Graduate Outcomes

Since the program began in 2005, Boston University’s M.S. in Oral Health Sciences program has been successful in helping over 90% of its graduates gain acceptance to U.S. dental schools.

Dental School Admission

Alumni Testimonials

Karim: Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2030

My journey to dental school was not always as straightforward as I had imagined, but every step ultimately helped shape the student and future dentist I am today.

As I approached graduation from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, I applied to dental school believing I was ready for the next step. When the application cycle did not end the way I had hoped, I knew I needed an opportunity to strengthen myself academically and prove that I could succeed in a rigorous professional-school environment. That opportunity brought me to Boston University’s MS in Oral Health Sciences program.

OHS completely changed the way I approached school. Taking challenging biomedical science courses, including coursework alongside first-year dental students, pushed me to improve my time management, study strategies, discipline, and confidence. I entered the program hoping to strengthen my academic record, but I left as a much more capable and confident student who truly understood what it would take to succeed in dental school.

What makes OHS special, however, extends far beyond the classroom. I found a community of classmates who were pursuing the same dream and faculty who genuinely cared about seeing us reach it. Dr. Davies, Dr. Young, Dr. Bottenfield, Program Manager Andrew, and the entire OHS community provided mentorship and encouragement throughout a process that can otherwise feel incredibly uncertain. My classmates became some of my closest friends, and being surrounded by people who understood both the challenges and the goals of this journey made the experience that much more meaningful.

By the end of OHS, I had accomplished things academically and professionally that once seemed out of reach, and the opportunity I had worked toward for years finally became a reality. I was accepted to Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Going from sitting alongside dental students in OHS to becoming a D1 at GSDM myself made the journey especially meaningful.

Looking back, I would not change the path that brought me here. OHS was much more than a stepping stone to dental school. It was the year that showed me what I was capable of. The confidence, friendships, mentorship, and academic foundation I gained through OHS are things I will carry with me throughout dental school and into my future career.

Amal: Tufts School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2030

I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare as a young child, but I didn’t know which specialty interested me. People always find it a bit odd that I was inspired by my father, a cardiologist, to go into dentistry. But ‘oral health is the gateway to a healthy body’ was a phrase I heard my father repeat throughout my childhood. I didn’t really understand why he emphasized those words to me until I witnessed the effects of oral health on my body firsthand. Countless visits to the dentist and orthodontist made me realize I wanted to pursue dentistry, which deepened as I grew older and had the opportunity to shadow my pediatric dentist in the summer of 2021. These experiences ultimately solidified my desire to become a dentist.

My journey to dental school, however, was quite different from what I had expected. I had hoped to matriculate into dental school directly after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2023, but I recognized my application was not strong enough. I took the following year to strengthen my dental school application by completing additional prerequisites and preparing for the DAT. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out as expected. Although I did receive some interviews, I was ultimately waitlisted at several institutions on decision day. My world came crashing down in front of my eyes, but I remained hopeful that I would be taken off a waitlist. Truly, I had never even considered enrolling in an MS program until I received a personalized email saying I was a good fit for the Oral Health Sciences program. I applied in January and received an acceptance the following month. I had two weeks to accept, so I gave myself exactly two weeks to pay my deposit, hoping I would receive my dental school acceptance. When that didn’t happen, I started packing for Boston in May.

Looking back a year later, I can’t imagine my journey unfolding any other way. During my time in the OHS program, I met so many incredible people, formed some of my strongest friendships, and deepened my understanding of dentistry. I took rigorous coursework among dental students and faculty, attended the Yankee Dental Conference, and became involved with the SNDA as well as the Oral Health Sciences Student Advisory Committee. My time as an OHS student was truly indescribable, teaching me resilience, confidence, interpersonal skills, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community. I would recommend the program to any pre-dental student looking for a second chance, as the skills I learned in the program are ones I will carry with me throughout dental school and into my future career.

Today, I’m incredibly grateful to be a dental student at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, just up the street where my dental journey will now continue. I owe much of this achievement to my hard work in OHS and to the unwavering support of Dr. Davies, Dr. Young, Dr. Bottenfield, Andrew, my classmates, and future colleagues. As I begin my D1 year, I feel more prepared than ever, and I will forever cherish the friendships, mentorships, and community I found in the Oral Health Sciences program.

Ajay: Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2030

My path to dental school was far from linear — it was filled with challenges, doubts, and countless moments of introspection. I faced rejection after rejection, and there were times when my dream of becoming a dentist felt completely out of reach. Just as my hope began to fade, I discovered the Boston University Oral Health Sciences (OHS) program. Reading about how deeply the program invests in its students — how rigorous, structured, and devoted it is to helping them reach dental school — rekindled something inside me. After meeting Mr. Andrew Best and speaking with him about what OHS stood for, I knew this was where I needed to be. That conversation didn’t just spark my interest — it reignited my belief in myself.

The OHS program changed the trajectory of my life. It revealed strengths in me that I never knew I had — perseverance, discipline, and the ability to adapt under incredible pressure. The transition to graduate-level coursework was not easy, especially since we took the same DMD core science courses as the dental students themselves. At first, it was overwhelming to keep pace with their level of intensity and precision. But over time, that experience became the foundation of my growth. It showed me that I was capable of thriving in an environment that mirrored the very demands of dental school. What made the journey even more meaningful was the incredible support from Dr. Theresa Davies, Dr. Aaron Young, Dr. Karen Bottenfield, Mr. Andrew Best, and all of the OHS faculty and professors that guided our cohort throughout the year. They didn’t just teach us — they cared for us, guided us, and believed in us even when we couldn’t see our own potential. They created a family within the program, one that celebrated every milestone and picked each other up during tough times.

One of the defining moments for me was in Dr. Young’s Applied Physiology course. He didn’t want memorized answers — he wanted us to think, question, and truly understand the human body from the inside out. That course not only strengthened my academic foundation but opened my mind to what learning should feel like: challenging, immersive, and deeply rewarding. Through this experience, I grew into a more confident student, capable of tackling even the hardest material. When I finished the program with a 3.7 GPA — a huge leap from my undergraduate years — it wasn’t just a number. It was proof of transformation. Empowered by my time at OHS, I retook the DAT and performed far better. More importantly, I reapplied to dental schools with renewed faith in myself and in what I had built through hard work and perseverance. Even after leaving BU, Dr. Davies in particular continued to guide me — she has been one of the most influential people in my life. Her compassion, understanding, and belief in my potential helped me when I had very little belief left.

Today, as a D1 student at Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine here in Boston, I often think back to those days at BU OHS. That program was the bridge between who I was and who I am becoming. It gave me more than an education — it gave me confidence, community, and a renewed sense of purpose.

If I could say anything to people applying to dental school and finding adversity as so many do; Do not give up on yourself. It took me multiple cycles to get to this point, and I understand the battle you have to face to achieve your dream of being a dentist. Sometimes it feels insurmountable, but with the right support system, the right process and set up, you will attain your goals. BU OHS is that catalyst for you to really take that next step. Without hesitation, I would tell anyone aspiring to dentistry that the OHS program is a life-changing journey. It truly transforms people — not just into stronger students, but into more compassionate and capable future dentists.

Rebecca: Touro College of Dental Medicine – Class of 2029

Ever since I was 13, I dreamed of becoming a dentist, but after graduating from Stony Brook University with a subpar GPA, that started to seem unattainable. I attempted a DIY post bacc, took the DAT, and applied to a number of schools. When every application was rejected, it felt like all the doors were closing and I started to lose hope. Pursuing a master’s degree was my last chance to prove to myself and to schools that I was capable. When I found Boston University’s Oral Health Sciences program, I was drawn to the way it combined graduate science courses with the opportunity to take dental classes alongside first-year dental students.

Starting the program was both exciting and intimidating, but from the very beginning I felt supported. Dr. Davies and the OHS faculty took a chance on me when I needed someone to believe in my potential. As a first-generation student, navigating the process was often overwhelming, but the faculty made it feel manageable. They took the time to understand my background, my goals, and never made me feel like my past defined my future. Their guidance was always thoughtful and personal, whether it was helping me improve my study strategies or preparing me for the next application cycle.

Over the course of the year, things began to change. I learned how to study more effectively, how to manage an intense course load, and how to trust that I deserved to be there. Along the way, I met classmates who became lifelong friends and a support system I’ll always cherish. I went from graduating undergrad with a 2.9 GPA to finishing OHS with a 3.7—something I never thought I could say. More importantly, I felt proud of the person I was becoming.

I will always carry this experience with me. OHS gave me a second chance and helped me regain the confidence I had lost. I would recommend this program wholeheartedly to any pre-dental student hoping to strengthen their application. Thanks to OHS, I’m now attending Touro College of Dental Medicine and looking forward to all that lies ahead!

Javi: Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine – Class of 2029

As a Boston University undergraduate, I learned about the Oral Health Sciences (OHS) program early on and became seriously interested during my junior year. I was thrilled when I received my acceptance, and my experience throughout the program far exceeded my expectations.
The rigor of the curriculum was both challenging and rewarding. I appreciated the opportunity to take actual dental school courses, which not only tested my abilities but also prepared me for what lies ahead in my dental school journey. What truly set the program apart was the incredible support system. From faculty to current dental students, I always felt encouraged, guided, and uplifted.
Dr. Davies was an invaluable resource during my dental school application process. I always felt confident turning to her for advice, knowing I could trust her experience and insight. I also relied heavily on Dr. Young, who helped me work through complex physiology concepts when I needed further understanding of the material. Their support made a significant difference in my academic success and overall experience.
Now that I’ve graduated, I can say with certainty that completing the OHS program was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has equipped me with the tools, confidence, and foundational knowledge to enter dental school ready to succeed and perform at a high level from day one.