My Journey To ASPID

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Before pursuing dentistry in the United States, I had already spent years studying, teaching, and practicing in India. I completed my BDS in 2005 and my MDS in 2010, and worked as a professor in prosthodontics while running a clinical practice part time. My desire to continue learning and pursue excellence in dentistry inspired me to take the next step toward a dental education in the United States.

The Advanced Standing application process was long, complex, and sometimes overwhelming. Different schools required different documents and formats, and waiting for invitations demanded patience. Rejection, however softly presented, hits hard. Receiving rejections in succession brought doubts, but the work I had invested, professional guidance I trusted, and support from family and friends helped me remain hopeful.

Throughout my preparation, I was fortunate to receive guidance from Dr Rohit Basson. His support extended from the application process and communicating with schools to interview preparation, personal presentation, demonstrations, and practical exercises. Building confidence mattered in every part of the journey—both in how I presented myself during interviews and in how I performed during bench examinations.

What helped me most was guided, repeated practice with careful evaluation and correction. Repetition is valuable, but understanding where you are making mistakes and how to improve is equally important. Looking back, I also wish I had understood earlier how much familiarity with U.S. dental techniques, equipment, and clinical workflows could contribute to preparation.

When I learned that I had been accepted into ASPID, I was on cloud nine—elated and grateful to see sustained effort and support lead to that moment. My white coat ceremony felt like living a dream I had carried since beginning my INBDE preparation. Now, as an ASPID student, I am impressed by the faculty’s commitment to excellence and the effort devoted to helping students from different clinical and academic backgrounds learn together.

Based on my own experience, I appreciate Astra Test Prep’s emphasis on repeated hands-on training, evaluation, correction, and practice that reflects the examination environment. Exposure to a U.S. dental practice can also help applicants understand the approach to care they will encounter. My advice to another international dentist is to work sincerely, stay informed, and seek guidance early. Knowing what to focus on—and where improvement is needed—can make a demanding journey feel more manageable.

About this story: Dr Gurpreet received personal guidance from Dr Basson before Astra Test Prep was established. She did not attend the Astra program; her comments reflect her own journey and her perspective on Astra’s approach.