personal statement for international dentist program

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Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists

The UNC Adams School of Dentistry offers a 29-month Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) as an entry for graduates of foreign dental schools, except Canadian graduates, who seek to receive additional training and practice dentistry in the United States.

ASPID students enroll in a six-month intensive track of didactic, preclinical and laboratory courses. This prepares them to integrate into the third-year predoctoral DDS class during the fall semester of that same year.

Admissions Information

Application Deadline: CAAPID – May 24, 2024 Supplemental Application – May 28, 2024

Applicants should use the ADEA CAAPID to apply to the program.

• The following materials should be submitted with the CAAPID application:

• The following items should be submitted to the Slate program as part of the supplemental application. You will receive an email once your CAPPID application is complete:

Application Fee

After submitting the ADEA CAAPID application and ADEA on-line fee, submit a $150 non-refundable application fee directly to the Adams School of Dentistry . Do not submit payment until after you have submitted your CAAPID application.

Interview Invitation and Bench Test

Successful applicants selected for interview will need to pay a  bench test fee of $300 .  Information regarding payment of the bench test fee will be included in the invitation to Chapel Hill for an interview.

Applicants with strong academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to the profession will be considered for a skill evaluation (bench test) and personal interview. Formal letters of non-acceptance will not be sent to applicants not selected for an interview.

Applicants selected for a personal interview and bench test will be invited to visit the Adams School of Dentistry. The interview day consists of an overview of the ASPID program, personal interview with faculty members of the ASPID admission’s committee and a bench test using manikins in the preclinical laboratory. Individuals who are not able to attend the designated interview date will not be eligible for acceptance.

Acceptance Notifications

Acceptance notifications will be sent at the completion of the selection process. For the candidates offered admissions to the program, a non-refundable deposit of $5,000 will be expected within 14 days of acceptance.

Tuition, Stipend Support and Benefits

Please note, living expenses are not included.

Click here to see tuition and fees for the ASPID program.

Estimated living expenses  (not included in tuition and fees) .

Books, Room, Board and Personal Expenses: $21,000

Background Check

Entering students will be required to complete a criminal  background check .

Offers of admission are not considered final and enrollment is not permitted until completion of the criminal background check with results deemed favorable by the Adams School of Dentistry.

The information obtained will remain confidential unless the findings result in an institutional action by the Adams School of Dentistry.

Certification of Finances and Visa

Entering students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents will be required to obtain an F-1 student visa to study at the Adams School of Dentistry and to complete a Certification of Finances through the ISSS office .

Late Applications

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The Office of Admission at the Adams School of Dentistry cannot be held liable for any delays caused by the U.S. Postal Service or other mail delivery systems. All application materials and documents become the property of the Adams School of Dentistry and will not be returned to the applicant . Any applications materials received after the admissions cycle will be discarded.

Other questions?

Please refer to this document of frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered there, reach out to the ASPID Program Manager, Ashley Blake via email .

Questions? Contact us via email!

ASPID Program UNC Adams School of Dentistry 385 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC 27599 First Dental Building CB#7450 Chapel Hill, NC

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Dentistry personal statement example (international student).

I have always felt that we, as humans, have an inborn desire to want to help others. Having been raised amongst doctors, this passion has blossomed into a responsibility I am beginning to understand, through my choice of studies and extra curricula.

I believe dentistry is my permanent source of satisfaction, providing the best of professional, and personal aspects of life. Today, dentists do more than drill and fill their patients' teeth; they improve the quality of life of people through diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral diseases and conditions involving teeth and surrounding tissues.

The statement, 'as long as people will have mouths, people will need dentists' highlights how a dentist is an imperative necessity of the society and has convinced me to pursue dentistry as a means of serving the community.

To gain an insight into the real world of dentistry I joined the dental unit in a private hospital. Here, I observed many procedures including Root Canal Treatment. Collaboration with staff and interaction with patients proved fascinating. The idea of how dentists give patients from all walks of life a confident smile, and forge a close bond with them over time impressed me.

Moreover, shadowing inspirational figures such as my Aunt, who taught me the fine traits of a dentist; a dentist I worked with; and reading successful dentists' interviews online has enlightened me to the commitment required, likewise, the challenges which lie ahead. Knowing I am capable, as reflected by my academic achievements, my fervour to fulfil my ambition as dentist has intensified - with no trace of doubt in my mind.

I worked in my school canteen as an accountant; I was then promoted to a manager and was the first student to become one. As manager I had to multitask: train employees, delegate work, command and monitor my subordinates despite their seniority, tackle pressure, make quick decisions, accommodate customers and respond to complaints.

Handling canteen matters alongside attending lessons taught me time management which will help me become an efficient dentist. In addition, I worked at a preschool with children from a myriad of countries. Among them was a disabled child.

This taught me to be unprejudiced, appreciate diversity and enhanced my interactive skills, which are essential as dentistry is a social practice. I also volunteered at a charity art exhibition which aided my communication skills, and ability to follow orders.

As for extracurricular activities, athletics has played a major role in my life. It has aided my fitness, stamina, eye to hand co-ordination, reflexes to varied stimuli and ability to rise up to challenges. Individual activities have promoted my independence, whereas team sports have enhanced my teamwork and interpersonal skills.

In addition, captainship has boosted my leadership and organisational skills as well as sense of responsibility and discipline.

To counter the stress from studies, I engage myself in card games which have developed my strategic thinking.

I also listen to music, watch TV, socialise with my friends, bake and read. Frequent hand stitching and clay modelling have improved my precision and manual dexterity considerably, which are vital since dentistry encompasses an artistic flair.

Besides admiring England's education and greenery, completing my studies in the country where my schooling initially began would be an honour beyond words. Due to my father's job in Riyadh, I wasn't able to continue; now is my chance. My Irish nationality has facilitated my annual visits to the UK and familiarity to the country; hence, moving will be a smooth transition. I believe my dedication to my future career, coupled with my skills and attributes will help me adapt to university life and guarantee me success in this demanding profession.

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This personal statement was written by hirakay for application in 2010.

hirakay's Comments

I got 3 interview calls for Dentistry, plus an interview for bio chem engineering.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

That's brilliant, how did you.

Fri, 24/09/2010 - 00:28

That's brilliant, how did you manage to write it?=)

Probably one of the best

Wed, 29/09/2010 - 23:29

Probably one of the best personal statements I have ever read. Very eloquent, straight-forward, and well-written.

wow, I am only left with one

Sat, 28/07/2012 - 00:40

wow, I am only left with one word after reading this statement...perfection

this is by far the best

Fri, 27/09/2013 - 14:32

this is by far the best personal statement i have read...it just flows amazingly well!!

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• Dental School

10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Including key tips for a strong dental school personal statement.

Before you start crafting your own stellar dental school personal statement, you must review some dental school personal statement examples. Why? These sample essays can help you brainstorm and reflect on what you would like to include in your essay. This blog dives into some dental school personal statement examples from our own past successful students, and then our  dental school advisors  will go over our proven strategies to help you create your own from scratch! As you review these examples keep in mind that these are final works and the result of multiple rounds of reviews by our admissions experts as part of our  application review  programs. Writing fantastic statements for dental school requires patience and multiple rounds of revisions before a perfect statement can be written.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 15 min read

Dental school personal statement example #1.

In the final moments of a key game in a hockey tournament, I jumped over the boards and onto the ice without putting my mouth guard back in place. It was attached to my helmet, but I had a chance for the puck, and I took it. Moments later, an opponent’s stick caught me in the face, knocking out my front tooth. Play stopped, and my team found my tooth on the ice. I looked to the bleachers. My mom was already on the phone getting initial instructions from our dentist for saving the tooth. Within 15 minutes, we were outside the clinic as my dentist unlocked the door, despite it being a Saturday night. As I was treated within half an hour, my tooth could be saved by stabilizing it as it healed. Until that moment, I thought of my dentist as someone I only saw every six months; I hadn’t seen her as a critical part of my healthcare team.

I realized from this experience that time is a factor in dental care, and thus a career in dentistry. My tooth was saved because I lived in an urban centre and had immediate access to care, not to mention the continuity of care I’ve had since I was a child. My mother is employed and has good dental coverage, but this is not the case for many. Without timely check-ups, both oral and medical issues that could be detected and prevented can become more serious conditions.

With this awareness, I have for the last 6 years volunteered in two ways. In the time since my hockey accident, I’ve worked with my dentist on a safety awareness campaign for young hockey players and their families, teaching about the necessity of mouth guards, as well as how a quick response to such injuries may help in recovery. I’ve also worked alongside dentists for the Smiling Children Foundation in vulnerable neighborhoods, where dental neglect is not uncommon, and continuity of care is rare. Recently, we set up a mobile clinic in a school, where I record personal information and take a medical history for each child. A young boy, 10 years old, complained of constant headaches and pain in his body. Upon examination, the dentist noticed his gums were dark purple in places and bled easily. Our team alerted a community doctor of a potential immune disorder, and the young boy was diagnosed and treated, returning to good health within months. That day, I learned that oral healthcare is holistic healthcare, and that it is a privilege to support those who may not have time, resources, or access to oral healthcare.

I have had this privilege in what began as dental shadowing and is now part-time employment, where I liaise between patients and insurance companies, manage team schedules, and comfort anxious patients. This might be as simple as holding a hand while the dentist performs the procedure. Or, I might hold a baby while the father sees the hygienist. I’ve learned to read an X-ray accurately, prepare the instruments needed for a procedure, and balance the books. I have been mentored by both a medical and business professional, and I have borne witness to our patients’ high and low points. I have worked hard to understand what goes into growing and maintaining a successful dental practice and feel capable to meet the challenge of the multiple roles required in this dynamic vocation.

It bears mentioning why my first-year grades are not what I’d hoped they would be. I joined a good number of co-curricular clubs with the intention of participating in our campus community and developing my professional skills. By midterm, I realized I had oversubscribed myself. Unfortunately, willpower and desire were not enough. My grades suffered as I tried to manage my responsibilities. By attending time management seminars and learning to manage time rather than be managed by time, I was able retrieve my grades. From 2nd year forward, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA while moving up the ranks of student organizations and taking an active role in a research project. Resilience is like a muscle that needs time, exercise, and perseverance to build.

From a sports accident, to volunteer work in an underserved community, to employment in a dental office and an academic career that shows both mistakes and recovery, I have thought carefully about what dentistry is. A dentist is part of a larger healthcare team, and a dentist can often treat not only a single patient over decades, but provide intergenerational care to a family. I aspire to dentistry to accompany my patients through life, 6 months at a time, offering compassionate, whole-person healthcare. (4,497 characters, including spaces)

• Inciting incident: the moment that influenced the student’s outlook on dentistry as a career is highlighted in spades. Seeing the structure here as almost like a story, you’re taking the reader on a journey from point A to point B. For the personal statement, your opening should hook in the reader. This writer does this well.
• Addresses weaknesses: the student mentions how their first-year grades weren’t what they’d hoped for. They acknowledge their faults and briefly outline the circumstances without making excuses before getting into the most important part: what they did to improve or learn from their mistakes. If you’re in a position to use your personal statement as a way to address gaps or inconsistencies, then you can follow the same rule.
• Major experiences are detailed: you need to show the admissions committee that dentistry is the right career for you. The best way to do this is to describe clinical experiences, ideally in a dental setting. The student who wrote this sample described their experiences shadowing, being a part-time employee, and volunteering at a foundation. If you have many experiences like these, don’t simply list them off, but select a few to describe in more depth.

Want some tips for writing a dental school personal statement? Check out this video:

"Ready, Set, Bake,” shouted the host of Bake-Off. I was 16 and a contestant of a televised baking show. Our 6th challenge gave us 3 hours to perfectly bake the most decadent and timing consuming dessert: the mille-feuille – layers of puff pastry, filled with whipped cream and custard, and glazed on top. Despite being the only teenager in a field of contestants ranging from 20-70 years of age, I’d made it through several days of cuts for one of the spots on the show. I wish I could say that my dessert was a masterpiece, but as the timer counted down and I plated it, the filling oozed, and the pastry crumbled. I’d made to the Top Six, but the mille-feuille defeated me and I was asked to hang up my apron. As I reflect on this experience, the solo and team challenges, the practice to get on the show, the mastery needed to gain a top spot, I realize that I’m grateful even for the defeat, because I learned valuable lessons that helped me develop key qualities and skills that are in-line with the core competencies necessary for dentistry, my chosen profession. Both dentistry and competitive baking require innovation and excellence, communication and accountability, and the necessity of precision, focus, and a steady hand.

Both of my parents are dentists. While the influence of their careers on my own access to knowledge cannot be underestimated, I have been deeply cognizant of making an autonomous career decision. That decision is my own, but my parents have admittedly opened unique conversations around ethics, technology, and patient care to me. My earliest memories include attending dental conferences with them and being encouraged to explore the Exhibits Floor, where I learned about the newest dental products and treatments and “test drove” the latest innovations in dentistry. I developed an aptitude for predicting which products and technologies were gimmicks and which would effectively support excellence in patient care. This knack has made me something of an informal consultant for my parents and their colleagues, who value my insights on innovation and efficacy of new treatments.

While technology is at the forefront of change, what remains consistent over time is the importance of communication and accountability to provide excellent patient care. I’ve had the privilege to shadow Dr. Ann Lee, an oral surgeon, over the past 3 years. Among many things, she showed me that inherent in communication is accountability. Many of her patients are children and teens having teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The son of a family who had been Dr. Lee’s patients for over a decade arrived for a complicated wisdom tooth extraction. Despite familiarity with the family, the doctor painstakingly reviewed the extraction process to prepare them effectively. The procedure went well in the office; however, on the way home, the boy began haemorrhaging. An artery had been compromised during the surgery. I watched as Dr. Lee packed bone wax around the artery to stem the bleeding. What struck me about this experience was the standard of accountability to which the surgeon held herself, as she communicated with the family by phone, made a house call later that evening on her way home, and remained on-call over the weekend to ensure the safety and healing of the child. The family maintained their trust in Dr. Lee because of her open communication and sense of accountability. I also learned just how fragile and technical dental work is, requiring both dexterity and precision.

Volunteering in a dental brigade in Haiti, Mirlande, 6, taught me about vulnerability and trust. Mirlande was scared and reluctant to open her mouth for her first dental exam. I took her aside and, as she watched, I carved a perfect tooth from soap using dental instruments. I carved slowly and precisely, and then presented her with the gift. She put the tooth in her pocket and then allowed me to clean her teeth. I was immediately struck by the vulnerability of not only soft tissue, but of hearts, as she leaned back and opened her mouth in trust. This moment solidified my decision to become a dentist.

Though the earlier comparison between baking and dentistry is merely an analogy, it is one that suggests I have developed key skills and am aware of the core competencies a dentist must hold to best serve their patients professionally and ethically. Dentistry is my vocation, baking a hobby, but both speak to my investment in excellence, precision, and doing for others.  (4,500 characters, including spaces)

A dental school personal statement is your opportunity to show admissions committees who you are as a person and aspiring dental professional, aside from your CV, GPA, Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) score, and other quantitative data. As any personal statement essay, the dental school personal essay should be a narrative account that gives the admissions committee the opportunity to learn more about you than what can be conveyed in a dry document like a CV or transcript. 

For dental school  ADEA AADSAS  applications, the American Dental Education Association requires an essay of no more than 4,500 characters (including spaces), which must demonstrate your key personal qualities, aspirations, and reasons for pursuing a career in dentistry to the schools to which you are applying. This process isn’t as standardized in Canadian programs, so you’ll need to check the application requirements for the programs and schools to which you are applying to see if a personal statement is required. In doing so, you can also learn whether there are any specific requirements regarding the length of the essay, whether there is a specific prompt to which you must respond in your dental school personal statement, and whether there are any other application requirements.

Want some more personal statement examples? Watch this video:

Writing a Strong Dental School Personal Statement

If you're applying to  dental schools in Canada  or the US, a personal statement, or similar essay, is often required as part of your application package, regardless of whether you're applying through AADSAS or  TMDSAS . It’s important to craft a statement that draws from your experiences, such as your dental school extracurriculars. You can also refer to your dental school application experience examples , or even your dental school letter of recommendation for help. This blog will help you understand the key things you must do (and that you must avoid) in composing your essay, with dental school personal statement examples that demonstrate these strategies, so that you can draft the strongest, most compelling dental school personal statement possible.

1. Tell a story

Ideally, you will craft a story or detail a defining moment that helped you realize why this is the profession you want to pursue. Providing an anecdote or vignette – perhaps an experience you’ve had as a dental patient, an interaction you’ve witnessed as a volunteer or while shadowing a dental care professional, a story about someone you know, etc., – is often a useful way of giving the evaluators a window into your life and motivations.

2. Demonstrate why you’re a “good fit”

Your dental school personal statement should also express why you are a strong candidate and a "good fit" for the school and program, while stirring the interest of your reader. Review our blog,  dental school acceptance rates  to find out which schools are best suited for you. Admissions committees will review hundreds of these personal statements, so draw on the values of the profession and the mission of the institution to highlight your alignment with the vision and goals of this vocation, and do so in a way that is engaging and enjoyable to read. Again, narrative is a great way of doing this – people love stories and are often naturally drawn in by them. Bear this in mind as you begin drafting your essay.

Here are some more tips for writing a dental school personal statement:

3. Be authentic and readable

In your personal statement, you want to present your very best self, emphasizing your genuine passion for the field and your enthusiasm for working in a healthcare profession like dentistry. Don’t try to cram in complicated terminology or jargon, thinking it will make you sound smarter (it won’t – true experts know how to explain their ideas effectively to an audience of non-specialists), and don’t rely on clichés (e.g., “I want to help people” – this is a lovely desire, but it’s over-used and too generic). Use polished prose that represents your genuine voice and reasons for pursuing the profession, and write in a way that will be comprehensible even to those outside this particular specialization. This can take practice. You might go through multiple drafts of your essay before you’re confident in submitting it. If you’re having trouble getting to this point, consider dental school admissions consulting . 

4. Express your desired contributions to the field

Quite simply, you need to explain why you will be a good dentist, in both practical terms and in terms of devoting yourself to patient care. You need to show that you know how to become a dentist in terms of skills and experience; there will be other opportunities to address other aspects of your candidacy through things like the dental school manual dexterity question or the multiple mini interview (MMI) collaboration station . For now, answer the following questions: what does it mean to you to dedicate yourself to the profession and to patients? What experiences have you had with the dental profession so far, and how have these impacted you? What are your priorities as an aspiring dentist? Thinking through these questions, while also pointing to concrete experiences or accomplishments that support your responses, will help the committee see not just who you are now, but who you are working to become as you pursue the goal of becoming a dental professional.

Need help with your dental school application? Learn what our students say about our services:

Things to Avoid in a Dental School Personal Statement

Here are some key “don’ts” in composing your dental school personal statement:

1. Don’t summarize your CV

Your personal statement shouldn’t simply repeat information available elsewhere in your application materials. Referring to experiences discussed in those materials, for the purpose of expanding on them or contextualizing them, is fine. Just ensure that you’re actually doing that work and demonstrating the significance of the experience(s) you describe. For example, if your CV indicates that you’ve done volunteer work at a dental clinic or with an organization, it’s totally fine to discuss this volunteer work in your personal statement; however, that discussion must go beyond what is offered in your other application materials. Your dental school personal statement shouldn't be a dry recitation of events in your CV. It should be a persuasive and engaging work that draws on just a few select experiences that epitomize your interests, priorities, and the work you've done so far in working toward becoming a dentist. For example, instead of giving names, dates, and general facts about your experience as a volunteer, you can tell a story of a particularly meaningful accomplishment or interaction, reflecting on how it helped solidify your desire to pursue this career.

2. Don’t dwell on negative experiences

If you’ve overcome challenges or if there are less-than-ideal aspects of your educational experience so far (such as a term where your GPA took a dip), it’s fine to address these in a personal statement essay. However, it is crucial that you reflect on this from a perspective of growth, resiliency, and capacity for improvement, rather than focusing on the negatives. If your grades took a hit one term because of extenuating circumstances, by all means, take some time to explain this, if you think it will be helpful (and it often is). However, the discussion around the circumstances should be minimal – just a set-up for a more substantial discussion of what you learned, how you grew, etc. – and you shouldn’t use this as an opportunity to make excuses. Rather, briefly describe the event, own up to your mistake or misstep (if applicable), and then spend the most time explaining how you addressed the issue, how you moved past it, and why you will be a better future professional for having gone through it.

Probably the biggest mistake students make is to not take the personal statement seriously enough, waiting until just a few days before it’s due to even begin. You must begin early – a strong personal statement essay can take months and numerous revisions to be the best it can possibly be. You need to put a lot of thought into this document, as it is a very important component of your application. This is your chance – and often your only chance – to address the evaluators on a human level, prior to answering  dental school interview questions , including   MMI questions . So, rather than thinking of this as a chore, think of it as an opportunity to demonstrate your best self to the admissions committee. 

4. Don’t submit your dental school personal statement without getting expert feedback

The personal statement isn’t just about what you’ve done, it’s about who you are – what your values are, what your priorities are, what your reasons for pursuing this profession are, and how all of these things align with the discipline and school you are approaching with your application package. Getting expert feedback from those on the “other side” of such applications, those who have gone through the process successfully or those who have been part of admissions committees, will give you incredibly valuable insights into how to make your own personal experiences stand out and work for you most effectively. At this stage of your professional development, you face a wealth of “unknown-unknowns”; i.e., things that you don’t even know to look for or consider, because it's likely that you simply haven’t been exposed to the field or the process long enough or in an official capacity. This can be a considerable hindrance, so don’t try to take on this task alone. Seek out expert feedback, and do so early enough that you can review, revise, and implement any necessary changes to make your dental school personal statement the best it can possibly be.

8 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Dental school personal statement example #3, dental school personal statement example #4, dental school personal statement example #5, dental school personal statement example #6, dental school personal statement example #7, dental school personal statement example #8, dental school personal statement example #9, dental school personal statement example #10.

• Starting too late. Getting your personal statement right requires multiple edits and revisions. If you start working on your statement too late, you risk running out of time for proper revisions and edits, leaving a rushed, sub-par statement. Remember, your personal statement is a direct reflection of who you are as a person, and who you'll become as a dentist. It's not something that can be, nor should be rushed.
• Showing instead of telling, for example, saying “I'm a great listener” instead of demonstrating that you're a great listener through real examples in your essay.
• Focusing on too many experiences. In general, it's best to discuss 2-3 experiences in your personal statement. You should be able to discuss each experience in-depth, and reflect on what you learned from a particular experience. Too many experiences crammed in doesn't allow you to really expand on each experience and doesn't provide an in-depth analysis of how this experience was transformative on your path to becoming a dentist.
• Listing information that's already found in your application materials. Your personal statement is not a list, instead, it should be a story of your journey to dentistry.
• Jumping around in time. Your personal statement should be in chronological order, beginning with your initial interest in dentistry and evolving to your absolution that dentistry is the right career path for you. Jumping around in time makes for a disjointed essay that will come across as confusing to admissions committee members. In addition, you want to ensure that you utilize strong transitional sentences, as these tie together paragraphs and aid in the overall flow of your essay.
• Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Mistakes and errors in your personal statement are harmful because they tell admissions committees that you're not detail-oriented, you rushed your statement and because of that, you don't really care about it, or their program. Ensure your statement is reviewed multiple times, ideally with a professional's help, to ensure your essay puts your best foot forward and is free from any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
• Boasting. While you can certainly highlight a few key accomplishments in your statement, such as finishing at the top of your class or raising money for a good cause, it's important that you are tactful in how you phrase your accomplishments. You always want to be humble, and think about what an achievement means to you and why. Lastly, it's a good idea to reflect on what you learned from your achievements and how that can translate in your career as a dentist.

While the majority of your personal statement should be about you - your experiences and how they relate to your decision to pursue dentistry, you can certainly include information relating to another person. For example, you could mention a family member's struggle with a disease, a patient's story, or a conversation with a dentist. As long as you circle back to why this story is significant in your pursuit of dentistry, what you learned from the experience or even how an experience changed your point of view.

Your personal statement must adhere to the ADEA's character count of 4500 characters, including spaces. However, this doesn't mean that you must include this many characters. As long as your essay is below the count, it's most important that you focus on creating a powerful, in-depth essay that proves to the admissions committee why you want to be a dentist and why you would be suitable for a career in this field, then it's perfectly acceptable.

Your personal statement is one of the most important aspects of your entire dental school application. It will serve as your introduction to admissions committees – letting them know who you are a person, who you are as a candidate, and essentially, that you're suitable for a career in dentistry. A poorly crafted personal statement can result in rejection from dental school, so it's essential that your statement is both engaging and memorable to secure you an invitation to interview.

No, remember, this information will be included elsewhere in your application, so it's not suitable to include this in your personal statement.

• Brainstorm ideas.
• Create an outline.
• Focus on body paragraphs first using a maximum of 3 experiences.
• Ensure you SHOW what you learned (don’t tell) by using examples.
• Write your conclusion.
• Write your introduction last.
• Attention-grabbing introduction: Not just a thesis statement, but something interesting to draw the reader in, like a quote or a story.
• Transitions: These should lead from one paragraph to the next, creating flow. Use linking words such as however, additionally, also, next, etc.
• Strong examples: This way you are showing, not telling.
• Clear and direct language: Your language does not have to be fancy, what's most important is that it's easy to read and follow. For example, “utilize” is one of the most over-used words in academic essays and “use” works just as well.
• Conclusion: This should summarize your main points, but also leave the reader with a compelling closing sentence that makes them want to find out more about you. For example, include a call back to your opening anecdote and highlight how far you have come.

Dental school personal statement editing, just like medical school personal statement editing , is very important. Begin by writing the BEST first draft you can and then begin your edit. Don’t write something of average quality, half-done, or way over the character limit. Trying to work from these copies will only create confusion and delays. Next, you should read your essay out loud to yourself sentence by sentence to ensure it flows well and to catch any grammatical errors. Each sentence should be contributing to the overall point. If you find yourself repeating your thoughts in multiple forms, think about paring your sentences down. Quality is more important than quantity.

Next, repeat this process 2-3 times. Resist the urge to keep tinkering over and over again. There are multiple strong ways to word sentences and express your thoughts. There are probably even multiple experiences you could highlight and have an equally strong personal statement. However, obsessing over each sentence and word once you have written a strong statement will just lead to changing too many things, delays, you feeling nervous, and sometimes even a weaker essay than you started with!

Yes, you can definitely mention experiences in your personal statement that are non-academic or not related to dentistry. A strong experience to mention should be one that taught you important skills and that influenced your decision to pursue dentistry. Personal experiences can also have a strong influence on which profession you pursue, so you can definitely mention non-academic experiences.

It’s certainly normal to want input from others when we are crafting personal statements. A strong reviewer is one who has experience and expertise with professional school applications and has helped other students before. For example, someone with an advanced degree like a practicing dentist or other professional. Even though you may feel tempted to ask friends and family, you may want to refrain from this, as they are often invested in your success and may find it hard to be objective.

Try to find someone who does not know you so well so they can give objective guidance. The other thing you want to avoid is having “too many chefs in the kitchen.” Too many different people reviewing your statement is only going to pull it in too many different directions, ultimately leading to confusion and even more delays. And again, some students might feel more comfortable using a dental school admissions consulting service for this aspect of their application.

Just like you would address this during an interview, your statement can address areas of concern by following these steps:

• Take responsibility.
• Explain mitigating factors.
• Don't make excuses.
• Share strategies for what you learned and how you would avoid a situation like this in the future. 
• Make sure you end on a positive or proactive note.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

Yutika Maharaj

Hi there Do you have any sample personal statements for a foreign trained dentist applying to ADEA PASS and ADEA CAAPID. Thanks

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hi Yutika! Thanks for your comment. As an international applicant, your personal statement should follow the same structure and contain pertinent info about yourself and your application. Use these samples to construct your own, unique narrative!

It is remarkable, very good information

Thanks, Code!

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The Art of Crafting Your Personal Statement

Imagine yourself as the Dark Knight, Batman, on a mission to save Gotham City. Now, would you rather play the role of a lowly thug, destined to be defeated by the Caped Crusader? Of course not. Similarly, when crafting your Personal Statement (SOP), you should be the star of your own story.

That is precisely the objective of your Personal Statement – to afford you a chance to showcase yourself to the admissions team. So make it count; use it as a canvas to paint a vivid picture of your life and your purpose, highlighting your unique strengths and experiences. Remember, you are the only one like you in the whole world, so make the most of that!

It’s true, there’s no set formula for creating the perfect SOP. However, at CAAPID Simplified, we’ve had success in crafting head-turning Personal Statements for DMD-DDS aspirants. Follow our simple ideas, and you’ll be on your way to creating a winning SOP that’s under 5,200 characters.

Table of Contents

Personal Statement (SOP) for International Dental Programs – CAAPID and PASS

What is a statement of purpose (sop).

As the name suggests, it is merely a narration of your purpose – the reason behind any action. The ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’ 

More specifically, the CAAPID Personal Statement is a statement explaining why you want to join the school’s dental program and an attempt to convince them to choose you over hundreds of other applicants; it is an essay that outlines your background, personality, and aspirations. 

However, in more candid terms, your Personal Statement or personal statement is the voice that speaks in the ears  of the discerning dental schools to create a clear picture of you and your fit in its student body.  

In ADEA’s own words,  it is a one-page essay that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS MY Personal Statement?

Rather – does the Personal Statement really matter? Contrary to popular belief, YES , for it appeals directly to the admissions team. 

Agreed, there are more quantifiable yardsticks that the school uses to assess the candidate –  an INBDE pass, 3 points something GPA, a 95+ TOEFL; and of course, how strong and versatile is your profile as against the next applicant’s. However, what could set you apart from the herd – most of them with similar profiles – is your Personal Statement. 

So, your Personal Statement is your chance to create that first impression on the dental school. It is a foot in the door to the interview room. And that is its raison d ’étre – to make the committee interested enough in you to want to meet you.

WHAT DOES THE ADMISSION COMMITTEE LOOK FOR IN AN Personal Statement?

Let’s accept it – while there will always be those few applicants in every cycle whose brilliant profiles shine like a guiding light,  most of the others have, excuse the usage, a ‘regular’ profile. And that is where an SOP could come to your rescue, like a knight in shining armor. 

And that is what the admission committee looks for in your Personal Statement – to be your proxy in answering the following questions: 

• Who are you? 
• Why Dentistry?
• Why Dentistry in the US?

And in the process, answer those questions in such a way that the reader will not be able to ignore either your Personal Statement or the person behind that statement. 

Easier said than done, as we now arrive at our next conundrum –

HOW TO WRITE A WINNING Personal Statement?

Now isn’t that the million-dollar question? If you are wondering, ‘I am a dentist, not a writer.’ Yes, you polish your teeth. You fill them. Sometimes you extract them. Extracting words, filling paragraphs, and polishing sentences are not necessarily your cup of tea! 

But look at it this way – your Personal Statement is simply your life story, and very few can resist the temptation of a good story. And then, penning that perfect SOP should be easier. After all, it is not rocket science. 

With some introspection, a little guidance, and generous help from spell check/Grammarly, you can be a successful storyteller/autobiographer too! 

Plus, you have us guide you along your journey. The below sections will help demystify how to answer the above questions, creatively. So read on, as we guide you on how to draft your v, with examples and tips on what to do and what-not-to-do.

A ROADMAP TO CRAFTING YOUR Personal Statement

While you navigate this detailed write-up on drafting your SOP, we also suggest you listen in on our webinar where our CEO and Coach Flynn George addresses queries from applicants on brainstorming for ideas to pen a winning Personal Statement.  

Top factors in SOP writing for DDS Admissions  #CAAPID   #statementofpurpose   #idp   #interview

Where do i start .

There is only one way to start writing – by putting pen to paper (rather, fingers to keyboard).  Of course, you need a fair bit of brainstorming as well. 

• I remember using excessive force to separate a fabricated denture from its cast which resulted in the denture breaking apart. My mistake shamed me, but my all-knowing professor calmed me – mistakes are human but it is important to learn from them. An opportunity presented itself in a couple of years when I flawlessly repaired an actual denture broken in a similar manner. 
• Just like how the sample above gives better clarity than our wordy instructions in the first 5 lines, an incident-inference approach is more effective than merely stating 
• “I learn from my mistakes!”  So work your grey cells – brainstorm for a few ideas; remember, to quote 4 incidents, you might need to generate 10!
• Write.  Jot down those brain waves – simultaneously. Do not wait for the thought process to take shape entirely – just write. You will realize that the thoughts and words flow in tandem. 
• Read.  No, not dental publications (a great idea to help enhance your candidacy, but not for your SOP), but your own draft, the sections you have written previously. And then re-read. 
• Rewrite.  Twice, thrice or 20 times. Until you are convinced. 
• Repeat.  The process of writing, reading, and rewriting. Until the SOP sounds like you. With every fresh read, a new perspective could evolve. Hence the iterative process. 
• Review.  And finally, get it reviewed. As important as writing your Personal Statement is to get it reviewed – by people in the know. Could be your cousin in the US or your mentor in college. 

Basically, by someone who knows you and/or the admission process; by someone whom you can trust – someone who will call a spade a spade but will not shovel you under either.

How should I construct it?

Like any written essay, your Personal Statement should consist of an

• Introduction – Make it catchy, colorful, and captivating. Look at this opening – 

Say hello to ‘Little Miss. Picky’ – that’s what my family calls me, courtesy of my obsession over even the smallest of detail in all that I do. Even as a little kid, I remember flossing until every particle got flushed and brushed out. No wonder I chose to become a periodontist. After all, my profession employs attention to details to deliver the best possible health outcomes.

That opening is likely to catch the eye of the reader and pique their interest in this little Miss. Picky! And you’d agree that it sure is more memorable than a generic, non-committal, 

“I was always fascinated by dentistry and even as a child I diligently flossed my teeth!” 

• Body – Your personal journey. Talk about your achievements and inspiration, your regrets and key takeaways, and your transition from a dental student in your home country to who you have become now and aspire to be in the future.  You could even narrate a mundane incident that taught you something – about yourself, about dentistry, or about the world at large.

The ideas that you generated, and experiences you remembered, during your brainstorming session shall come in handy here. All you need are 3, or even 4 experiences (non-dental could work too) that clearly draw a sketch of you. Incidents that will act as visual planters in the minds of your readers; a brand recall. Differentiate yourself through such incidents. 

Take the below example for instance:

All of 22 years, one fine day I found myself the sole dentist on duty. A young man was my only scheduled patient of the day. When he opened his mouth, I noticed a massive tumor within. Worried, I called in our OMFS surgeon, who recommended a biopsy straightaway. Just when I was about to begin the procedure, I wanted to take another, closer look. The second inspection revealed a hemangioma, which would have resulted in a huge mess if I had biopsied it. This tiny accomplishment gave me the  confidence that I was making the right choices.

A rare experience, with no major life lesson other than highlighting the writer’s decision-making abilities and confidence! But it is sure to leave a recall value in the minds of the reader. 

Catch this video as well – even though it talks about interview questions, it is still relevant here. 

Tell Me About Yourself – Simple Strategy for US Dental Interviews

Is it enough to say “I am an empathetic soul?” 

NO. Trust us, 99 out of 100 applicants would have said the exact same thing. So how are you any different? But when you extol upon it with a statement saying,

“As the secondary caregiver for my speech-impaired sibling, I imbibed empathy and understanding of non-verbal cues at an early age!” 

you have pushed your Personal Statement to the next level!

What’s more, you can tie these incidents up in a single common theme as well! Sports themes, quotes-themed, and even Harry Potter-themes – have all worked well in the past.

• Summary – A misnomer, if you ask us. This paragraph need not necessarily summarize your Personal Statement; instead, it should reiterate your fit and your aspirations. Read this one below:

I truly believe that a million-dollar smile is not the prerogative of the Julia Roberts’ of this world. Not everyone may be born with a beautiful smile – but they can all be gifted one! Whether among the privileged few or the underprivileged, good health (dental or otherwise) is a basic necessity. And as a dentist-cum-public health enthusiast, that is all I aspire for – an opportunity to make this world a happier place with more smiling faces in it. 

It clearly tags this applicant as someone who is keen on smile engineering with a community health inclination. And with a couple of memorable lines, this Personal Statement, and therefore the applicant, may become etched in the minds of the reader. 

Does it have to follow any specific writing style?

No – there is no one-size-fits-all! SOPs can (should) be as unique as you and as creative as you can visualize. 

It could be a

• Conventional narrative  – a chronological recount of your childhood, what (or who) inspired you upon this journey, and talk about how your dental education impacted you (or your imprint on dentistry), the reason behind the move to the US! And of course what your aspirations are and how you are a great fit for the university. 
• Non-linear narrative – a back-and-forth tale of your aspirations, motives, learnings, etc. However, ensure the message doesn’t get mixed up in the melee. 

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES APPLICANTS MAKE IN THEIR Personal Statement? 

• Not planning ahead –  The most oft-repeated mistake applicants commit while penning their Personal Statement is not planning sufficient time for actually writing their Personal Statement. The attitude that, ‘it will take me only a few hours!’ is self-sabotage. Remember, as we mentioned earlier as well, it could take anywhere between a week to a month to merely get your thoughts and words in place. And with every re-read, newer ideas could crop up, requiring a revamp of the existing version. 

Plus, you also have to factor in the time required to get it reviewed by a trusted someone. Hence plan in advance; start at least 3 months early, and keep revisiting it every now and then. 

Last-minute additions and subtractions can always be made subsequently, but eleventh-hour compositions will not do justice to all the effort you have put in to build your profile. 

• Tweaking a friend or senior’s Personal Statement – Simply editing the facts of your senior’s Personal Statement will not make it your personal statement, now, will it? While it is okay to read through others’ Personal Statements, it is not okay to copy them. Simply because it will not sound like you and not reflect your own journey and battles. 

Read their Personal Statements, and draw inspiration from them. But then, create your own. Even if it is simple and straight from the heart, it should be from your heart. 

• Choice of language –  Remember the Friends episode where Joey uses the thesaurus option to write a record for the Bings?  Hilarious on TV, but a turn-off in real life. 

Sorry non-Friends fans. What we are trying to convey is, in order to catch the eye of the reader, it is not always necessary to use sophisticated language, jargon, and cliches. It is more important to sound like yourself and if who you are is simple and uncomplicated – then so be it! 

• Making your Personal Statement a rendition of your CV – That’s a strict NO! It is a Personal Statement, not a CV Recitation! 

Rather, show the admissions committee who you are, what you have achieved in the past, and aspire for in the near future. Illustrate what motivates you! 

Can you spot the difference between the following 2 narratives?

“I pursued my BDS from St. Xavier’s College in Calcutta; I was an exceptionally diligent student and scored a GPA of 3.9. I presented 12 papers and also won 2 poster competitions, 1 of them in a dental conference in Malaysia. I was named the Outstanding Student of the year”

“I realized that while I excelled at academics, my actual flair rested in research and paper presentations. The dental conference in Malaysia where I competed and won against 25 participating colleges, not only showcased my technical knowledge and communication skills, but also exposed me to the ground-breaking research being pursued globally. Upon my return, I shared my newly-gained insights amongst my peers, and brought them up to speed with the latest trends.” 

Both versions narrate the applicants’ similar feats. The first is precise and brief, and the latter is visual and outlines a cause-effect reaction. But the second one highlights the candidate’s skills, penchant for research, and also their cooperative spirit – basically his/her persona implicitly. 

Now answer – which do you think is memorable? Which of the two applicants would you want to meet?

And with that question, we rest our case! 

By now, we believe we have thrown enough light on a number of questions nagging you with respect to your Personal Statement.

Here are some more quick tips for the aspirant writer in you! Read on!

Some pointers to tip the scales toward you!

• Spend some time drafting your Personal Statement – Quite some time actually, after all it is a summary of >20 years of your life!
• Be honest – neither exaggerate nor underestimate
• Limit the use of superlative adjectives unless fully justified – A 3.3 GPA is not reflective of exceptional academic performance; similarly an arrears/supplemental in one subject is not a shattering loss.
• Understand cultural sensitivities – what is taboo in your home country might be less so in the US and vice versa. Talking about failures, maternity, or even mental health is not looked down upon. However, do take care to not make the entire Personal Statement about them.
• Run a spell/grammar check – Rookie mistake to not do so. Nobody likes spelling mistakes. 

Also read –  Rectifying Re-application Dilemma

Related Posts

Impressive Candidacy Reflection for DDS Admission

How to pursue an Advanced International Dental Program in the US?

3 Interview Myths

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Indiana University School of Dentistry

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International Dentist Program (IU-IDP)

Apply to the international dentist program.

The Indiana University School of Dentistry offers an International Dentist Program (IU-IDP) for graduates of qualified international dental programs who want to earn a D.D.S. degree and become licensed to practice in the United States.

All qualified international dentists can apply to this program.

Please note: If the applicant is offered a provisional offer of acceptance to the IDP program, you must be one of the following:

• U.S. citizen,
• Permanent resident, or
• Holder of a valid visa*

*The Office of International Affairs (OIA) will directly notify the student and assist with visa statuses during the final review process.

For additional information about international admissions, review the information found here:

Office of International Affairs

• Phone: 317-274-8173
• Email:   dsadmit@iu.edu

Application process

To apply to Indiana University School of Dentistry - International Dentist Program you must complete both the ADEA-CAAPID application and the supplemental application through IU Grad CAS to move forward for review to the IDP program.

Step 1: Apply to the School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry uses the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) , an online application managed by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), to receive applications for the IUSD-IDP.

Only ADEA-CAAPID-verified applications with all required application materials and submitted by the May 17, 2024 deadline will be considered.

All application materials must be submitted to CAAPID through the online application. Do not send any application materials to the School of Dentistry.

Application deadline

The CAAPID application cycle opens March 7, 2024 . IU School of Dentistry will begin accepting applications at that time. The application deadline is May 17, 2024 . However, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible after the application cycle opens.

Required application materials

Personal statement.

Your personal statement is your first introduction to the Admissions Committee and should include information about what makes you special. Include life experiences which demonstrate how you overcame challenges or shown perseverance. You may also include information about dental education experiences, dental-related activities, and professional goals. When you fill out the CAAPID application, you will receive instructions for submitting your personal statement.

Letters of evaluation

Requirements.

You are required to submit two original letters of evaluation with your application. 

• One letter must be from a U.S./Canadian dental professional with whom you have worked.
• One letter must be from a U.S./Canadian organization through which you performed community service.  "Community service" is assistance that you provide (without pay) through a non-profit organization that benefits the community.

Submission process

All letters of evaluation must be submitted directly to CAAPID. When you fill out your CAAPID application, you will provide the names of your evaluators and their contact information, and CAAPID will contact them via email with instructions on how to submit a letter. The email will include a link to an online portal where they will upload their letters.

Each letter must:

• Be on the official letterhead of the organization with which the evaluator is affiliated.
• Include the evaluator’s mailing address, phone number, email address, and signature.
• Have been written within 12 months of the application’s submission date.

Letters that do not meet these criteria will not be accepted.

Special notes

We encourage you to let your evaluators know that they will receive an email from CAAPID with your request for a letter of evaluation. The School of Dentistry’s Office of Academic Programs ensures that evaluations are valid by calling evaluators at random.

ECE transcript evaluation

Your dental school transcripts must be evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), an organization that reviews the educational credentials of people educated outside the United States. When you fill out the CAAPID application, you will receive instructions for submitting your ECE evaluation.

Only ECE evaluations are accepted. We do not accept evaluations from any other service.

Documentation of continued education and shadowing

• 100 hours of shadowing U.S. (or Canadian), in-person or virtual  
• 20 hours of U.S. Continued Education

Kira Assessment

• Kira is a video and written assessment that assists in our holistic approach in finding candidates that best fit our IDP program
• Kira allows applicant engagement and provides a deeper insight about the candidate by accurately assessing the candidate’s personality, potential, and motivation.
• Applicant will be invited to participate in the Kira assessment after the initial review of all requirements and supplemental application is completed.

Step 2: Supplemental Application

IU Grad CAS is the supplemental application used to generate your Indiana University profile for registration to the IU School of Dentistry. For admission to IUPUI, you must complete the IU Grad CAS application and pay an $80 fee. Start your application

• After your CAAPID application has been successfully submitted and verified by ADEA CAAPID, you will receive an email with a link to complete the IU Grad CAS supplemental application . Only verified CAAPID applications submitted on or before the May 17, 2024 deadline will receive the link.
• Complete the IU Grad CAS application in full, but do not upload any additional documents or scores (TOEFL, transcripts, etc.) to the application. If you have technical questions about the IU Grad CAS, please contact the IUPUI Graduate Office .
• Only applicants who successfully complete both the CAAPID application and IU Grad CAS Supplemental application by the May 17, 2024 deadline will receive an invite to the Kira assessment and move forward for further review.

Step 3: Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INDBE) or (NBDE parts I/II)

• Must be completed prior to submission of the CAAPID Application
• Must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination to be considered for admission to the IUSD-IDP.
• Score reports issued during or after 2012 must be sent directly from the ADA to CAAPID. When you fill out the CAAPID application, you will receive instructions on how to have the ADA send your score report.
• Score reports issued before 2012 must be emailed directly from the ADA to the School of Dentistry at dsadmit@iu.edu . Score reports received from applicant email addresses will not be accepted.

Step 4: TOEFL – English Proficiency Exam

• All IUSD-IDP applicants must be proficient in the English language. If your native language is not English, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) .
• We accept only the TOEFL iBT (test center or home edition). You must have taken the test no more than two (2) years prior to the date you submit your application.
• Minimum score of 100 is required and must be submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to ADEA CAAPID. **Please note: My Best Score (the sum of highest scores) is NOT accepted.
• We do NOT grant TOEFL waivers for personal circumstances or for scores lower than the minimum requirement.

Step 5: Virtual personal interview**

After review of all application requirements and materials, qualified applicants may be offered a virtual interview. If you are selected, you will be notified by email of the next steps involved in the interview process. Interviews are conducted in late May through July of the application year. **Please Note: IUSD reserves the right to conduct in-person interviews. Should a change arise, each selected applicant will be notified and this change will be published.

Step 6: Bench Test

After all interviews have been completed, a select group of applicants will be invited to take the bench test. A non-refundable bench test fee of $400.00 will be required upon invitation. The fee is in addition to the tuition and regular fees for the International Dentist Program. Applicants will be provided more information regarding the Bench test at the time of the invite.

All procedures will be accomplished on Typodont, utilizing air turbine handpieces. Materials needed for the bench test will be provided by IU School of Dentistry. All procedures will be evaluated by multiple faculty members. Evaluating faculty will not have knowledge of the applicants during evaluation.

The bench test will be July 19, 2024.

Provisional Offer of Acceptance notification

Applicants will be notified by phone no later than September 1, 2024. An official provisional offer of acceptance letter will follow via mail.  For information on costs and financial aid, refer to  D.D.S. Cost and Financial Aid.

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Personal statement.

You will not be able to revise this section after submitting your ADEA CAAPID application. Review your entries carefully before submitting.

The response you type will appear in your application exactly as you type it. Using all capital letters or not capitalizing properly does not present a professional image to your application.

The personal essay provides an opportunity for you to explain why you desire to pursue an advanced placement program in the US or Canada at this time.We recommend that you compose your essay in a text-only word processor (e.g., Notepad), review your essay for errors, then copy and paste the final version into the text box. The essay is limited to approximately one page (5,200 characters, including spaces).

The best way for you to compose your personal statement is to copy the essay from Microsoft Word and paste it into Notepad.

Note: To open Notepad, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad. From Notepad you can view how the text looks and be able to edit it (such as adding or removing line feeds) before saving it as a .txt file in a known folder. You can then copy the text from Notepad and paste it into the textbox in the ADEA CAAPID application.

Some formatting characters and indentation used in programs like Microsoft Word will not display properly. Take the time to review the final document before you submit your application to ADEA CAAPID.

Your personal essay will be formatted and printed in standard paragraph form before being sent to your designated programs as a part of your ADEA CAAPID application. It will not be sent to your designated programs in the format you view in the on-line application.

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Application phase.

All candidates must submit an application through the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) which is run by ADEA.  More information regarding CAAPID can be found on the ADEA website – CAAPID Website .

Application for the 2024-2025 cycle will open on March 7, 2024 and close on June 1, 2024. It is strongly suggested that applicants complete the CAAPID application as early as possible.

Bench testing and Interview sessions will be conducted in the Summer of 2024. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified as early as possible to accommodate ease in travel scheduling.

• APPLICATION Applicants are responsible for providing all required forms and supporting documents to both CAAPID and the UWIDDS office by the posted deadline dates. Do not submit your transcripts directly to the program until you are requested to do so. (Please see #6. below.) Please note that receipt of official school-certified transcripts directly from foreign dental schools attended, are a legal requirement. They must be on file for all admitted  students at the UWIDDS office. These transcripts will be requested upon offer of admission.
• FEE A non-refundable $185 application fee should be submitted directly to the University of Washington School of Dentistry through our electronic payment portal . Please select the IDDS application fee from the drop down menu. Upon completion send a copy of your receipt with your full name and CAAPID ID number in the subject line to: [email protected].
• PERSONAL STATEMENT AND DENTAL EXPERIENCE  Please provide dental education experiences, dental related activities, employment, volunteer activities and professional goals as part of the CAAPID application. Follow the instructions in as indicated within the CAAPID application.  Changes cannot be made once the application has been submitted.
• DENTAL DEGREE A copy of your dental degree translated if necessary into English must be uploaded. If you are selected for our program, a notarized copy of an original diploma will be required.
• OFFICIAL COURSE BY COURSE DENTAL SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION Please request the course by course comprehensive evaluation from either ECE – Educational Credential Evaluators or WES World Education Services .  The report should be uploaded directly to CAAPID from the evaluating agencies office.
• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT If admitted to the program, a certified transcript from ALL schools attended will be required.  These documents should be sent sealed directly from the educational institutions to the University of Washington’s IDDS program office.  All documents become property of the University of Washington and are not returnable.  Please do not submit original transcripts until you are directed to do so.
• NATIONAL BOARD DENTAL EXAMINATION (INBDE) Successful Completion of the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
• TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)  Proficiency in English is necessary, all classes are conducted in English. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. No waivers of this English proficiency preference may be given. A score of 100 or higher is strongly recommended on the Internet Based Exam.  TOEFL ibt scores must be submitted directly through CAAPID. Home based or best result TOEFL are not accepted.
• THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION  Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation directly through the CAAPID portal.  These letters must be written in English on the recommender’s letterhead and contain full contact information. The letters should be written within 12 months of the date of the submission of the application. Letters may be written by a Dean, an Associate Dean, Department Chair, or Faculty member at the applicant’s former dental school. At least one of the letters should be written by a dental professional who has worked with the applicant within the last 12 months. Telephone and address contact information for these individuals should be provided on the letters.  The letter should address the candidate’s strongest and weakest characteristics and indicate class ranking when possible . Note: We will only accept the three letters you provide to CAAPID – do not send additional letters to the school.
• CURRICULUM VITAE CV Please download and utilize the CV template provided here (PDF)

Dental International Student Program

The Dental International Student (DIS) Program at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine began in 1956 to provide foreign-trained dentists with the education and experience required to practice dentistry in America. Beginning in January, the program consists of twenty-nine months of coursework and clinical experience, including innovative courses in implantology and geriatric dentistry. Upon completion of the program students receive a DMD degree and are eligible for licensure to practice dentistry in the United States of America.

The DMD curriculum at Tufts is designed to educate dentists who are prepared to practice in a constantly evolving profession. Thirty applications are accepted to the program each year. Students in the International Program bring with them their prior experience working as dentists in other countries and after an eight-month intensive introduction to U.S. dentistry practice, join their third-year colleagues in the DMD program to work with patients in the school’s oral health clinics and numerous community service programs. Dental International students participate in nearly all phases of the third and fourth year dental curriculum, including geriatric dentistry, implantology, craniomandibular and TMD pain management, nutrition and preventative dentistry, and dentistry for the handicapped. The program focuses on collaborative care and inter-professional education to develop teamwork competencies that are effective in health care deliver and research settings. 

Exemptions: Students will be exempt from taking courses in the subjects covered by the National Dental Board Examination, Part I, which are: Gross Anatomy and Neuroanatomy; Embryology; Biochemistry; Physiology; Microbiology and Cariology; General Pathology and Systems Pathology; Immunology; Oral Histology; and Dental Anatomy. Exemptions may be granted for subjects tested on the National Board Dental Examination, Part II.

Program: 29 months/2.5 years

Months 1-7: preclinical sciences.

Complete Dentures, Fixed Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Operative Dentistry, Orthodontics, Removable Partial Dentures, Intro to Dental Clinic and Axium, Medicine III Seminar, Oral Pathology, Dental Pharmacology, Implant Dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology Workshop

Months 8-12: Patient Clinic

Emergency Rotations, Practice Management, Radiology Rotation, Periodontology II, Oral Surgery II, III, IV with Rotations, Ethics, Prosthodontic/Operative, Occlusion, Geriatric

Months 13-29: Patient Clinic Rotations

Pediatric Rotations, Special Care Rotations, Public Health Rotations, Emergency Rotations, Oral Surgery 

Graduation Dates and Requirements

Students are expected to attend all lectures, perform all required clinical work, and pass all written, oral, and practical examinations. It is mandatory that students maintain high ethical standards and pay all bills by the due dates. Failure to do so constitutes grounds for dismissal from the program. Before Tufts grants the D.M.D. degree, the Executive Faculty of the School of Dental Medicine recommends students for the degree to the Trustees of Tufts College, who have the sole right to award academic degrees. Graduation from TUSDM leads to a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Graduates are then are eligible to take the clinical board examinations given across the country required for licensure in any state in the U.S. 

Honors and Awards

Academic honors.

International students who place in the top 10% of the class and whose professionalism and character are judged exemplary by the school’s Executive Faculty will be eligible for honors.

Summa Cum Laude: Overall average of 93 with no grade less than 80.

Magna Cum Laude: Overall average of 91 with no grade less than 77.

Cum Laude: Overall average of 87 with no grade less than 72.

The following awards are presented to graduating Dental International students who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments as Tufts dental students:

International College of Dentists

Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Award

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Advanced Standing for Internationally Trained Dentists

Description of placement option.

The University of Louisville School of Dentistry offers an Advanced Standing admission option into the DMD program for selected individuals who have received a dental degree from an institution outside the United States or Canada. ULSD does not admit advanced standing students every year as the program is depending on space available in the D2 class. We do not reserve spaces for internationally trained dentists. 

The CAAPID application for Spring 2025 enrollment opens March 7, 2024. We anticipate having at least 2 spots available for classes beginning in January 2025 to join our D2 class.

Length of Program: minimum of 28 months Apply through ADEA Centralized Application for Advanced Placement of International Dentists (CAAPID) at http://www.adea.org/CAAPIDapp/

Program Start Date: Spring 2025

Class Size:  To Be Determined

Degree Awarded: D.M.D.

Tuition: Same as ULSD traditional program, (available on Tuition & Aid tab)

Requirements to Apply for the Advanced Placement Option through CAAPID

Important Dates (all are mandatory)

• Application and materials deadline: July 1 (all materials must be received to be considered for admission)
• Application review: April-July
• Virtual interviews: June-August (various dates/times to be scheduled)
• Virtual Bench Test orientation: August/September TBD
• Bench Test (in-person): TBD

English Language Proficiency

• Must be proficient in the English language
• Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL (preferred) or IELTS. We accept the TOEFL home edition. This requirement may be waived if an applicant has completed 90 college credit hours or a masters degree in the United States. Applicants should indicate their qualifications for a waiver in the "Custom Questions" portion of the CAAPID application. ULSD Office of Admissions will send e-mail notification of waiver status. Please do not email materials to our office.
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) scores - preference given to scores at or above 100 total and 26 in speaking and listening OR IELTS - preference given to scores at or above 7.5
• Scores must be valid (not expired) at the time CAAPID opens.

  National Board Dental Examination Requirements

• Program requires passing of NBDE Part I and NBDE Part II (or INBDE)
• Submit Part I and Part II (or INBDE) National Board Dental Examination scores to CAAPID
• Application eligibility requires a minimum score of 75 or “pass” if no numerical score is issued

Personal Statement

Short essay describing why you desire to enter the DMD program

Letters of Evaluation

Two letters of evaluation required (one professional and one from the senior administrator or dean of applicant’s dental school), written within one year of the application- submit to only to CAAPID

Transcripts and Evaluations

Applicant must submit to CAAPID a detailed evaluation by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) Application Fee

Pay $65 application fee to program online only AFTER requested to do so by program – do NOT send payments to ULSD.

Special notes

• Applicants- please DO NOT submit original documents to ULSD. Only admitted students are required to submit original documents directly to ULSD.

Contact Information

Please direct your questions to our  Advanced Standing email address . Address

University of Louisville  School of Dentistry  Office of Student Affairs, Room 234  501 S. Preston St.  Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502-852-5081 Fax: 502-852-1210

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Application specifics.

Dentists who received a dental degree from an institution outside the United States and have passed Part I and Part II of the NBDE or INBDE may apply.

The School will consider only applicants who have applied through the ADEA Centralized Application for Advanced Placement of International Dentists (CAAPID) at http://www.adea.org/CAAPIDapp/ Applicants must have submitted all documents required by the University of Louisville School of Dentistry (as listed in the CAAPID requirement section).

Applicants are expected to submit materials by the deadline. We are constantly monitoring conditions and will update the website if changes are implemented.

TOEFL scores are required of all who speak English as a second language unless they have completed at least 90 college credit hours or a masters degree in the US. The admissions committee reserves the right to request a TOEFL from any candidate. Preference is given to those who score a total at or above 100 and 26 in speaking and listening. The IELTS is also accepted and a score at or above 7.5 is preferred.

All application materials are submitted ONLY to CAAPID. ULSD does not accept additional documents from applicants. At the time of enrollment, accepted students may be required to submit official documents to us as requested.

DMD Program Specifics

The number of ASP students accepted each year is variable and depends on the number of available positions in the second year class of the traditional DMD program at ULSD. Typically this number ranges from 0-3.

Accepted ASP students begin studies in January of the year following the application cycle (i.e., if you apply in 2022 and are accepted, you begin classes in January, 2023). ASP students join the D2 class in the Spring term.

Interview Specifics

If we predict we will have space available, we will likely conduct interviews anytime between August-November but could be as late as December.

School of Dentistry

501 South Preston Street University of Louisville Louisville, KY 40202 USA

Office Hours

Administrative Offices M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm

Clinical Offices Check your clinic

No Holiday Hours

View contact information for the School of Dentistry.

Primary School of Dentistry email addresses can be found on our contact page .

Visitor Information

If planning a visit to the School of Dentistry, please click on the map below for updated visitor information.

DentalPersonalStatement.com by Dr. Robert Edinger [email protected]

Personal Statement Enhancement for Admission to Dental School, International Dentists, Residency Positions, Recommendation Letters, Disadvantaged Status, Endodontics, Orthodontics, OMFS, Oral Hygiene, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics -  Dental School Personal Statement Samples, Professional Writing and Editing

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Dental School Personal Statement Writing and Editing Service - 24 Hour Turnaround 

I invite you to fill out my Interview Form at this link. Even if you have a draft, the information on the interview form is often helpful and serves as the basis for me to make creative improvements to the statement. I spend more time with the statement for my premium service customers at US$299.00 ; this is especially true when it comes to making major contributions to creative ideas. My standard service at US$199.00 is for clients who already have a well-developed draft that they need to have tweaked. My premium service is for those clients who want my ultimate effort and further revision after making changes.  

All samples published on this website are anonymous and at least two years old.

• Jan 28, 2023

International Dentist Program Brazilian, Underserved

Updated: Jan 19

As a young child growing up in a low-income household in my native country of Brazil, I quickly learned about the financial struggles and personal difficulties that poor families often face when dealing with unexpected medical expenses. Parents are sometimes forced to choose between paying rent, putting food on the table, or paying for such unforeseen expenses. I was ten years old when I noticed my own family dealing with this difficult decision, as my grandmother needed extensive dental treatment to correct the severe damage caused by advanced periodontitis disease. Unfortunately, my family did not have the financial means to afford the required treatment. This hardship drastically prolonged my grandmother’s dental condition and physical and mental suffering.

Watching my grandmother’s dental problem go untreated for so long profoundly impacted my decision to pursue a career in dentistry. I was only ten years old at that time. Still, I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up: a compassionate dentist helping patients from all walks of life with a special effort to help the members of underserved communities who constantly face the same struggles that my family experienced.

Since that young age, I have remained focused and committed to my career goals and aspirations. Several years later, I felt even more passionate about my chosen profession as I completed a dentistry undergraduate degree program at the FAESA University in my hometown of Vit ó ria, Brazil. I also completed a post-graduate degree in implantology/surgery at the Unigranrio University in Rio de Brazil (Universidade Unigranrio). Soon after that, in 2007, I became a fully licensed dentist in Brazil. I practiced my profession for 10+ years while always remembering the initial motive that sparked my interest and passion for dentistry; to help, with the utmost compassion, the patient population in disadvantaged communities.

Over the years, I have utilized my educational background, progressive work experience, and my strong commitment to quality work - as well as my unrelenting passion for dentistry to restore the smiles of thousands of patients who, just like my grandmother, did not have the financial means to afford dental healthcare. As an empathetic dentist, I also understand that having a good and healthy smile can increase people’s self-esteem and confidence. For this reason, I find my profession highly rewarding. I am happy also to mention that I have become the “family” dentist for my grandmother and everyone else in my family. This is also something I find fulfilling as I still remember those difficult days when my family could not afford immediate dental healthcare for my grandmother.

A permanent resident of the United States of America, I am enthusiastically pursuing further education and training in dentistry to become eligible for licensure through the State Board Examination process. I consider myself a well-qualified applicant who is experienced, determined, driven, deeply committed, and passionate about my chosen profession. As I pursue the opportunity to continue my career in this exciting field here in my newly adopted country, I plan to be one of the best students in your academic program. Upon program completion, I plan to represent your educational institution with great pride and honor by continuing to provide the best patient experience possible while restoring smiles for patients from all socio-economic backgrounds, especially those from underserved communities. The field of dentistry is my purpose and mission in life, and I would be immensely grateful for acceptance into your prestigious academic program for international dentists.

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Nigerian Man Arrested in Alleged $10 Million Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Scheme

BOSTON – A Nigerian man was arrested on Aug. 13, 2024 upon arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on charges that he, and others, conspired to fraudulently obtain at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.

Yomi Jones Olayeye, a/k/a “Sabbie,” 40, of Lagos, Nigeria, is charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He made an initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York on Aug. 14, 2024 and will appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow.  

According to the charging document, between March and July 2020, Olayeye and others defrauded three pandemic assistance programs administrated by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and other states’ unemployment insurance agencies: traditional unemployment insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). 

Specifically, Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly used personally identifiable information (PII) they purchased over criminal internet forums to apply for UI, PUA and FPUC – falsely representing themselves to be eligible state residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly used the same fraudulently obtained PII to open U.S. bank and prepaid debit card accounts to receive the assistance payments. It is also alleged that Olayeye and his co-conspirators recruited U.S.-based account holders to receive and transfer the fraud proceeds via cash transfer applications. Olayeye and his co-conspirators then allegedly used the fraudulent proceeds to purchase Bitcoin via online marketplaces. It is further alleged that Olayeye and his co-conspirators concealed the conspiracy’s connection to Nigeria by leasing Internet Protocol addresses assigned to computers located in the United States for use in the fraudulent transactions. 

In total, Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly applied for at least $10 million in fraudulent UI, PUA and FPUC from Massachusetts, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Montana, Maine, Ohio and Washington and received more than $1.5 million in assistance to which they were not entitled.  

The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, forfeiture and restitution. The charge of aggravated identity theft calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be added to any sentence imposed on the wire fraud charge. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud .       Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form .

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

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