Leland+ for Dental School
Popular on Leland+
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.
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.
Developing a Compelling Dental School Personal Statement
A compelling dental school personal statement clearly communicates your motivation for dentistry, your commitment to patient care, and the experiences that shaped your path. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify meaningful clinical and academic moments, structure your narrative for clarity and impact, and avoid common mistakes that make essays feel generic. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining a draft, you’ll leave with a practical framework to craft a thoughtful, authentic, and memorable personal statement.
The Ideal Dental School Application Timeline
Applying to dental school requires careful planning, but many applicants aren’t sure when each piece of the process should actually happen. This session is for prospective dental students who want a clear, realistic timeline for building and submitting a competitive application. You’ll learn when to prepare for the DAT, how to sequence shadowing and extracurriculars, and how to plan essays, recommendations, and submissions so nothing important gets rushed.
Letter of Intent Template
Letter of intent template for applicants looking to submit one to schools.
Letter of Interest Template
Letter of interest template for applicants who are in the process of submitting one to schools.
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 Interviews 101
Dental school interviews can feel high-stakes, but with the right preparation, they’re an opportunity to bring your application to life. In this session, you’ll learn what dental schools are really evaluating in interviews, how to answer common questions with confidence, and how to communicate your motivation, experiences, and professionalism effectively. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, preparation tips, and a clear game plan to approach your interviews prepared and poised.
How to Get Into Dental School Panel
Applying to dental school can feel daunting, but the right strategy makes all the difference. In this panel, you’ll hear from Ellen W (Admissions at Columbia), Rachael K (Admissions at Iowa) and Zach W (UCLA and UCONN) who will share practical advice on how to stand out in the application process. We’ll cover everything from building a competitive academic and extracurricular profile, to crafting compelling personal statements, preparing for the DAT, and securing strong letters of recommendation. Panelists will also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share their insider tips for navigating interviews with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore dentistry or are deep in the application process, this session will give you the clarity and tools to succeed.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guide to Exploring Dental Residencies
A guide to the competitiveness and scope of dental residencies in the US.
How To Finance Dental School
Various ways to meet the high cost of a dental education: from scholarships to loan payback.
Preparing for a Kira Interview
A KIRA interview is an online, asynchronous video interview used in dental admissions to assess communication, professionalism, etc.
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.
How To Fund Dental School
Professional school costs can be daunting. Review options including federal loans, scholarships and loan fogiveness programs.
