For internationally trained dentists
1-on-1 interview and bench test preparation from Dr. Liji Mathew, DMD, a U.S.-trained, currently practicing dentist. Walk into your bench test and interview prepared and confident.
Meet your mentor
Dr. Mathew is a U.S.-trained, currently practicing dentist. She mentors internationally trained dentists who want to continue their careers in the United States.
Advanced standing programs choose from a large pool of qualified dentists. What sets candidates apart is how they perform on the bench test and in the interview. Dr. Mathew knows what U.S. faculty look for in a preparation, an ethical dilemma and a "Why our school?" answer, and she coaches each candidate personally until they're ready.
The road map
Most foreign-trained dentists go through an advanced standing program: usually 2 to 3 years at a U.S. dental school, ending in a DDS or DMD. Here are the typical steps. Requirements vary by school, so always confirm with each program.
Order a course-by-course evaluation of your dental degree. CAAPID uses ECE. Start early, because transcripts can take months.
Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination, which most programs require.
TOEFL iBT is the most common requirement, and some schools accept IELTS. Minimum scores vary.
One centralized application plus each school's supplemental items: personal statement, letters and U.S. clinical exposure.
The step that most often decides an offer. Shortlisted applicants are tested hands-on and interviewed. This is where we specialize.
Complete the program, pass a clinical licensure exam and meet your state board's requirements to practice.
Services & training
Bench test deep-dive
The bench (psychomotor) test is a timed, hands-on exam, usually on a typodont in a simulation lab. It shows faculty how you handle instruments, follow criteria and work under pressure. Common elements include:
Procedures differ by school. We train for the exact list your invitation specifies.
Interview deep-dive
Interviewers look for more than clinical knowledge. They want to see judgment, ethics, communication and fit. Many strong clinicians lose offers because their answers are generic, too long or out of step with U.S. patient-centred care.
How it works
Tell us about your degree, exam status, target schools and timeline.
Get a session plan focused on your gaps: interview, bench test or both.
Practise with feedback until you're ready for test day.
FAQ
Dentists who earned their degree outside the U.S. and want to apply to advanced standing (international dentist) DDS/DMD programs. It suits first-time applicants and reapplicants, and works at any stage, from planning to the week before your bench test.
Before you receive an invitation. Invitations can arrive with only a few weeks' notice, and hand skills take time to sharpen. Most candidates start while their CAAPID application is being processed.
Both. Interview prep works very well over video. For bench test prep, we review technique online and give feedback on photos and video of your preparations. In-person typodont sessions can be arranged.
It depends on your starting point and your test dates. Interview prep is often 3 to 6 sessions. Bench test prep varies with the procedures your schools require. You'll get a recommended plan after your consultation.
No one can honestly guarantee admission. Admission decisions belong to each school. What we offer is focused, expert preparation that makes you a much stronger candidate on the steps that matter most.
Our core coaching is the bench test, the interview and application strategy. We're happy to share study strategy and help you plan an exam timeline as part of mentorship.
Fees depend on the services and number of sessions. Book a free consultation and we'll recommend a plan and give you a quote.
Have another question?
Limited spots available
Book a free consultation. Tell us where you are in the process and we'll build a plan to get you ready.
