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 and hand skills, and the role of mentorship in building confidence and direction. Dr. Tanner Townsend also shares advice on handling imposter syndrome, spotting hidden resources for pre-dentals, and filtering through the bad advice that circulates in pre-dental circles.

Tune in for honest conversation, real questions, and practical insights every aspiring dentist needs to hear.

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 rigor decoded: a day in the sim lab, how hard it hits, and how to keep up

Lessons from years 1–2: the stuff he wishes he knew before starting

What’s next: gearing up for clinical experience in St. Louis

Culture check: why “the whole school is inclusive—anybody is welcome”

If you’re eyeing A.T. Still—or you want a realistic D1/D2 blueprint—this episode compresses your learning curve. Listen, take notes, and steal what works.

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 they hit, and what a typical week looks like

Wins and gut-punches: early challenges, small triumphs, and how she’s adapting fast

Habits that keep you sharp: why waking up early is a competitive edge—and how to protect your mental health with guilt-free breaks

If you’re applying in Texas—or headed there—this episode compresses your learning curve. Listen, take notes, and steal the playbook.

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 flags most applicants miss.

Financial landmines before dental school—and simple ways to save money before dental school.

Listen if you want admissions to think “this is exactly who we want,” not “another 3.8 with nothing to say.” Then execute. Winners win because they decide to.

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 application shows the best version of you.

Tune in to learn what makes the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry unique and how to stand out as an applicant.

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 emotions and expectations of beginning this journey. We cover the steep learning curve, the amount of information thrown at you, and what they’ve already learned in their first month.

The students also talk about sim lab experiences, the advanced tech and simulation units at PNWU, class structure, and the strong support system they’ve found. Finally, they offer advice to the next class: “Lead with your heart, enjoy the tough times, and be willing to put yourself out there.”

Tune in to hear what it’s really like to begin dental school, straight from PNWU’s very first class.

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 candidates should know about eligibility, the application process, and selection criteria. Major Sandifer also explains the realities of career opportunities, residencies, deployment concerns, and what dental school life is like under the scholarship.

Major Sandifer’s advice? “This is a great opportunity — at least try for it. Talk to a recruiter, do an application, and leave your options open.”

Tune in for insider insights on Army dentistry, scholarships, and careers that could change your path as a future dentist.

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/medical/amedd-scholarship

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 Townsend about interview preparation, networking with faculty, and how to stand out beyond academics.

Tune in for real pre-dental questions answered with practical advice to strengthen your dental school application.

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 interviews to stand out as a strong candidate.

Tune in to hear real pre-dental insights and tips you can apply to your own journey.

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 a fourth-year undergraduate navigating the process, while Dr. Townsend provides tips, tricks, and strategies to help students increase their chances of getting accepted the first time they apply.

Listen now for insider advice on applying to dental school as a Canadian or international student — and learn how to stand out in a competitive process.