In my interview with Cintia, I learned about her remarkable three-year journey of applying to advanced standing dental programs in the U.S. After facing rejection twice, she transformed her application, bench test skills, and interview performance — and was finally accepted to the University of North Carolina (UNC) and the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). While she was invited to even more schools, she decided to stop accepting additional interview invitations.

🎥 In this video interview, you’ll hear:

  • Why her first attempts didn’t lead to interviews — and what she changed
  • How professional guidance reshaped her personal statement & CAAPID application
  • The big mistake she made at her first bench test (and how she bounced back)
  • How online Bench Test Mastery gave her the skills to pass and receive comments from the program director about how well she did on her bench test
  • How Interview Mastery helped her prepare for tricky interview questions and helped her discuss weaknesses in her profile
  • Real advice on TOEFL, GPA concerns, and preparing for unexpected invitations

Cintia’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of strategic preparation. For two years, she applied to US dental residency programs, receiving zero interview invitations. Feeling disheartened but undeterred, she knew she needed a change of approach. Her third year marked a complete transformation, leading to acceptance into not one, but two prestigious programs: the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and the University of North Carolina.

The Turning Point: Professional Guidance

Cintia’s breakthrough came from seeking professional help. She initially relied on self-editing and feedback from acquaintances, but realized her personal statement and CAAPID application weren’t effectively communicating her qualifications. Working with International Dentist Central, she discovered the crucial difference between writing clearly and writing effectively for the admissions committee. Kevin, her mentor at IDC, helped her understand how her materials were perceived, guiding her to rewrite them in a way that resonated with the schools’ expectations. The result? A completely revamped personal statement and CAAPID application that showcased her skills and experience far more compellingly.

Navigating the Bench Test Hurdle

Cintia’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. Her first bench test, prepared for using an online course, resulted in failure. This setback, however, became a catalyst for improvement. She enrolled in Dr. Alyssa’s intensive bench test preparation course, which provided comprehensive video instruction, personalized feedback on her practice preps, and guidance on taking high-quality photographs for review. This structured approach, combined with consistent practice and professional feedback, ultimately led to success on subsequent bench tests. Cintia emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and professional feedback over shorter, more expensive in-person courses.

Mastering the Interview Process

Cintia’s interview preparation was equally strategic. Working with Kevin, she developed a framework for answering even the most unexpected questions. She learned how to:

  • Handle unknown questions gracefully: When faced with a question about a situation she’d never encountered, she smoothly pivoted to a related experience, showcasing her adaptability and problem-solving skills.
  • Highlight her strengths: She learned how to present herself authentically while strategically directing the conversation to highlight her best qualities.
  • Prepare for potential weaknesses: Although Cintia had a slightly lower GPA (2.94), she chose not to dwell on it in her application. She was prepared to address it if asked during an interview, focusing instead on her substantial experience and strong performance in other areas.

Cintia’s Key Takeaways and Advice for Aspiring Applicants:

  • Prioritize a strong TOEFL score: Aim for a score above 100 to maximize your application’s competitiveness. The TOEFL preparation process itself also builds valuable skills in quick thinking and calm performance under pressure.
  • Invest in professional help for your personal statement: A well-crafted personal statement is crucial for capturing the attention of admissions committees. Professional guidance can transform a good application into a compelling narrative that sets you apart.
  • Master the bench test: Consistent practice, professional feedback, and detailed understanding of the requirements are key to success. Focus on the nuances that truly distinguish excellent work from adequate work.
  • Be prepared for rapid responses: Residency programs often provide short notice for interviews and bench tests, making promptness and preparedness crucial.

Cintia’s journey highlights the importance of targeted preparation, professional guidance, and a resilient spirit. With determination and a strategic approach, the seemingly insurmountable challenges of the US dental residency application process can be overcome. Her success is an inspiration to all aspiring international dentists.