(Your calm, strategic guide to standing out for Advanced Standing and AEGD seats)
This is the first in a 2 part series regarding Kira Talent. Click here to read the second article: Mastering Kira Talent: 7 steps for bulletproof preparation
You have already navigated ECE reports, INBDE, CAAPID, personal statements, and perhaps years of clinical work on another continent. Now, a blinking webcam is your next hurdle to a U.S. operatory. Many advanced-standing and AEGD programs – including Columbia, NYU, and several Midwestern residencies – use an asynchronous Kira Talent interview to decide who moves on to the bench test or live interview.
Kira Talent feels strange at first: no friendly nods, no follow-up questions – just a countdown clock and your own reflection. Yet that very format can become your advantage once you understand the rules of the game.
What is the Kira Talent Interview?
The Kira Talent Interview is an online, on-demand video and written response platform used by many dental schools and residency programs as part of their admissions process. Instead of a live interviewer, you’ll respond to pre-recorded prompts using your webcam, often under strict time limits. Programs use this tool to assess your communication skills, professionalism, critical thinking, and how well you present yourself under pressure – all without needing to schedule a live meeting. It’s an efficient way for admissions teams to get a first impression and decide who moves forward to the next round.
Understanding Kira Assessment Question Formats: Video and Written Responses
While most applicants associate Kira Talent with video recordings, the platform often includes written (essay-style) questions as well. Some programs use only video; others include a mix of both. It’s important to be prepared for either.
🟣 Video Response Questions
These are the heart of the Kira platform for many programs. You’ll typically see a question, get 30–60 seconds of preparation time, and then have 60–120 seconds to record your answer – with no retakes. These questions are designed to assess your communication style, confidence, and thought process under time pressure.
Examples might include:
- “Tell us about a time you resolved a conflict in a clinical setting.”
- “Why are you pursuing dentistry in the United States?”
🔵 Written (Essay) Questions
Some programs also include 1–2 essay questions. These give you a few minutes (often 5–10) to type a response in a timed window. You won’t have grammar or spelling tools, so type carefully. These are less about polish and more about substance and clarity of thought.
Common written prompts include:
- “Describe an ethical dilemma you faced and how you handled it.”
- “How do you stay up to date with developments in dentistry?”
💡 Be sure to check your specific Kira invitation – it will outline whether you should expect written questions, video responses, or both. Practice both formats to build comfort switching between verbal and written communication under time constraints.
How Kira Talent Responses Are Evaluated: What Programs Are Really Looking For
It’s natural to assume Kira is about delivering the “right” answer – but in truth, most programs aren’t grading you like a multiple-choice test. They’re looking for professionalism, poise, and potential to thrive in a U.S. dental setting.
Who’s Watching?
Your recorded responses are reviewed by admissions faculty, program alumni, and sometimes Kira Talent’s own software. The reviewers may be evaluating dozens of candidates a day, so clarity and presence matter as much as content.
What are they evaluating?
Think of each response as answering two questions at once: the one on the screen, and the one behind the scenes. Here’s how to meet both:
| Prompt Example | What They Say | What They Mean | What They’re Watching For |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Tell us about a weakness.” | Are you self-aware? | Are you coachable and safe to train? | Honesty, growth mindset, no red flags |
| “Why our program?” | Do you know us? | Will you accept if admitted? | Alignment with mission, real interest |
| “Describe a team conflict.” | Can you collaborate? | Will you add or disrupt team dynamics? | Emotional intelligence, diplomacy |
| “What motivates you to practice in the U.S.?” | Are you committed? | Will you stay and serve? | Clear goals, understanding of local practice models |
Your delivery matters just as much as your story.
Most evaluators are assessing:
- Communication: Is your message organized, concise, and free of filler?
- Confidence under pressure: Can you think on your feet?
- Cultural readiness: Do you sound like someone who could adapt to a U.S. team and patient population?
Use the STARL format (Situation – Task – Action – Result – Lesson) to structure your answers, but spend most of your time on the Action and Result. That’s where your clinical thinking, empathy, and judgment come through.
Pro tip: Appearing too scripted can work against you. Programs want the real you – refined, but not rehearsed to the point of rigidity. Think chair-side conversation, not TED Talk.
Click here to read the second article: Mastering Kira Talent: 7 steps for bulletproof preparation
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