A dental school letter of intent is a formal, concise statement written by a prospective student to express their sincere interest, motivation, and commitment to pursuing a dental education at a specific institution. This letter, addressed to the dean or director of admissions, complements other application materials, such as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.

It is an opportunity for the student to showcase their passion for dentistry, relevant achievements, and suitability for the dental profession and to explain what they intend to bring to the program. Although similar to a medical school LOI, a dental school LOI is specifically focused on acceptance into the field of dentistry.

If you haven’t heard back from your top-choice school or were placed on a waitlist, send a letter of intent a month or two after your interview.
It’s best to send the letter later in the admissions season, after interviewing at multiple schools, to show you’ve considered all options and are certain about this school.
You can send more than one letter to your top-choice school, with at least a two-week gap, and only if you have significant updates to share in the second letter.
A second letter may be sent if more than two months have passed and you have important updates.
Typically, it is sent to a single school, so wait until you have all acceptance or waitlist notifications before making your decision.

Table of Contents

What Matters Most for Dental School Admissions
Dental School Letter of Intent Sample
Related Forms

What Matters Most for Dental School Admissions

Here’s what admissions committees are looking for in your application:

Genuine Passion for Dentistry

Share Your Story: Talk about what inspired your interest in dentistry.
- Example: “Growing up, I was fascinated by my dentist, who transformed my smile and boosted my confidence. This experience ignited my passion for dentistry and my desire to help others achieve similar transformations.”
Articulate Your Goals: Explain how you want to make a difference in oral health.
- Example: “I aim to specialize in pediatric dentistry to ensure children have positive dental experiences, setting the foundation for lifelong oral health.”

Academic Excellence

Relevant Courses: Mention any dental-related courses or academic achievements.
- Example: “I excelled in my Anatomy and Physiology classes, earning top grades. These courses deepened my understanding of the human body, particularly oral health, and solidified my interest in dentistry.”
Research Projects: If you’ve been involved in research, describe your projects and what you learned from them.
- Example: “During my undergraduate studies, I participated in a research project on dental biofilms. This experience taught me valuable research skills and provided insight into the complexities of oral bacteria and their impact on dental health.”

Practical Clinical Experience

Hands-On Experience: Detail any internships, shadowing, or work in dental clinics.
- Example: “I shadowed a dentist for 100 hours, observing various procedures such as root canals and fillings. This hands-on experience confirmed my passion for dentistry and taught me the importance of patient care and precision.”
Skill Development: Talk about the skills you’ve gained.
- Example: “Through my volunteer work at a free dental clinic, I learned how to interact with patients, assist in procedures, and manage dental records, preparing me for the demands of dental school.”

Key Personal Attributes

Empathy and Communication: Share examples of how you’ve demonstrated empathy and strong communication skills.
- Example: “As a volunteer at a local health fair, I provided dental hygiene education to children and their parents. My ability to communicate effectively and empathetically helped ease their anxieties and emphasized the importance of oral care.”
Lifelong Learning: Highlight your commitment to continuous education.
- Example: “I regularly attend dental workshops and webinars to stay updated on the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques. This ongoing education underscores my dedication to the field and my commitment to providing the best care possible.”

Extracurricular Involvement

Teamwork and Leadership: Discuss any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that required teamwork or leadership.
- Example: “As president of the Pre-Dental Club at my university, I organized events, coordinated guest speakers, and facilitated study groups. These leadership experiences enhanced my organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively.”
Community Service: Showcase your dedication to serving others.
- Example: “I volunteered with ‘Smile for a Cause,’ a program providing free dental care to underserved communities. This experience reinforced my commitment to serving others and addressing dental health disparities.”