Leland+ Content Library

Example of a Dental School Personal Statement That Stands Out

A successful applicant shares the exact personal statement that got them accepted.

From Fashion to Fillings: A Unique Dental School Sample PS

A compelling personal statement that got a former fashion designer accepted to dental school.

Turning Your Journey into a Strong Dental School Personal Statement

A strong dental school personal statement isn’t just about listing achievements—it’s about telling your story with purpose. This session is designed to help you transform your experiences, motivations, and journey into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees. In this event, you’ll learn how to choose the right themes, structure your statement effectively, and communicate your passion for dentistry with clarity and authenticity. We’ll also cover common pitfalls to avoid and strategies for making your essay memorable without sounding generic. Whether you’re starting from a blank page or refining a draft, you’ll leave with clear guidance and greater confidence in your personal statement.

Don’t Guess—Ask an Admissions Insider (Dental School Q&A)

Join us for an open Q&A with UMD Admissions Insider and expert Leland coach Heywan G. who has guided countless applicants through the process. You’ll get candid answers about what committees really evaluate, how to present your clinical and academic experiences, and the pitfalls that hold applicants back. Bring your questions and walk away with clarity, confidence, and a stronger strategy for your dental school path.

Back to School for Pre-Dentals Panel

​In this panel, you’ll hear from dental school experts Rachael K., Ellen W., and Amy L., as they answer key questions on how to prepare and position yourself as a strong pre-dental applicant. The conversation will cover everything from course planning and extracurriculars to application strategy, shadowing, and common mistakes to avoid. ​Whether you’re just starting your pre-dental journey or gearing up to apply soon, this session will give you actionable insights and clear next steps to help you succeed in the classroom, on the DAT, and beyond.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dental School Interviews: Practice the Questions Every Program Asks [11/4/2026] (Recording)

“Why dentistry?” sounds like the easiest question on interview day, and it’s where a lot of applicants give an answer any other candidate could have given. Dr. Thomas Allen will work through the questions that come up at nearly every program, including that one, “why our school,” and the ethical and patient-scenario prompts that appear in both traditional and MMI formats. The focus is on practicing out loud and hearing what a sharper answer sounds like. Dr. Allen is a practicing general dentist who reviews and interviews applicants for the admissions committee at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, so he hears these answers from the other side of the table. With interview season underway and December 1 offers ahead, it’s a good moment to tighten your answers before the next invite.

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.

Session 1 - Application Strategy and Fundamentals

Session 1 from Mar26 Dental School bootcamp

Nailing Your Dental Interviews: Get Your Most Burning Questions Answered [10/9/2026] (Recording)

Dental school interviews can feel like a black box. Join Leland coach Ty Curtis for a live Q&A on what programs actually ask and how to handle MMI and traditional formats. Ty studied at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and is a current Harvard DMD candidate. He was one of 70 dental students nationwide to receive the Army's HPSP scholarship for the class of 2027. He also runs practice interviews and coaches applicants on school lists and applications. Bring your toughest questions and leave with a clearer plan for your interviews.

Last Chance to Ask Questions for the Dental Early Admit… [6/1/2026] (Recording)

Dental early admission timelines move quickly, and many applicants reach the final stretch still unsure about how their application will actually be evaluated. This session is for students preparing to submit or finalize their dental early admit applications who want clarity before deadlines arrive. You’ll learn what admissions committees focus on most, the common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications, and how to make sure your essays, experiences, and overall narrative are working together effectively. Join live for an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced admissions coach who works closely with dental applicants throughout the process. You’ll be able to get real-time answers to key application questions and hear the kinds of insights and patterns typically discussed in 1:1 coaching conversations before submission deadlines.

Last Chance to Ask Questions for the Dental Early Admit… [6/1/2026] (Recording)

Dental early admission timelines move quickly, and many applicants reach the final stretch still unsure about how their application will actually be evaluated. This session is for students preparing to submit or finalize their dental early admit applications who want clarity before deadlines arrive. You’ll learn what admissions committees focus on most, the common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications, and how to make sure your essays, experiences, and overall narrative are working together effectively. Join live for an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced admissions coach who works closely with dental applicants throughout the process. You’ll be able to get real-time answers to key application questions and hear the kinds of insights and patterns typically discussed in 1:1 coaching conversations before submission deadlines.

Dental School Early Bird Series: Your Personal Statement; Start the Story Now [10/13/2026] (Recording)

Your personal statement should not begin when AADSAS opens. Join Ellen W., top Leland Dental Coach, for a 30-minute Early Bird session on how to start developing your story now, identify the experiences that belong in your statement, and avoid the common mistake of simply repeating your résumé. We’ll talk about what makes a dental personal statement memorable, what you should be working on this fall, and how to give yourself plenty of time to develop, revise, and refine your story before AADSAS 2027. Early Birds will also get a preview of special 2027 coaching opportunities and discounts available to applicants who start early.

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.