Pre-Admissions

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you

May 14, 2021

Donna Armstrong

Owner and Board Member

 

 

 

This is a quote from Fred DeVito that I have heard several times. Many people may not like to be challenged. Maybe for them, it equates to something they perceive as being hard, unpleasant, or extra work. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to get better, to be better. Challenges make us stronger even if we fail. We try again, this time knowing so much more than before and therefore having a higher chance of success. Sometimes challenges are teaching us to close one door and open another.

 

A dental school applicant is working on excellence in academics, studying to take the DAT, shadowing a dentist, and preparing the dental school application. Yes, that is quite a load but guess what? EVERY applicant is doing the same thing. What makes you different? Students I have had the pleasure of assisting in our PreDental psychomotor Simodont course walk away proud, and confident with their hand skill assessment. They have told me it made a difference during their dental school interview process because they knew, not only that they could develop their skills further, but that they also enjoyed doing dentistry. There is so much power in small accomplishments and successful people always show up for the challenge. Many, many experts have expressed their support of developing hand skills prior to dental school. Just because something is not required, doesn’t mean it’s not needed. Show up and stand out.  Embrace change and the challenges that ignite it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Admission Hand Skills Course

The Pre-Admissions Hand Skills Course and Assessment provides 6-hours of hand skill training and assessment.  Students work their way through a series of blocks that mimic restorative and prosthodontics procedures using both direct and indirect vision.  Passing this course means you have the hand skills to become a dental professional. It is the only test provided that accurately evaluates hand skills prior to dental school or a hygiene program.  The course is a self-guided and is taught using the Simodont Dental Trainer.  Students schedule six, 1-hour courses, typically over a 6–10-week period.  Also included is the Pre-Admissions Learning Subscription.

Pre-Admission Subscription

The Pre-Admissions Subscription provides 22-didactic courses, 4-formative exams, 1-summative exam, preparation for your application, personal statement, admissions interview, and career options.  The course also includes a 50% discount on the Pre-Admissions Hand Skills Course.

Pre-Admissions Boot Camp

The Boot Camp is a 4-day student experience including a 4-hour hand skill course and assessment, 22-didactic courses, 4-formative exams, 1-summative exam, preparation for your application, personal statement, admissions interview, and a summary of career options. 

International Dentist Program

The International Dentist Program supports Internationally trained dentists who wish to be admitted to a dental school, an Advance Standing Program, or an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program. 

The Pre-Admissions Bootcamp provides a combination of both the hand skill building and assessment course with the full didactic learning curriculum for Pre-Admissions.  The bootcamp is a live event that also incorporates team activities and guest speakers and is a great way to learn with fellow students.  If you prefer to learn on your own the hand skills building and assessment course and the learning subscription provide that alternative way to learn.

Students interested in applying to a dental program do not know if they are truly qualified to be a dentist or dental hygienist. Our Pre-Admission Programs provide a comprehensive look at a day-in-the life of a dental professional so that high school and undergraduate students can explore the profession and plan accordingly for college applications. Through the didactic and hand skill courses, you will determine if you have the required aptitude and psychomotor skills for dentistry and can effectively weigh your interest in pursuing a dental career.   The Pre-Admission Program gives you a competitive advantage in the dental school or dental hygiene program admissions process.

Promethean Dental Systems provides the only comprehensive International Dentist Program with an NDBE-like academic exam and a hand skill challenge exam to provide you with a competitive advantage as an International Dentist.  It is a three-part course that provides an opportunity to learn with the objectives of providing evidence of: 1) Academic Performance and 2) Clinical Performance and creating a competitive by improving applications and personal statements, as well as preparing International Dentists for behavioral admissions interviews, and providing insights and analytics on future career options.  Once purchased International Dentists have 12 months to complete the course objectives.

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Clinical cases are simulated using Typodonts (Manikins) and the Simodont (Virtual Reality/Haptic Dental Trainer). Evidence of performance is provided using objective machine grading.  Clinical cases include: 

  • Restorative Preparations and Fills:  #4DO and #14DO
  • Endodontic Access Openings: 
  • Prosthodontics Preparations and Crown: #9 and Bridge #3-5

The assessment is scheduled a minimum of 3 weeks in advance in one our PDS testing locations and can be taken anytime during the 12-month duration of the program. 

Lower Cost of Dental Education

Competitive Advantage for Admissions

Evidence of Hand Skills