Has he considered one of the Scottish universities? There were no graduates this past year, due to Covid, and we are facing a massive recruitment crisis. It is likely that they will increase the numbers of students in the next few years to fill the gaps. Both Dundee snd Glasgow are excellent, and Aberdeen is a post grad course, so a good science or health care degree prior to applying is beneficial.
The units also do an access to dentistry programme, where you can visit the university and find our more about the course, have an opportunity to meet the tutors in advance. I'd find our as much as I could about that and ensure you attend.
Regarding interviews, I would say that each student that gets to the interview stage will likely already be a high flier with excellent grades/predicted grades, not to mention good applications forms demonstrating a wide range of work experience etc.
You need to stand out from the others. You need good communication skills. Full stop. Nothing more important. You need to be natural, as relaxed as possible and take a measured approach in your responses.
I'm not sure what questions an applicant would be asked, but when I j yet view the undergraduates applying for VDP jobs, I want to find out about their previous employment and have they got a good work ethic. It's amazing how many don't think to include this in their cvs.
I want to know about their DoE experience, their foreign or local travels, about any hobbies and local projects or volunteering they have been involved in.
Any experience of dentistry? Have they observed a practitioner or even spoken to one before?
Challenges in the job- coming out of the pandemic, Extra PPE and ventilation concerns/fallow time, how to fund NHS work at present, fear of complaints and litigation, fluoridation of water, Minimata convention, Instagram perfect teeth snd foreign dentistry tourism, high patient expectations whilst expecting the work on a budget, high rates of general anaesthetic for removal of kids teeth.
You need to demonstrate that you are not all study study study and have a good work/life balance. I'd ask about the students Union/ student life/what the university town is like.
I'd ask if first years get mentoring from more senior students. I'd ask if there were any opportunities to get involved in research, audit or projects within the local community.
I'd also prepare answers on what are your strengths and weaknesses ( and how you overcome the weaknesses), to describe a time you were part of a team, a time when you demonstrated leadership, how you would make a nervous patient feel more relaxed, how you would deal with a patient complaint, and what qualities you think are most important to have as a dentist- look at care, compassion, empathy, responsibility, integrity etc etc.
I'd also look at the regulators page ( GDC) and read up on the Standards. Professionalism is a big thing. The BDA have some great resources as well