Dental assisting students at UAB recently strengthened their interview skills through a mock interview exercise designed with a dual purpose, preparing future dental assistants to navigate the hiring process while giving fourth-year dental students experience interviewing potential team members.
The exercise, conducted through the D4 Communications course in partnership with the Dental Assisting Program (DAP), paired students in a series of structured, timed interviews. The activity is led by Carly Timmons McKenzie, Ph.D., course director, whose goal is to help students build the confidence and skills needed to become effective interviewers.
For dental assisting students, the experience provided valuable practice articulating their skills, goals, and professionalism in a real-world context.
“The experience with the D4s was so great,” said Andrea Lopez (DAP Class of 2026). “I love how we’re able to have interviews to prepare us for our future careers. These connections are important, and learning how to build a community with each other is fun.”
At the same time, D4 students gained perspective on evaluating candidates and leading professional conversations – skills they will rely on as future practice leaders.
“I think this experience has been very eye-opening,” said Peyton Billingsley (D.M.D. Class of 2026). “It helps us understand how we can interview people in the future and gives us practice for when we’ll be in that role.”
This kind of shared experience builds confidence on both sides, preparing dental assisting students for the hiring process while helping future dentists step into leadership roles within the care team.