Leland+ Content Library

Your Dental School Personal Statement: What to Say, What to Avoid

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that showcases your passion for dentistry and gets you accepted.

Dental School Interviews & The Wait: What to Do (and Not Do)

​Waiting for a dental school interview or decision can feel like one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the process—and many applicants struggle with how to stay proactive and grounded. ​In this session, Sreya P., incoming DMD student at UPenn and former pre-dental mentor at University of Virginia who gained admission to six dental schools, will guide you through what to do — and what to avoid — during the interview stage and post-application wait. ​You’ll learn how to prepare effectively for interviews, handle the emotional ups and downs of waiting, keep your application momentum going, and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Whether you’re prepping for your interview invite or already in the waiting stage, this session will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

What You Need to Have Ready Before Dental School Applications Open

Many applicants wait until dental school applications open before realizing how much groundwork should already be in place. This session is designed for pre-dental candidates who want to approach the cycle prepared, not scrambling at the last minute. You’ll learn what admissions committees expect applicants to have ready before submitting, including clinical experiences, letters of recommendation, personal statement drafts, and a clear timeline for completing the AADSAS primary.

Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Dental School

Applying to dental school can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this workshop, Marina P., a Columbia University dental student and research assistant, will share the top 10 things she wishes she had known before starting her own journey. From navigating prerequisites and the application timeline to writing compelling personal statements and preparing for interviews, Marina will provide practical insights to help you avoid common mistakes and strengthen your candidacy. ​Whether you’re just beginning to explore dentistry or gearing up to submit applications, this session will leave you with clarity and confidence for the road ahead.

Session 1 - Application Strategy and Fundamentals

Session 1 from Mar26 Dental School bootcamp

Filling in the Gaps: What Pre-Dentals Need to Know

​The path to dental school is competitive, and even strong candidates often overlook key areas that admissions committees care about most. In this session, we’ll cover the “gaps” that pre-dentals need to address—whether in academics, clinical exposure, extracurriculars, or personal narrative—and how to strategically strengthen your application. You’ll gain clarity on what dental schools are really looking for and how to present a balanced, compelling profile. ​The session will be led by Christian N., a Leland coach who has guided aspiring dentists through every stage of the application process. Drawing from his own experiences and insights, he’ll share actionable advice to help you identify blind spots, build confidence, and maximize your chances of admission.

Harvard, OOS TX, and OOS CA Essay

This personal statement gained admission into top dental schools including Harvard, UCLA (OOS), and UT Houston (OOS.

Personal Statement — University of Maryland School of Dentistry

An aspiring dental student's personal statement, covering her journey from family pressure to mentorship and global health outreach.

Preparing for a Kira Interview

A KIRA interview is an online, asynchronous video interview used in dental admissions to assess communication, professionalism, etc.

Roseman University Statement of Purpose

A detailed breakdown of a statement of purpose that successfully got an applicant into Roseman University's College of Dental Medicine.

ADEA AADSAS - Activity List Examples

I have added example descriptions for each of the different categories for the experiences section of the Dental School Application portal.

Applying as a Non-traditional Applicant

Are you a non-traditional applicant? We break down how to stand out and get into dental school, no matter your background.

Personal Statement Example that Worked

From patient to practitioner: See how one student's personal health challenges and research background helped them craft a successful dental school application.

What to do from Freshman Year On

The ultimate guide for ambitious dental school students. Learn what to do each year of college to build a stand-out application.

DDS Admissions: We're In It Together! Ask Me Anything

Join me for an engaging "Ask Me Anything" session on DDS Admissions, where we're truly in it together! You are, and always will be, more than any number, score, or vote by complete strangers. Let's unpack your questions and the mysteries surrounding the selection process. With nearly a decade of experience as the Director of Dental Student Admissions, I've orchestrated the selection process for over 1,000 applicants annually and have been deeply involved with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). My passion lies in helping you navigate the dental school admissions process with personalized strategies and insights. Whether you're curious about application strategy, interviews, or crafting a standout personal statement, this is your chance to get answers to your most pressing questions. Having coached thousands of individuals, I'm here to support you in achieving your dreams. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and let's work together to make your dental school application shine!

Beta Dental Insurance: A Profitability Case

Cracking the profitability case for a dental insurance company? See this example of analyzing the business, identifying key levers, and presenting a winning solution.

ADEA AADSAS - COVID Essay Example

I have attached an example of my COVID Essay which can be found on the Personal Information section of the ADEA AADSAS Application for Dental Schools. The prompt and character count are also showcased!

So You've Been Waitlisted... Now What?

Being waitlisted by a dental school can feel uncertain—but it’s not the end of the road. This workshop is designed to help you respond strategically and maximize your chances of turning a waitlist decision into an acceptance. In this session, you’ll learn how dental school waitlists work, when and how to communicate with admissions offices, and how to craft effective letters of intent or update letters. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to stay proactive while managing timelines and expectations. Whether you’ve just received a waitlist decision or are navigating multiple outcomes, you’ll leave with clear next steps and a confident plan forward.

DDS Admissions: Ask Me Anything with Admissions Directors

Join us for an exclusive "Ask Me Anything" session with Ellen W. & Rachael K, seasoned experts in dental school admissions! With decades of DDS admissions experience between them, they can't wait to field the basic inquiries to most strategic interview & selection tactics. Let them empower you! This is your chance to get personalized advice on acing your interviews and crafting a standout application. Ellen & Rachael are passionate about helping you achieve your dreams and they are ready to share their joint expertise with you. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and gain invaluable insights into the dental school admissions process!