How Parents Can Support Their Child Through the Dental School Application Process
Applying to dental school is an exciting but challenging journey. For many students, this process can feel overwhelming—balancing coursework, preparing for the DAT, securing shadowing hours, and writing strong application essays. Parents play a powerful role in helping their child stay motivated, organized, and confident throughout the journey. If your son or daughter is a pre-dental student, here are practical ways you can support them during the dental school application process.
1. Understand the Timeline
The dental school application cycle typically opens in May or June through AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service). Because applications are rolling, submitting early can give students a competitive edge. As a parent, familiarize yourself with the key milestones—DAT testing dates, application opening, interview season, and acceptance timelines—so you can remind and encourage your student without adding pressure.
2. Support DAT Preparation
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is one of the most important factors in the application. Students often underestimate the time and discipline required to prepare. Parents can help by:
Encouraging a consistent study schedule
Providing a quiet, distraction-free environment
Investing in professional DAT tutoring or study resources to maximize performance
Checking in on their mental health during long study stretches
A strong DAT score can dramatically improve acceptance chances, making this an area where parental support is invaluable.
3. Encourage Shadowing and Volunteering Opportunities
Admissions committees want to see commitment to dentistry. Parents can leverage their networks or simply help brainstorm opportunities for shadowing dentists, volunteering at community clinics, or participating in service projects. These experiences help students confirm their passion for dentistry and strengthen their applications.
4. Provide Emotional Support
The process is stressful, and rejection is a possibility. Parents can be a steady source of encouragement by:
Listening without judgment
Offering reassurance during setbacks
Celebrating small wins (finishing the DAT, submitting the application, getting an interview invite)
Your confidence in them helps your student stay resilient.
5. Help with Organization (Without Taking Over)
Applications require transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and essays. Parents can gently remind their student of deadlines or offer to help track paperwork, but avoid taking full control. Instead, focus on providing accountability and guidance so your student feels ownership of the process.
6. Be Informed About the Costs
From DAT fees to application fees and interview travel, the costs of applying to dental school add up quickly. Parents can assist by budgeting ahead of time, discussing financial expectations openly, and helping their student explore scholarships or payment plans.
7. Consider Professional Advising
While parents provide support, students often need expert guidance to navigate the competitive admissions process. At Dental School Declassified, our team of licensed dentists offers personalized tutoring and advising to help pre-dental students excel on the DAT, strengthen their applications, and feel confident about their future. Parents who invest in professional support are giving their child the best possible chance of success.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, you are an important partner in your child’s journey to dental school. By providing emotional encouragement, organizational support, and investing in the right resources, you can help your student approach the process with confidence. The path to becoming a dentist is demanding—but with your support, your child won’t have to walk it alone.
