Dental School Guide Podcast

Getting through dental school isn't just about passing tests it’s about racking up clinical hours and patient confidence as fast as possible. In this episode, Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with two third-year (D3) dental students at LECOM to break down what makes their curriculum unique, how they got into the clinic during year one, and what it takes to thrive in their program. Here’s what we...

Choosing where to apply to dental school isn't just about getting accepted it directly dictates your clinical confidence, residency prospects, and career trajectory. In this episode, Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with two 4th-year pre-dental seniors at UNLV who are in the thick of the application cycle to break down the exact strategies they are using to update their applications and choose th...

In this episode, Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with Claudia, a fourth-year pre-dental student at UIC, to break down the exact strategies and timelines she used to build a elite dental school application. Here’s what we cover in this episode: DAT Mastery: How to choose the right exam date, build mental endurance for test day, and use resources like Kaplan effectively without wasting time. Personal...

Getting into dental school is competitive—standing out requires knowing exactly what the admissions committee looks for. In this episode, Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with Stephanie Perry, Director of Student Admissions at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG) at Augusta University, to break down what makes Georgia’s only dental school unique and how to navigate their selection process. Here’s what...

Most dental students spend 4 years earning a degree. Lyon College built a way to do it in 3—without sacrificing clinical depth. In this episode, Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with Dr. Burke Soffe, Dean of Lyon College’s innovative new dental program, to break down how they compressed a full four-year dental education into a streamlined 36-month timeline. As Dr. Soffe puts it: "It's a four...

In this episode of Pre-Dental Minute, we sit down with Jude—a junior at the University of South Florida —to break down how admissions committees actually grade your file. What we cover in this episode: The 80/20 Rule of Admissions: What matters most to schools when applying and where to spend your time. Does Undergrad Prestige Matter? The honest breakdown of whether going to a top-tier school give...

If I had to start dental school over again from scratch, this is the exact advice I would look for. We interviewed Sarah, a D3 at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta, to map out the ultimate guide for the next generation of dentists. We cover the brutal transition, the unique 4th-year external rotation advantage DCG offers, and the reality of hitting your clinical requirements. Plus, we talk...

Most dental students spend two years buried in books before they ever touch a real patient. In this episode, we’re talking to Claire, a D1 at Texas Tech Woody L. Hunt, who is already in the clinic twice a week and has already completed her first Class I occlusal filling. We’re breaking down the high-leverage benefits of early clinical immersion and how the school’s Spanish integration is prepping...

Most dental students show up to D1 year at a place like OHSU thinking they need to be perfect from the jump—and that’s just not true. In this episode, we’re talking to Carson, a D1 at OHSU, about the reality of transitioning from Oregon State to the environment of dental school in Portland. We’re stripping away the fluff to talk about how to manage failure, learn from your mistakes, and stay motiv...

In this Pre-Dental Minute, we’re sitting down with Madison from UTEP to discuss the high-leverage moves that actually move the needle on your application. We’re stripping back the fluff to talk about how to write a personal statement that is actually unique. We break down crushing the DAT, balancing brutal academics with extracurriculars, and effective shadowing strategies. We’re giving you the ex...

In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise with Alan—a senior at Rowan University heading to Midwestern—to talk about what actually moves the needle before you step foot on campus. We’re covering the "hidden" skills like manual dexterity and tooth carving that you should be practicing now. We also break down the reality of D1 hands-on exams, how to handle the massive transition in...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the exact roadmap Ana used to go from UTEP Fundraising Chair to an acceptance letter from Texas Tech Woody L. Hunt. We dive deep into how to actually study for the DAT, the specific classes that move the needle, and why community service is your biggest competitive advantage in a crowded application pool. Plus, Dr. Townsend gives you the "Day Zero" ch...

You didn't get into school on December 15th. Are you toast? Are you worried you won't achieve your life's dream of becoming a dentist? In this episode we discuss next steps of what you do to still achieve your dream. You can do this. It is not over yet.

What does it really take to become a great dentist — and how do you get there without burning out? In this Pre-Dental Minute episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast, NYU pre-dental students Ashani and Trinity join the discussion to ask real questions every future dentist faces. We dive into how to balance ambition with self-care and relationships, what truly defines a good dentist beyond grades...

Matthew, a D2 at A.T. Still Missouri, gives a no-fluff look at what dental school actually feels like—and how ATSU turns small-town life into big-time reps. You’ll get: Kirksville reality: what small-town living is like day to day and how it impacts focus and community “Dentistry in the community”: going into local schools to do real dentistry—how it works and what students actually do Academic ri...

Texas pre-dents, this is your inside line. Haylee—Fort Worth native, now a D1 at UT San Antonio—breaks down exactly what Texas dental schools look for and what D1 life really feels like. No fluff. Real talk from someone in the trenches. You’ll learn: Admissions clarity: the signals Texas schools care about and realistic shadowing hour expectations D1 reality check: classes she’s taking, how hard t...

Pre‑dental students: this one’s for you. Brina is mid‑application and questioning me on what actually makes applicants stand out beyond stats—and what quietly kills your chances. In this fast, tactical episode you’ll learn: The non‑GPA/DAT differentiators that move you to the yes pile. Whether schools really weight certain factors more—and how to stack yours. Hidden application and interview red f...

Ever wondered what it takes to get into Mississippi’s only dental school? Dr. Kristin Nalls, Assistant Dean for Students and Director of Admissions at the University of Mississippi, shares how small class sizes, complex surgical cases, and a close-knit community make this program stand out. She also gives insider advice on what admissions is really looking for — and how to make sure your applicati...

What is it really like to start dental school? In this In this episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast, Cecilia, Jairo, and Kassia, three members of the inaugural class at Pacific Northwest University’s College of Dental Medicine, talk about their first month of dental school. They share their diverse backgrounds and motivations for pursuing dentistry, what orientation week was like, and the em...

What does life look like as an Army dentist — and how does the Army Dental Scholarship compare to other military branches? In this episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast, Major Sandifer, the Army’s head dental recruiter, shares everything pre-dental students need to know about this unique career path. We cover the Army HPSP scholarship and benefits, how it differs from other branches, and what...

The Dental School Guide Podcast features Amira and Jules, President and Vice President of the Detroit Mercy Pre-Dental Student Association, in a special Pre-Dental Minute episode. Together, we break down what makes a strong dental school applicant, common mistakes on personal statements and applications, and why shadowing hours and meaningful experiences matter. Amira and Jules also ask Dr. Tanner...

In this episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast, we continue our Pre-Dental Minute series with Haneen, a pre-dental student and certified dental assistant applying for the 2026 cycle. We discuss what dental schools really look for in applicants, the importance of meaningful experiences, and how to prepare for common interview questions. We also cover what questions to ask schools during intervi...

In this new Q&A format of the Dental School Guide Podcast , Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with Adnan, a pre-dental student from Ottawa, Canada , to answer real questions about the dental school admissions process. We discuss what international and Canadian students should know when applying to U.S. dental schools and what Canadian schools look for in applicants. Adnan shares his perspective as...

In this episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast, Dr. Tanner Townsend speaks with Dr. Allison Wright (Dean of Admissions), Rebekah (Student Affairs Officer and Pre-Dental Recruiter), and Missy (Assistant Director of Admissions & Registrar) from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. We explore what makes UK Dentistry unique — from tutoring and academic support services to clinical...

In this episode, Dr. Tanner Townsend sits down with Jake from Dentist Advisors to break down everything dental students and new dentists need to know about student loans and financial planning. We cover the differences between federal and private loans, how subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans work, and the impact of interest accrual while in school. Jake also explains repayment plans, the recent stu...