What They Are and How TSB Prepares You for Success
As the dental school admissions process becomes increasingly holistic and competitive, many institutions across the United States have incorporated Kira Talent Interviews as a vital part of their evaluation. These interviews are designed to assess a candidate’s communication skills, professionalism, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking—qualities essential for future dental professionals.
At The Study Boards (TSB), we recognize the unique challenges international applicants face with this format. That’s why we have developed a comprehensive preparation program specifically tailored to help our students excel in Kira interviews with confidence and clarity.
What is the Kira Talent Interview?
The Kira Talent Interview is an asynchronous, online interview platform used by many U.S. dental schools to evaluate applicants beyond test scores and academic records. Here’s what you need to know:
- Format: Candidates respond to video questions on the platform.
- Timing: Short time to prepare (30–60 seconds) and limited time to respond (2–3 minutes).
- Question Types: Situational, ethical, behavioral, and motivation-based questions are common.
- Environment: Self-recorded responses reviewed later by the admissions committee.
This process allows programs to assess your personality, professionalism, articulation, and cultural fit—especially important in clinical and patient-centered fields like dentistry.
How TSB Helps You Succeed in the Kira Interview
At TSB, we offer a comprehensive preparation session that ensures our students are well-equipped for every part of the Kira Interview. Our approach includes strategic planning, practice, and personalized feedback.
1. Strategy and Structure Training
We begin by teaching you how to approach and structure your responses to typical Kira interview questions. This includes techniques such as:
- STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions
- Frameworks for ethical and situational reasoning
- Tips for staying calm and concise under time pressure
2. Understanding Commonly Asked Questions
We share a curated list of frequently asked or likely questions based on our experience and trends from various dental schools. These may cover areas such as:
- Ethical scenarios in clinical settings
- Communication and teamwork
- Leadership and decision-making
- Cultural competence and adaptability
- Motivation to pursue dentistry in the U.S.
3. Mock Interviews and Live Feedback
Once you’re familiar with the strategy and possible questions, we simulate the Kira experience through:
- Mock interviews that mirror the real format and timing
- Live video responses assessed by our expert mentors
- Personalized feedback focusing on communication style, confidence, clarity, and presentation
We also assess your non-verbal cues, tone, and overall presence—ensuring you are ready to make a professional impression.