Top 5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Student Stand Out on Dental School Applications

Written By DSD .

Getting accepted into dental school is more competitive than ever. Strong grades and test scores are essential, but admissions committees also look for well-rounded students who demonstrate maturity, commitment, and leadership. As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child prepare not only academically but also personally and professionally.

Here are the top five ways parents can help their student stand out on dental school applications.

1. Encourage Early and Consistent DAT Preparation

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is one of the biggest factors in the admissions process. A strong score can open doors to more interviews and scholarships. Parents can help by:

  • Providing a quiet, structured study environment

  • Supporting their child’s decision to invest in DAT tutoring for personalized guidance

  • Encouraging a realistic study schedule that prevents last-minute cramming

A competitive DAT score shows admissions committees that your student is ready for the rigor of dental school.

2. Support Shadowing and Volunteering Opportunities

Admissions committees want to see evidence that applicants truly understand what it means to be a dentist. Parents can assist by:

  • Helping their student find shadowing opportunities with local dentists

  • Encouraging participation in community service and volunteer work

  • Offering to provide transportation or networking connections if needed

These experiences not only strengthen the application but also give students meaningful stories to share in interviews.

3. Help Your Student Stay Organized With Deadlines

Dental school applications through AADSAS require transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and detailed activity lists. Missing a deadline can hurt an otherwise strong application. Parents can:

  • Gently remind their student about key dates without taking over

  • Encourage the use of checklists or calendars

  • Offer support in tracking required documents

Staying on top of the process allows students to submit early, which is crucial in a rolling admissions system.

4. Encourage Strong Writing and Communication Skills

Beyond grades and scores, personal statements and supplemental essays show who the applicant really is. Parents can:

  • Offer to proofread for grammar and clarity (without rewriting)

  • Ask thoughtful questions to help their student reflect on experiences

  • Suggest professional guidance if their child struggles to express themselves effectively

Strong writing skills help students stand out and show maturity to admissions committees.

5. Invest in Professional Advising and Tutoring

While parents provide emotional support, expert guidance can make the difference between a good application and a great one. At Dental School Declassified, our licensed dentists offer:

  • DAT tutoring with strategies proven to boost scores

  • Application advising to help students present their experiences effectively

  • Mock interviews to build confidence and polish communication skills

This combination of parental support and professional expertise ensures that students are fully prepared to compete for a seat in dental school.

Final Thoughts

As a parent, your involvement is a powerful asset. By encouraging strong study habits, supporting real-world experiences, helping with organization, and investing in expert resources, you can give your student every advantage in the admissions process.

At Dental School Declassified, we specialize in helping pre-dental students excel with personalized tutoring and advising. Together, we can make your child’s dream of becoming a dentist a reality.

Ready to give your student an edge? [Schedule a session with Dental School Declassified today.]

DSD .
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