Introduction
I am Sara Arbabzadehbroujeni, and I graduated with a BSc degree majoring in Psychology from York University and a current D1 student at Dalhousie Dentistry University. My path included rigorous coursework, meaningful work experiences, and a range of extracurricular activities that shaped my application and prepared me for a career in dentistry.
Background
Graduating in Iran in 2022, I was eager to start my In my first year of my undergraduate studies,I was enrolled in the Integrated Sciences Program which laid a strong foundation for me in the sciences. I then continued my academic background in Psychology. Throughout my highschool and undergraduate years, I worked as a Cashier, a barista, as well as a dental receptionist gaining experience in patient care. Joining the Bright Future Dentist pre-dental club as the founding executive team, I networked with peers and professionals, all shaping my approach to dentistry as an applicant.
How to get started
The journey to dental school is challenging but incredibly rewarding. By diligently planning ahead, preparing for the DAT, carefully completing your AADSAS application, seeking the right mentors, and meeting prerequisite courses, you’ll be well on your way. Persistence and passion are key. Below are overall guidelines that can help you navigate this process. The process of applying to dental school varies from place to place and school to school. Careful preparation for taking the right prerequisites coursework, examinations and additional requirements must be reviewed and researched on a school basis.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses vary by dental school but can include any of the following courses in combination as well as ones that are not specified on this list. Research each school’s specific requirements and course credit requirements and plan your coursework accordingly and ahead of time to stay organized.
General Biology
General Chemistry
Biochemistry
Cell biology
Organic Chemistry
Physics
Calculus
English
Physiology
Humanities and Social Sciences
The Dental Aptitude Test
The DAT is a critical component of your application regardless of what school you are applying to with the exception of Dental schools in Ireland that do not require the DAT test. The DAT assesses your academic ability and scientific knowledge and is required for almost all dental schools in North America.
Canadian vs. American DAT
The American DAT is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and includes six sections of biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
The Canadian DAT administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), includes four sections of biology, Chemistry, Perceptual Ability and Reading Comprehension.
Overall content of sections are similar between the American DAT and the Canadian DAT but may have slight variations in content emphasis/load. Researching that both versions of the DAT are approved by the schools you intend to apply to is an important step in selecting which DAT you must take.
DAT Tips:
1.Plan ahead: Choose a date to take the examination based on the application cycle. American schools admit based on a rolling, first come first serve basis, with applications opening in mid May. Canadian schools each have their unique and specific deadlines that can be found on their websites.
2.Study Resources: The use of DAT online courses, prep books, and practice tests can help you prepare best. Take as many practice tests as possible to familiarize yourself with the test environment.
3.Routine: Having a list of non-negotiables in your day can set you off on a journey to success. Waking up at the same time, writing the test at the same time, and eating specific foods can all allow you to simulate the test setting, timing and prepare you for long hours of examination.
Casper Test
The Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a 90-minute online test that is increasingly being used by dental schools to evaluate applicants’ non-academic attributes. The Casper test consists of 12 sections that present a scenario followed by three open-ended questions that you need to respond to in a limited time. The test assesses interpersonal skills, professionalism, ethics, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. While there’s no specific content to study, practice responding to ethical dilemmas and situational judgment scenarios. Being concise and clear in your responses is crucial.
Application Portal
Most U.S. dental schools use the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Some Canadian schools are also Participants on AADSAS. AADSAS offers the opportunity to prepare your documents, gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement all in one go.
Completing your applications on AADSAS can allow you to gather the information necessary to apply to schools that are not participants of AADSAS through their specific application platforms.
Finding the Right Mentors
Finding the right mentors are crucial in guiding you through this process. Find people who have done what you would like to do and who approach their career in a similar manner as you would like to approach yours and learn from their experiences. Your mentors are not only the people that will guide you in your journey but they are also the ones that will support you the most.
Peer Mentors: Recent graduates who’ve successfully navigated the process.
Dental students or predentals who have successfully navigated this process.
Dental Professionals: Dentists you’ve worked with or shadowed can be a great start to networking.
Interview Prep
Upon receiving an interview invitation, thorough preparation is crucial to making a strong impression. Start by researching the specific dental school, understanding its values, mission, and unique programs. Review your application materials to ensure you can discuss your experiences and achievements confidently and coherently. Engage in mock interviews with mentors AND to simulate the interview environment and receive constructive feedback. Stay updated on current events and issues in the dental field to demonstrate your awareness and commitment to the profession. Remember to express your enthusiasm and passion for dentistry throughout the interview process.
Overall, I believe that finding the right community of peers and mentors, like minded students and teachers that want to pursue and help you pursue a career in dentistry is crucial in this process. Often a very good start to this is joining your predental student organization. When I joined the bright future dentists club at York University, I realized that with the support of other team members and by bringing together our skill sets, we are able to turn any idea that the members bring to the table into reality. Sharing successes and learning from each other’s failures./has been one of the best parts of my journey as a predental so far.