Dental School Guide Podcast

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...

Dr. Tanner Townsend talks with Lauryn from Student Loan Planner about the smartest ways for dental students and new dentists to manage and repay dental school debt. We cover federal vs. private loans, income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs, refinancing, and how recent policy changes could impact student loans moving forward. Lauryn shares actionable strategies to save money, redu...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Michael, a recently accepted dental student at Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine . Michael shares his unconventional path to dental school—including taking the DAT later than planned and the emotional toll of not getting in right away. Rather than giving up, Michael stayed focused, strengthened his application, and stayed persistent...

In this episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast , we sit down with Karoline, a pre-dental student from Boston who recently got accepted to NYU College of Dentistry. Karoline opens up about the uncertainty and overwhelm she felt during the dental school application process — from not knowing where to start, to preparing for interviews and tackling the KIRA assessment. She shares how Dental Schoo...

In this episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast , we chat with a recently accepted student at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine whose journey to dental school is all about perseverance and purpose. Her passion for dentistry started in high school during a simple dental visit — the moment she saw a filling being placed, she knew she had found her calling. While her path wasn’t easy —...

In this inspiring episode of the Dental School Guide Podcast , we sit down with Taia, a newly accepted student at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Taia shares how her own dental transformation as a patient ignited her passion for creating confident smiles. She opens up about a family crisis that caused her grades to dip — and how she bounced back with a perfect GPA in her master’s prog...

In this episode of Dental School Guide Podcast , we sit down with the admissions team from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine to explore what makes their program stand out. From cutting-edge training with AI simulation technology to extensive hands-on experience outside the classroom during the fourth year, CU Dental is redefining how future dentists are prepared. We also dive in...