volatilevapour93]

what about csu dent interviews?

 

[miss_universe]

Same thing for CSU.

 

[Hutcherson]

You arenot expected to have any dental background knowledge unless you completed an oral health degree. The questions will not ask you to define any terms. Like muse said, you learn that during the degree.

 

[volatilevapour93]

so if they ask me about my work experience, it isn't helpful to mention any terms i have learnt while working such as brackets, MMR etc.?

 

[mighty]

so if they ask me about my work experience, it isn't helpful to mention any terms i have learnt while working such as brackets, MMR etc.?

Dude.. you've asked the same question like 10 times. So let me pose you a question: if they don't expect you to have any dental knowledge, how could having such knowledge be advantageous? I mean, sure, if they ask you what you did at work exp then it may come in handy, but if you randomly sprout dent technology jargon then I doubt it's going to offer you any advantage.

 

[Hutcherson]

so if they ask me about my work experience, it isn't helpful to mention any terms i have learnt while working such as brackets, MMR etc.?

Please don't use dental terms for the sake of it. Like mighty said, it will not give you an advantage. Rewording the same question isn't giving you a different answer.

 

[NeoNM]

so if they ask me about my work experience, it isn't helpful to mention any terms i have learnt while working such as brackets, MMR etc.?

IMO it can be good to mention those but your aim is to sell yourself without being arrogant or pompous. I can imagine that you will summarise it in general terms so as to not delve into dentistry jargon. Correct me if I'm wrong
Any ideas Hutch, Muse?

 

[mighty]

IMO it can be good to mention those but your aim is to sell yourself without being arrogant or pompous. I can imagine that you will summarise it in general terms so as to not delve into dentistry jargon. Correct me if I'm wrong Any ideas Hutch, Muse?

Well I'm not Hutch or Muse, but they've already said that dentistry jargon won't offer you an advantage.. so I'm not sure why you're asking for their opinions on the subject matter when they've already offered it...? *confused*

 

[miss_universe]

IMO it can be good to mention those but your aim is to sell yourself without being arrogant or pompous. I can imagine that you will summarise it in general terms so as to not delve into dentistry jargon. Correct me if I'm wrong
Any ideas Hutch, Muse?

I would say, do not use them unless you fufil these requirements:
a) You know EXACTLY what you are talking about
b) It comes up naturally and smoothly
c) It's relevant and will support what you are saying and trying to answer the question
d) It does not make your answer a rambling one. (Ie, don't say it just to fill in the silence)

So I think a lot of the time, it won't be relevant. The questions don't generally lend towards ANYTHING that requires dental knowledge.

 

[Hutcherson]

IMO it can be good to mention those but your aim is to sell yourself without being arrogant or pompous. I can imagine that you will summarise it in general terms so as to not delve into dentistry jargon. Correct me if I'm wrong
Any ideas Hutch, Muse?

Sometimes if you have completed an oral health degree and have worked as a hygienist or therapist they may ask you a particular opinion about a certain dental material or procedure. But only if "you bring it up first". If you want to specify a field of dentistry that interests you, then you may use dental jargon. But it has to be stated for a reason. I found no need to mention it once in my interview

 

[Hutcherson]

I would say, do not use them unless you fufil these requirements:
a) You know EXACTLY what you are talking about
b) It comes up naturally and smoothly
c) It's relevant and will support what you are saying and trying to answer the question
d) It does not make your answer a rambling one. (Ie, don't say it just to fill in the silence)

So I think a lot of the time, it won't be relevant. The questions don't generally lend towards ANYTHING that requires dental knowledge.

I agree with this.

 

[miss_universe]

Sometimes if you have completed an oral health degree and have worked as a hygienist or therapist they may ask you a particular opinion about a certain dental material or procedure. But only if "you bring it up first". If you want to specify a field of dentistry that interests you, then you may use dental jargon. But it has to be stated for a reason. I found no need to mention it once in my interview

On that note, I think it's highly unlikely that they will ask you about a procedure or your thoughts on something even if you are a hygienist or therapist. And definitely not a DA.

 

[Hutcherson]

On that note, I think it's highly unlikely that they will ask you about a procedure or your thoughts on something even if you are a hygienist or therapist. And definitely not a DA.

That is true unless you bring it up. I recall my mate mentioned something they had done during their time as a therapist and the interviewer asked what their opinion was on it. But that was only because she or he had brought up the topic. Not because the panel asked as part of the set of questions.

 

[miss_universe]

Well yes, but it needs to be clarified that, that won't usually happen. Most people applying are not experienced. But sure, you can if you want.