Introducing a New Voice on Avalener: Pre-Dental Perspectives
A Guest Post by Shoshana Ellis
One thing I have always believed is that dental health education does not stop at the patient chair. It starts long before that, with the students, the dreamers, and the future clinicians who are figuring out their path right now.
That is why I am excited to open up this space to voices from across the dental world, starting with pre-dental students who are in the thick of it.
Shoshana recently graduated from Stern College for Women with a degree in Biology and Arts and Sciences, and is currently working as a dental assistant while preparing to start at Touro College of Dental Medicine this June.
She put together a practical, honest roadmap for anyone navigating the pre-dental journey, and I think it is exactly the kind of content this community needs.
Take it away, Shoshana.
My name is Shoshana. I graduated from Stern College for Women last June with a degree in Biology and Arts and Sciences. I am currently working as a dental assistant and I can’t wait to start at Touro College of Dental Medicine this upcoming June.
Preparing for dental school begins with being thoughtful and intentional from the start. One of the most important parts of the process is carefully planning out the prerequisite courses required by dental schools, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, genetics, and physics. Mapping out each semester in advance helps you stay organized, avoid unnecessary stress, and make smarter academic decisions. It is also important to be realistic when building your schedule. Taking too many difficult science courses at once can become overwhelming, while balancing heavier classes with lighter electives can help you maintain a strong GPA and perform at your best.
At the same time, what you do outside of the classroom matters just as much. Getting involved in clubs, organizations, and leadership roles allows you to grow in ways that grades alone cannot show. These experiences help build responsibility, communication, and teamwork, while also showing dental schools that you are a well-rounded applicant with interests and commitments beyond academics.
Research can also be a valuable part of the pre-dental path. Participating in a laboratory or contributing to a research project shows intellectual curiosity, discipline, and the ability to think critically. It also helps strengthen the analytical skills that are so important in science and healthcare.
Service is another meaningful part of the journey. Volunteering in underprivileged schools or communities reflects a commitment to helping others and improving access to care. Experiences like these help build empathy, which is one of the most important qualities in dentistry. They also serve as a reminder that dentistry is not only about science and skill, but also about caring for people in a meaningful way.
Just as important is making time for personal wellness and hobbies. Whether that means working out, painting, or finding other creative outlets, having balance is essential. These activities help prevent burnout, create space to recharge, and make it easier to stay motivated throughout college and the application process.
Another important part of preparing for dental school is building relationships early. Staying in touch with professors, department heads, and pre-health advisors over time can make a big difference when it comes time to ask for a committee letter or letters of recommendation. Strong relationships are built gradually, and making that effort early on can be incredibly helpful later.
When it comes to the DAT, timing is also important. It is best to take the exam after completing key prerequisite courses, especially organic chemistry, general chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics. Using structured resources such as DAT Booster or DAT Bootcamp, along with taking multiple full-length practice exams, can help build both confidence and stamina. Success on the DAT comes not only from knowing the material, but also from being prepared for the pace and endurance the exam requires.
Finally, the personal statement is where all of these experiences come together. It should reflect the moments that genuinely shaped your decision to pursue dentistry, whether through clinical exposure, leadership, service, or personal growth. More than anything, it should feel honest. Admissions committees want to understand your story, your motivation, and the experiences that led you to this path.
Want to read more from Shoshana? Check out her published research here: https://www.yumeddentjournal.com/copy-of-kymriah-a-car-t-cell-therapy-1
