Learn about dentistry and dental school with our articles for pre-dental students, dental students, and dentists (DDS/DMD).
Introduction If you applied to medical, dental, or veterinary school, raise your hand if you loved it, or give it five stars if you were highly satisfied. It is unfortunate that the applicant experience is not highly valued, especially as the health professions seek to attract empathetic applicants. Most complain ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated February 6, 2026 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-DentalPre-HealthPre-MedicalPre-Occupational TherapyPre-OptometryPre-PharmacyPre-Physical TherapyPre-PodiatryPre-PsychologyPre-Veterinary
Drawing from years of experience as an assistant dean for admissions, Heidi Fuchs offers candid guidance for pre-health students and their advisors navigating health professional school admissions processes. The article challenges common misconceptions, such as ... Read more
Heidi Fuchs
Published January 15, 2026
Abstract: New student programs, such as Second Look, Welcome Days, or Admitted Student Visits, offer admitted students the opportunity to ask questions to determine how well they fit in or belong. Many students have concerns ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated January 8, 2026 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: An anonymous applicant to advanced standing international dentist programs describes overcoming admissions barriers in 2025. Limitations due to visa status affect how prepared a candidate is for taking the Integrated National Dental Board Exam ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: Faculty serve three to four year terms on admissions committees, so they can vary significantly year-to-year with shifting priorities over time. Committee members filter applications through their experiences with past students, including both successful ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: Dr. Alicia Spence discusses Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s admissions process and program features. Key insights include the importance of demonstrating genuine interest in dentistry through experiences and research, articulating specific mission fit ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Discover what it’s really like to run a dental practice, balancing patient care, business management, compliance, and personal well-being for a successful career.
Sharib Manzoor, DDS
Updated June 12, 2025 by Sharib Manzoor, DDS
Meet Dr. Sharib Manzoor, a Kitchener-based general dentist with 30+ years of experience, passionate about patient care, mentorship, and blending science with artistry in dentistry.
Laura Turner
Updated May 7, 2025 by Laura Turner
Beginning in March 2025, the American Dental Association will implement a new scoring system for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). Those who take the exam will receive three-digit rather than two-digit scores. This article will ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated February 19, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Do you want to deliver oral health care and dive deeper into the mechanisms that initiate and promote diseases of the orofacial complex? A combined DDS/PhD or DMD/PhD program may be right for you! DDS ... Read more
Shawn A. Hallett
Updated December 19, 2024 by Shawn A. Hallett
Fotinos S. Panagakos, DMD, PhD is the founding dean of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) School of Dental Medicine. He recently spoke with the Student Doctor Network about launching a new school ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated August 1, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Dr. William Jacobson, dentist, dental school faculty, and author of the Clinical Dentistry Daily Reference Guide, spoke with the Student Doctor Network about his experiences working in community clinics and as a faculty member. Tell ... Read more
Kyle Magatelli
Updated May 1, 2024 by Kyle Magatelli
Avi Patel, DDS, or Dr. Avi, is a dentist who leverages his dental education to educate people about clear aligners. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended dental school at NYU College of Dentistry. ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated December 10, 2023 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Unlike applicants to other health professions programs, aspiring dentists applying through AADSAS must wait until December to get the first notification of an offer of admission. Beginning at midnight (Eastern time) on December 15, admissions ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated December 7, 2023 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Dr. Steven Chang (he/him/his) is the Director of Admissions at the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) School of Dentistry. Tell us about your institution. Dr. Chang: The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated December 19, 2022 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Robert Nadeau DDS, MD is in his seventh year at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and his tenth year as an educator. Tell us about your professional journey. Dr. Robert Nadeau: My journey ... Read more
Student Doctor Network
Updated September 22, 2022 by Student Doctor Network
Getting accepted to dental school is an accomplishment that should be celebrated, preferably with less sugar and more dental floss. Once you get there, however, then it may present with new challenges, and preparedness will ... Read more
Student Doctor Network
Updated October 18, 2023 by Student Doctor Network
Most medical professionals enter healthcare because they want to help and care for those in need. Early on, I recognized that I had a passion for many aspects of dental care and knew this field ... Read more
Dr. Ania Mohelicki
Published June 25, 2020
Have you ever wondered what life is like for a second year dental student? Every school, and every student, will have a slightly different experience. I wanted to share what my life was like as ... Read more
Kelsey Gwin
Updated June 23, 2022 by Kelsey Gwin
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