Leland+ for Dental School

Customizable Resume Template

With all the formatting done for you, just fill in your chosen experiences into this easy-to-use resume template!

Build Your Dental School Application Plan

A strong dental school application starts long before you hit submit. In this session, you’ll learn how to map out your timeline, prioritize key components like shadowing, DAT prep, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, and build a strategy that strengthens your candidacy from start to finish. Whether you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll leave with a clear, organized game plan to approach the dental school process with confidence.

Deep Dive into Dental School Personal Statements

Your dental school personal statement can be the difference between an interview and a rejection—it’s where admissions committees assess your motivation, maturity, and fit for the profession. In this session, you’ll learn how to structure a compelling narrative, highlight meaningful clinical and service experiences, and avoid the common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Whether you’re drafting your first version or refining a final draft, you’ll leave with a clear framework to communicate your story with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.

Gain Competitive Advantage as a Non-Traditional Applicant

Standing out as a non-traditional dental school applicant requires more than explaining your path—it requires positioning it as an advantage. In this session, you’ll learn how to frame career changes, academic gaps, or time in the workforce as strengths, address common admissions concerns, and build a cohesive narrative across your application and interviews. Whether you’re pivoting careers or applying later than your peers, you’ll leave with a clear strategy to turn your unique background into a competitive edge.

Dental School Week Kickoff 2026

Dental School Week is here—and this kickoff session sets the stage for a week focused on navigating the dental school admissions process with confidence. Join us for an opening event designed to introduce the week’s themes and help you make the most of the events ahead. In this session, we’ll preview upcoming workshops, share how to approach the application journey strategically, and discuss what it takes to build a strong dental school application. Whether you’re early in the process or preparing for an upcoming cycle, this kickoff will help you start the week with clarity and momentum.

AMA with a Former Dental School Admissions Committee Member

Curious what really happens behind the scenes in dental school admissions? In this open AMA session, hear directly from a former dental school admissions committee member about how applications are evaluated, what makes candidates stand out, and the common mistakes that raise red flags. Bring your questions about personal statements, DAT scores, interviews, school selection, and more, and leave with insider insights to strengthen your dental school strategy.

Prepare Now: Acing Your Dental School Interviews

Your dental school interview isn’t just a conversation—it’s your opportunity to bring your application to life. This is where passion, purpose, and personality set you apart. The right preparation can be the difference between a polite interview and a powerful impression. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft memorable answers, tell your story with confidence, and think on your feet when the pressure’s on. We’ll break down what interviewers are really listening for and how to show up as a future clinician they can already envision in their program. If you’re ready to turn interview invites into acceptance calls, this is where it starts.

Rounding Out Your Activities Section

Dental schools look closely at how your experiences show real commitment to dentistry—not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve grown. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose and describe your shadowing, clinical work, service, and extracurriculars so they tell a clear, cohesive story. We’ll cover common mistakes and simple ways to highlight impact and readiness. Whether you’re polishing your application or still building experiences, you’ll leave with a practical framework to strengthen your activities section with confidence.

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.

ADEA AADSAS - Manual Dexterity Essay

I have included an example of my manual dexterity essay for the ADEA AADSAS application. Please feel free to take a look for formatting and ideas!

Guide to Exploring Dental Residencies

A guide to the competitiveness and scope of dental residencies in the US.

Dental School Interview AMA

​In this AMA, Leland coach Marina P. (Columbia College of Dental Medicine) will share insider tips on how to excel in the dental school interview process. From traditional questions to MMI formats, she’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for and how you can stand out with confidence and authenticity. ​Whether you’re preparing for your very first interview or looking to refine your responses, this session is your chance to get candid advice from someone who’s been on both sides of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing

Many people have asked me a set of questions frequently. These questions will answer some of your questions quickly!

Top 5 Tips for the Dental School Admissions Process

Dental school admissions are competitive, and success requires more than strong grades and a solid DAT score. In this session, we’ll break down five high-impact strategies to strengthen your candidacy, from building meaningful shadowing experiences to crafting a compelling personal statement and preparing for interviews. Whether you’re early in your journey or applying this cycle, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable guidance to approach the dental school process with clarity and confidence.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Beyond the Checklist – Shadowing, Volunteering & Experiences That Actually Matter

Dental schools look for far more than hours logged on a checklist. In this session, expert Leland coach and former Dean at Columbia Ellen W. will break down which shadowing, volunteering, and hands-on experiences actually move the needle in admissions—and how to approach them with intention. You’ll learn how to choose opportunities that align with your story, reflect on them effectively, and avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications.

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.