Loma Linda's Interview is conducted on 2 days.
Day 1:
SUNDAY :Applicants were divided into 2 batches. One of the batches went for the dexterity test while the other went for the case study. Both were of 4 hours duration. Batches switched after lunch. But we were told that the dexterity test was the sole criteria for applicants to be called for an interview.
The Dexterity test, commonly called the bench test, which is conducted on a columbia typhodont mounted on a dental chair. We could not use water as the typhodont did not have cheeks. So practice your preps without water, trying not to burn the teeth! They provided all the instruments needed although we could take our own favourite instruments too. We were required to do 3 preps in the given time: M.O. on an upper first molar, D.O. on the upper 2nd premolar of the opposite quad, and a PFM prep on a lower 2nd premolar.
The Case study was conducted in a lecture hall, with people seated 2 spaces apart. There was just 1 case. No MCQs. The case with all the relevant pics and radiographs was provided in a booklet, with 12 questions in the end. Questions were pretty straight forward but required some time to complete. Basically, we were asked to compile charting and treatment plans and had to answer why or why not we chose the particular treatment and not any other.
MONDAY: 42 candidates out of approx 120 were called for a half hour interview which was scheduled on TUESDAY or WEDNESDAY.
INTERVIEW: We were called 15-20 mins before our scheduled interview to complete some paperwork. Well as it turned out, the paperwork was to write down an essay type answer to one of the 2 questions provided to you!!! One of the questions was: What do you do in a stressful situation? The other question was: What emotions are easy for you to express and what is difficult?
After the essay questions, we were invited to interview with a faculty member. The Interview was totally stress-free. Just simple questions about yourself and why Loma Linda. It felt more like a conversation. Lasted for about 20-25 mins.