2-Day DDS Workshop: Advanced Standing Dental Program Preparation
DAY 1: Foundations & Application Strategy (Didactic)
Objective
Provide participants with a complete understanding of:
Session Breakdown
Session 1: Overview of U.S. Dental Education System 
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Session 2: Application Components Deep Dive 10:15 – 11:30 AM
Session 3: Building a Strong Application 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Session 4: Bench Test Overview 2:00 – 3:15 PM
Session 5: Interview Preparation 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Session 6: Financial Planning & Visa Guidance 4:30 – 5:15 PM
Day 1 Outcome
Participants leave with:
DAY 2: Hands-On Bench Preparation
Objective
Provide practical exposure to U.S.-style bench exams with guided faculty feedback.
Session Breakdown
Session 1: Introduction to Bench Setup 9:00 – 9:30 AM
Session 2: Crown Preparation 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Faculty feedback provided in real-time Lunch Break 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Session 3: Class II Cavity Preparations 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Session 4: Restorations & Finishing 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Session 5: Mock Bench Exam + Evaluation 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Day 2 Outcome
Participants gain:
Assistant Director | International Dentist Education Program(IDEP) | Associate Professor | UT Health San Antonio
Meet Dr. Poornima Kumar Mensinkai, a distinguished clinical educator and academic leader with over two decades of experience advancing dental education and student success. Born in Bangalore, India, she earned her BDS from Karnataka University and went on to complete her MS in Clinical Investigation and Ph.D. in Translational Science at UT Health San Antonio.
Dr. Mensinkai serves as Associate Professor/Clinical at UT Dentistry and Assistant Director of the International Dentist Education Program (IDEP). In 2024, she was appointed Director of South Asian Academic Initiatives, leading global partnerships and international programming.
A passionate educator, she directs preclinical restorative and prosthodontic courses, CE hand-skills training, and pre-doctoral observerships. She is deeply committed to mentoring IDEP scholars, students, and faculty, and has guided research presented at national meetings. Her global work includes developing MOUs, joining mayor-led delegations to India, and strengthening international academic pathways — earning her induction into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Fellowship in the International College of Dentistry, and recognition as an Emerging Leader.
Assistant Director | International Dentist Education Program(IDEP) | Associate Professor | UT Health San Antonio |
Your questions answered
This workshop is specifically designed for foreign-trained dentists (BDS or equivalent) who are planning to apply to U.S. Advanced Standing DDS/DMD programs. No prior U.S. experience is required — in fact, the program is built to give you exactly the kind of foundation, exposure, and hands-on practice you need to confidently begin your application journey.
Absolutely. Day 2 begins with a complete introduction to bench setup, including armamentarium overview, typodont orientation, and infection control basics — so even first-time users start on equal footing. Faculty provide real-time guidance and feedback throughout every exercise, ensuring you build confidence step by step, regardless of your starting point.
The workshop covers every major touchpoint admissions committees evaluate — from CAAPID applications, SOPs, and LORs to bench exam performance and interview readiness. You’ll leave with a clear application roadmap, a draft SOP framework, hands-on bench exposure graded using U.S. rubrics, and personalized feedback — giving you a measurable advantage over candidates preparing on their own.
You’ll receive both. While didactic sessions are delivered to the full group, the hands-on Day 2 includes real-time faculty feedback during every exercise and a final mock bench exam where each participant is graded individually using U.S. evaluation standards. You walk away with personalized insights into your strengths and the specific areas to refine before your actual bench test.
By the end of the program, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your U.S. dental school application, a draft Statement of Purpose framework, a strong understanding of bench test expectations, hands-on confidence with U.S.-style preparations, familiarity with U.S. grading rubrics, and personalized faculty feedback — equipping you to move forward with clarity and confidence.
This workshop is designed for internationally trained dentists, BDS graduates, and dental professionals who want to pursue DDS programs, bench tests, or dental licensure opportunities in the USA.
The workshop covers advanced dental program preparation, DDS admission guidance, bench test preparation, case discussions, interview strategies, SOP guidance, and hands-on insights into the U.S. dental system.
Yes, participants will receive practical insights, preparation strategies, and expert guidance for common bench test exercises and evaluation criteria used by U.S. dental schools.
Take the first step toward your U.S. dental career — register now.
