I'm a foreign-trained dentist from Saint Petersburg, Russia, and just a few years ago, I had no idea how the U.S. dental licensing system worked. I moved here with a dream and no roadmap — and I had to figure everything out from scratch.
Despite the odds, I got accepted into three top Advanced Standing Programs in my very first application cycle:
📍 USC, NYU, and Rutgers — and was waitlisted at Loma Linda University.
My journey wasn't easy. I studied hard, worked long hours, and stayed focused — and I believe you can do the same.
Here's a quick snapshot of what helped me stand out:
- TOEFL scores: 107 and 105
- Passed INBDE on the first and only attempt
- GPA: 3.5 (U.S. converted)
- 6 years of clinical practice and teaching experience in my home country
- U.S. registered dental assistant (RDA) license and hands-on experience working in U.S. clinics
- Led hands-on workshops and presented at dental events and online educational platforms in the U.S.
- Took on a leadership role at a U.S.-based dental startup focused on surgical innovation and education
- Submitted my CAAPID application early (March)
- Strong bench test skills — passed on the first attempt
Throughout the process, I've helped many other international dentists refine their personal statements, choose the right schools, and build their unique narrative.
I have created step-by-step resources and content to support dentists like you through this process — on YouTube, Instagram, and through the guides about becoming a dentist in the U.S.
How to Choose the Right Dental Schools for an Advanced Standing Program
Choosing the right dental schools is one of the most important decisions as an international dentist applying to Advanced Standing Programs (ASPs) in the U.S.
This guide doesn't just give you a list of school — it gives you a complete decision-making system designed to help you increase your chances of acceptance, save money on applications, and avoid wasting months applying blindly.
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The Ultimate INBDE + TOEFL Exam Guide for International Dentists
The only guide you need to prepare confidently for the two most critical exams on your U.S. dental journey: the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Exam) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Whether you're just starting or already prepping, this all-in-one resource gives you everything you need — from latest test updates and study materials to free resources, strategy hacks, and exclusive community links.
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Signature Application Pack: Letters of Recommendation + Personal Statement Strategy Guide for Dental Schools
This is your ultimate blueprint to mastering two of the most misunderstood but critical pieces of the U.S. dental school application: Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and your Personal Statement.
Created specifically for foreign-trained dentists applying to Advanced Standing Programs (ASPs), this guide helps you avoid vague praise and generic essays—and instead tells your unique story with structure, clarity, and strategy.
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Interview & Bench Test Strategy Pack: Ace Every Format, Every School, with Confidence
This guide was created for one purpose: to help foreign-trained dentists applying to U.S. dental schools ace their interviews and bench tests without being overwhelmed.
From mock interviews to prep checklists to the exact tools you'll need—this guide walks you through everything so you don't waste time guessing what schools expect. Whether you're facing MMIs, PBLs, or a wax carving test you didn't see coming, you'll be prepared—with clarity, confidence, and the tools to perform your best.
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The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Dentist in the U.S.
Want to Become a Dentist in the U.S.? Start with the Guide That Could Change Everything. Your shortcut to success: insider knowledge, strategy, templates, and tools no one else is sharing.
Start with the Guide That Could Change Everything
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