Heywan G.
Admissions Committee at University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Worked at Private Practice
Available tomorrow at 10:00 PM UTC
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About Heywan
Hi, I’m Dr. Heywan Gessesse (DDS), a general dentist and proud graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Before earning my degree, I went through the dental admissions process myself—receiving 7 interview invitations, attending 6, and earning 6 acceptances. I later served on Maryland’s Admissions Committee, helping evaluate applicants and guide future dentists through one of the most competitive application cycles in the country. After completing my Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at the Sepulveda VA, I began mentoring pre-dental students who were passionate but unsure how to stand out. As someone who balanced clinical rigor, interviews, and personal growth along the way, I know what it takes to build a compelling, authentic application that reflects you. Now, I love helping others navigate this journey. From crafting a strong personal statement and mock interviews, to choosing the right programs with strategy and confidence. My approach blends structure, empathy, and real insider perspective to help students feel prepared, capable, and grounded in their “why.”
Why do I coach?
I coach because I know how overwhelming the dental school journey can feel , and how life-changing it is to have someone believe in you through it. When I was applying, mentors made all the difference. They reminded me that I belonged in every interview room and helped me find my authentic story instead of trying to sound “perfect.” That experience shaped my philosophy as a coach: I meet students where they are and help them step into their best version with clarity and confidence. I want my clients to feel supported, encouraged, and capable of turning uncertainty into momentum. Watching a student open their first acceptance email or conquer a mock interview with pride never gets old, it’s why I want to do this.
Work Experience
General Dentist
Private Practice
September 2025 - October 2025
Dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered dental care that combines clinical precision with a compassionate touch. Committed to creating a comfortable experience, educating patients on their oral health, and collaborating with a skilled team to achieve lasting outcomes.
General Practice Resident
Sepulveda VA- Advanced Education in General Dentistry
July 2024 - June 2025
Resident dentist at the VA focused on diagnosing, planning, and treating patients with complex dental needs, including those with psychological, physical, and medical conditions that complicate care.
Advisory committee member
University of Maryland
October 2022 - May 2024
The Maryland Department of Health is funding a program called "Pathways to Bright Futures" and the goal of this program is to connect youth in underprivileged communities to careers in dentistry, and encourage them to return to these communities and provide oral healthcare. This program will reach out to youth living in Baltimore City, the Eastern Shore, and the Appalachian regions of Maryland, areas that as known as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (Dental HSPSAs). The School of Dentistry was asked to invite four members to participate in an advisory committee for this program, and I was the student member selected. As the student member of this Advisory Committee, I am representing the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and providing my perspective/experience throughout the development of this program.
Admissions Committee
University of Maryland
September 2022 - May 2024
As a member of the Committee on Dental Recruitment and Admissions, I participated in the University of Maryland School of Dentistry interviews of pre-dental candidates as a student interviewer during the application cycle.
SHIP Advisory Committee
University of Maryland
September 2022 - May 2024
As a member of the (SHIP) Advisory Committee, I represented the dental school, and provided feedback on information related to the student health insurance plan provided at all University of Maryland Baltimore campuses. This entails analysis of the health insurance market, reports from students, evaluating student wellness and counseling options, and feedback regarding communication to students about the plan/ insurance options.
Exam Critique Committee
University of Maryland
August 2020 - May 2024
My role on the executive board for the Class of 2024, in which I served as a liaison between my classmates and professors with respect to exams. To convey any comments or concerns regarding exams to the respective professor.
Vice President
Student National Dental Association
July 2022 - May 2023
After two years of involvement with SNDA, I had the honor of being elected vice president for the year of 2022-2023. My responsibility as vice president included: assisting the president with fulfillment of his/her duties, appointing al committee chairs, providing support for the development of activities planned by the committees, working with the treasurer to establish budgets for committees/events, organizing the Senior Banquet, and organizing professional development programs with the Maryland Dental Society and individually for the chapter.
Education
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dentistry
2020 - 2024
Admissions Committee Experience
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Class of 2024 -CDCA ADEX Licensing Examination- Pass -Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)-Pass
charles drew university of medicine and science
Master of Science - MS, Biomedical Sciences, General
2019 - 2020
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Science, Biology
2014 - 2018