How to Write a Letter of Intent for Dental School: Tips + Examples

Becoming a dentist takes years of hard work, from science courses in college to clinical experience. Admissions are highly competitive, and a letter of intent for dental school can help. It shows schools that you’re committed to their program and have grown since applying.

This letter isn’t about repeating your personal statement but a chance to update the admissions committee, share new achievements, and explain why their program is your top choice. Keep reading to learn what a letter of intent is, how to write one, and see a sample letter to guide you.

• What Is a Letter of Intent for Dental School?
• How to Write a Letter of Intent for Dental School
• Tips for Writing a Strong Letter of Intent for Dental School
• Sample Letter of Intent for Dental School
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is a Letter of Intent for Dental School?

A letter of intent for dental school is a formal letter you send to your number-one program to say that if they accept you, you will enroll. It shows commitment, demonstrates your interest, and reminds the admissions office that you’re ready to join their next class.

Dental schools like these letters because they help with something called “yield,” which is the percentage of accepted students who actually decide to enroll. Yield is important because it affects a school’s ranking and reputation. If two applicants have the same qualifications, the student who clearly says, “I will choose your program,” has a better chance of getting in.

So, when do you actually send a letter? Most students send one about a month after their interview, especially if they’re on the waitlist or still waiting for news. If more than two months go by, you can send another letter, but only if you have new updates such as better grades, extra volunteer work, or new achievements to share.

Writing a letter of intent for dental school isn’t something to take lightly. If you send one and then back out, it can hurt your credibility and lower your chances of admission. That’s why you should only send this letter to one school, the one you most want to attend.

What to include

Knowing what to include in your letter is just as important as deciding when to send it. Below are the elements that make up a strong and compelling letter of intent.

• Thank you. Open with a brief note of gratitude for considering your application.
• Why you value the program. Highlight what you admire about the school, such as its curriculum, faculty, or student culture.
• Clear commitment. State directly that the school is your top choice and that you will attend if admitted.
• Recent updates. Share any new academic achievements, clinical experiences, or medical extracurriculars since your last contact.
• Connection to the school. Explain how your updates align with the school’s unique strengths and offerings.
• Your contribution. Describe what you can bring to the program, whether it’s leadership, research skills, community service, or other qualities.
• Closing thanks. End with another expression of appreciation for their time and consideration.

Keep the tone professional but warm, avoid repeating your entire personal statement, and make sure every sentence adds value. By showing both enthusiasm and substance, you can increase your chances of standing out on the waitlist or moving closer to an acceptance.

Letter of intent vs letter of interest

A letter of intent for dental school tells admissions that you’re the best fit, the school is your first choice, and you’ll accept an offer if admitted. But what makes it different from a letter of interest?

A letter of interest also shows enthusiasm after you’ve submitted your application, but it doesn’t carry the same level of commitment. Instead of promising to enroll, it explains what excites you about the school’s academic programs, culture, and opportunities. It shows genuine interest without tying you to one program.

In short, the difference lies in how much you’re committing to the school. You should only send a letter of intent to one school, which is your top choice. A letter of interest, however, can be sent to multiple programs to let them know you’d be excited to attend if offered admission. Both letters show dedication, but only the letter of intent makes a clear promise to enroll.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Dental School

Crafting a letter of intent might feel intimidating, but breaking it into steps makes the writing process manageable. Here’s how to write a letter of intent for dental school that highlights your best qualities and convinces admissions you’re serious about their program:

1. Address your letter to the right person.

Your letter should reach the people actually making the decisions, so don’t send it to a general “info@” email address where it might get overlooked. Instead, find out who the dean or director of admissions is and send your letter directly to them.

You should also use the correct titles and spellings when addressing your letter. Instead of writing “Dear Dean of Admissions,” write “Dear Dr. Michael Davis” to add a personal touch. Some schools even provide a specific email address or online portal for letters of intent, so double-check the instructions before you hit send.

2. Craft a strong introduction.

Begin by thanking the admissions committee for reviewing your application and giving you the chance to be considered. Right after, state that if you’re offered admission, you intend to enroll. This statement makes your commitment clear right off the bat.

Next, highlight what makes the school stand out to you. Many applicants fall into the trap of writing generic praise like, “Harvard is a top dental school.” Admissions officers already know that, so focus instead on specific opportunities that connect with your goals.

For example, if you’re applying to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), you could mention its dual DDS/MBA program. This program is rare among dental schools and would be perfect if you want to combine clinical training with business skills.

You might also point to Columbia’s outreach initiatives, like the Community DentCare program, which may appeal if you’re passionate about serving underserved populations. Adding details like these shows you’ve done your research and makes your interest feel genuine.

Finally, make your introduction memorable by linking it to a personal experience. Maybe shadowing a prosthodontist sparked your interest in restorative care, and that’s why you value schools that provide hands-on experience early in the curriculum.

Connecting your personal motivation to a school’s unique strengths makes your letter more sincere and memorable.

3. Highlight your new achievements.

Dental school is hard, and the admissions team needs to see that you can handle the challenge. Your letter of intent is a chance to show that you’ve built the academic and clinical foundation to thrive and to share new accomplishments since submitting your application.

For example, a strong record in science classes proves you can manage the rigorous curriculum ahead. Mention coursework where you earned top grades, such as microbiology and physiology. If you’ve contributed to research, highlight that too. You could note that you conducted research on dental biomaterials or caries prevention that led to a published paper.

Beyond academics, clinical experience is just as important. Admissions committees want proof that you’ve seen dentistry in practice and understand patient care. Maybe you assisted during oral surgery and learned the importance of precision, or you worked with pediatric patients and realized you enjoy caring for children.

By balancing academic achievements with clinical experience, you present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who has what it takes to succeed in their program.

4. Share your future goals.

Use this part of your letter to outline your vision for your dental career. Admissions committees want applicants who can show a clear direction, whether that means advancing research, specializing in clinical care, or serving in public health.

Just as important, schools want to know how your goals will contribute to their community. For example, at the University of Michigan’s student dental clinics, you gain clinical experience while also practicing leadership by managing operations and guiding teams. Similarly, UPenn’s six specialty clinics give you the opportunity to build in-depth knowledge in areas such as oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, or orthodontics while serving patients directly.

When you connect your goals to the school’s specific offerings, you show admissions that you’ll both succeed as a student and contribute to the wider school community.

5. End on a high note.

Your letter of intent for dental school should end with a positive final impression. Thank the admissions committee again for their time and consideration, while keeping the tone respectful and genuine.

You can also add a short line that reinforces your enthusiasm for the program, making it clear that you’d be honored to join if admitted. Keep it brief, confident, and warm—something that closes the letter gracefully without repeating earlier points.

Tips for Writing a Strong Letter of Intent for Dental School

A strong letter of intent can make a huge difference in your dental school application. Keep these helpful tips in mind to write a clear, professional, and convincing letter.

1. Proofread your letter.

Your letter of intent should read clearly and sound professional, because even small errors can weaken your message. Take time to review for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and consider reading the letter aloud to identify awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

One round of proofreading is rarely enough either. Revisit the letter more than once, and when possible, ask a trusted professor, mentor, or professional editor to review it. A fresh pair of eyes can help you catch mistakes you may have missed and ensure your enthusiasm for the program comes across.

2. Stick to proper formatting.

Choose a standard, readable font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in size 11 or 12, and avoid distractions like bright colors, excessive bold or italics, highlighting, or emojis. Remember, your goal is to present yourself as polished and professional.

Aim for three to five paragraphs (or about 300 to 500 words) and keep the entire letter to a single page. If it runs longer, cut details that don’t add value, remove filler sentences, and avoid repeating information already mentioned in your application.

3. Strike the right tone.

This is pretty obvious, but the way you phrase your letter is super important. Your letter should sound confident and professional without crossing into either desperation or entitlement.

Avoid language that sounds like begging, since it makes your letter less persuasive. Likewise, stay away from statements like “I deserve a spot,” which come across as arrogant. Instead, show gratitude and emphasize fit by carefully explaining what you hope to gain from the program and how you can contribute to the school community in return.

4. Be honest!

A letter of intent for dental school only works if it’s honest and genuine. Don’t claim a school is your top choice if it isn’t, and never exaggerate or invent achievements.

Admissions committees can usually tell when a letter isn’t sincere, and once your credibility is in doubt, it’s almost impossible to recover. Always keep in mind that a truthful letter that reflects your real goals and accomplishments will always be stronger than a “perfect” letter padded with false claims.

Sample Letter of Intent for Dental School

Now that you know what to include and how to structure your letter, it helps to see everything put together. Below is a sample letter of intent for dental school that demonstrates professional tone, clear formatting, and the right balance of enthusiasm and commitment.

Use it as a guide, but make sure your own letter reflects your unique goals and experiences.

Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
[email protected]
(555) 123-4567

April 15, 2025

Admissions Committee
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
1011 N University Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Subject: Letter of Intent to Attend the University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Dear Dr. Michael Davis,

I am writing to reaffirm my strong commitment to attending the University of Michigan School of Dentistry if offered admission. Since submitting my application, I have expanded my academic, clinical, and leadership experiences, which has strengthened both my preparation for dental school and my dedication to the profession.

Academically, I completed advanced coursework in microbiology and physiology, earning top grades and further building my foundation for Michigan’s rigorous curriculum. I also contributed to a research project on restorative dental materials that resulted in a conference presentation, deepening my appreciation for the role of innovation in oral health.

Clinically, I gained additional experience by assisting at a community dental clinic in Detroit, where I supported patient intake and observed treatment planning. Working with underserved populations reinforced my commitment to improving access to care and sharpened my ability to communicate with patients from diverse backgrounds. In addition, I took on a leadership role in the Pre-Dental Society at my university, where I helped organize outreach events to educate local high school students about oral health.

The University of Michigan remains my top choice because of its Pathways Program, which allows students to explore electives and gain hands-on experience in different specialties. This flexibility aligns with my goal of pursuing a career in pediatric dentistry while contributing to research on preventive care. I am especially excited by the opportunity to participate in Michigan’s student-run dental clinics, where I could continue to grow as both a clinician and a leader.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. If accepted, I will enroll without hesitation and look forward to contributing to the University of Michigan community. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should a letter of intent for dental school be?

A letter of intent should be about 300 to 500 words, or three to five paragraphs. Keep it to one page maximum in Word or Google Docs. Anything longer is unlikely to be read closely, so focus on clarity and impact rather than length.

2. What is the best format for a letter of intent?

Use a professional letter format: include your contact information at the top, the school’s address, the date, and a formal greeting. Stick to standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in size 11 or 12, and avoid colors or emojis.

3. When should you not send a letter of intent?

Don’t send a letter of intent unless the school is truly your number-one choice. Sending multiple letters of intent to different schools is considered dishonest and can hurt your credibility. If you’re not fully committed to enrolling if accepted, you should send a letter of interest instead.

Takeaways

• A letter of intent for dental school tells your top-choice program that you will enroll if accepted, so it should only be sent to one school.
• The letter should include your recent achievements, fit with the program, future goals, and a clear statement of commitment.
• Keep your letter professional, concise, and honest. Avoid fluff and repeating any information already mentioned in your application.
• A well-written letter of intent can strengthen your application by showing continued growth, genuine enthusiasm, and readiness to contribute to the school community.
• To improve your chances, consider working with an admissions expert who can help you refine your letter and strengthen your overall application strategy.