How I Got Into One of the Top U.S. Dental Schools (And Made It Work Financially)

Just a few years ago, I was like many of you—dreaming of continuing my dental career in the U.S., but overwhelmed by the cost, process, and unknowns.

Fast forward to today: I got accepted to one of the top dental schools in the U.S., and two more as well! I didn't have a trust fund or perfect English—but I built a plan, stayed focused, and found a way.

This guide is for foreign-trained dentists wondering: "Is it possible to afford this journey without scholarships or support?" Yes, it is—and I'll show you how I approached it.

The Challenges I Faced

When I first moved to the U.S. in 2019, I had:

• No idea how to navigate the licensing process
• Limited English and no U.S. degree
• No job, no network, and a tight budget
• A long list of doubts and no roadmap

I didn't have the answers. But I started asking better questions—and building a strategy to make my dream happen step by step.

What Helped Me Move Forward (Despite the Cost)

• Picked the Right Schools – Focused on ones that were worth the investment: great reputation, location, outcomes, and strong international student support
• Worked Before Applying – Became a dental assistant, learned the U.S. system, and saved money while strengthening my profile
• Took My Time – I didn't rush. I prepared thoroughly, passed my exams once, and made sure my application was strong before applying
• Focused on ROI – This wasn't just an education—it was a career move. I treated it like a long-term investment

How to Make U.S. Dental School Affordable (Even Without Scholarships)

Advanced Standing Programs are expensive—yes. But there are real strategies to help you manage the cost wisely:

Choose Your Schools Strategically

• Compare tuition, living costs, and program length
• Don't assume prestige = better outcome
• Consider public vs. private, low-cost cities vs. high-cost ones

Work Legally Before Dental School

• Get certified as a dental assistant (RDA or CDA depending on the state)
• Gain clinical and communication skills while saving money
• Build connections and references for your future application

Start Early with Financial Planning

• Research private loan options for international students (e.g., MPOWER, Prodigy, partner institutions)
• Prepare your co-signer or explore non-cosigner options if available
• Track your expenses and savings from the start

Boost Your Profile to Get Accepted Fast

• The sooner you get in, the less you'll spend retaking exams or reapplying
• Stand out with strong essays, interview prep, and a clear professional story
• Show schools you're serious, prepared, and ready to contribute

Think Long-Term ROI

• Focus on what you'll gain after graduation: salary, location, specialty options, job prospects
• This is an investment into your future—plan it like one

Build an Online Income Early (Yes, Even Before You Apply)

If you're a foreign-trained dentist preparing for dental school in the U.S., one of the smartest things you can do is start building an online income source as early as possible. It might not pay for your whole tuition—but it can relieve financial pressure, cover living costs, or even pay for exam fees.

Let's break down the most realistic options:

💻 Start a Blog or YouTube Channel

You don't need a huge audience to start monetizing your content. If you document your journey, insights, or skills—especially around dentistry, study hacks, or life abroad—there's an audience for it.

• What to talk about? Your immigration story, your INBDE prep tips, your life in a new country, study routines, cultural challenges… even your favorite coffee routine.
• Why it works: People trust relatable stories more than polished experts.And with time, that trust becomes influence—and that influence becomes income (ads, collaborations, paid resources, consultations, etc.).

🎨 Monetize a Hobby or Skill

Ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy doing in my free time?
• What do people already ask me for help with?
• What could I do for hours without getting bored? It might be:
• Graphic design, journaling templates, or resume help
• Photography, crafts, music lessons
• Language tutoring, editing, or digital products on Gumroad or Etsy It doesn't need to be perfect. Just start small, share consistently, and improve as you go. Over time, this becomes a source of financial AND emotional support.

📈 Start Learning How to Invest (Smartly)

You don't need to be a finance wizard to start small:

• Learn the basics of index funds, high-yield savings, or Roth IRAs (if eligible)
• Explore safe beginner platforms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard
• Use resources like YouTube, books, or free financial newsletters to understand how money works in the U.S. The earlier you start—even with $50/month—the better your future will look.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Support

Many of us hesitate to ask for help. But remember: people who care about you may want to support your dream—they just need to know how.

Here's what you can do:

• Share your plan with family or close friends
• Be specific: what you need, why, and how they can help (support, connections, temporary housing, or financial help)
• If appropriate, invite them to be part of your journey—as co-investors in your success This isn't begging. It's building a support system for your long-term goal.

The Bottom Line

Before you even submit your application, you can:

• Create a small, consistent income stream
• Learn financial independence skills
• Build a supportive network that believes in your dream These actions won't just help you get through dental school. They'll help you own your journey, financially and personally.

Final Words of Advice

If you're serious about becoming a licensed dentist in the U.S., start thinking like a professional now—not just a student.

• 💡 Be resourceful
• 💡 Get support
• 💡 Treat this like a career move, not a dream

Because that's what it is—a life-changing career decision. And if you're ready to take your preparation to the next level, I've created something that can save you months of stress, thousands of dollars, and help you build a winning strategy from day one.

Want to Apply Smarter — Not Harder?

I've put together a powerful, research-backed resource called: How to Choose the Right Dental Schools for an Advanced Standing Program.

This guide will help you:

• Build a smart, balanced school list based on your background and goals
• Avoid wasting time and money on programs that don't match your profile
• Strategically increase your chances of acceptance
• Compare schools side-by-side using 25+ custom criteria
• Plan your application process with clarity and confidence

It also includes:

• ✔ A plug-and-play spreadsheet to organize your entire research process
• ✔ Direct links to every major resource you'll need
• ✔ School-specific tips for scholarships, visa support, clinical training, and more
• ✔ Insider mistakes to avoid that most applicants never hear about

You've already done the hard part—deciding to pursue your future in the U.S. Now let's make sure you apply smarter, faster, and more effectively.

Click here to get the guide + spreadsheet now. Save time. Save money. And move forward with strategy and confidence.

You've got this. Let's get you into dental school 🙌🦷