ATSU’s Advanced Standing International Dentist program opens doors to practice in U.S.
Posted: January 13, 2025
Sonika Dsouza holds a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery and master’s degree in health management, and would like to serve the oral healthcare needs of underserved communities in the U.S.
Soon, with the help of A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health’s (ATSU-MOSDOH) Advanced Standing International Dentist (ASID) program, she’ll be able to do just that.
Dsouza is a member of ATSU-MOSDOH’s ASID program, seeking her doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree, while also pursuing her Master of Public Health – Dental Emphasis degree. She expects to graduate in May 2025.
She received her bachelor’s degree in dental surgery (BDS) at Amrita University in India, and her master’s in health management from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.
ATSU-MOSDOH’s ASID program is designed for people just like Dsouza, an internationally educated dentist who desires to earn a DMD degree for practice in the U.S.
Through this program, international students serve the underserved in the local community by providing care at the St. Louis Dental Center, a dental clinic operated as a partnership between ATSU-MOSDOH and Affinia Healthcare. Students complete a special semester-long didactic and clinical simulation course before completing coursework which is similar to the traditional DMD program’s curriculum.
For acceptance into the program, students must possess a BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent degree from a foreign dental school, as well as a license to practice in their home country. Students must also meet the same standards as required for entry into the traditional DMD program.
Dsouza was drawn to ATSU-MOSDOH’s program because its mission and structure aligned with her personal goals.
“I chose A.T. Still University because of its dedication to serving the underserved, the presence of renowned staff, and emphasis on diversity,” she said. “The University’s commitment to community service and its community-oriented training approach stuck out to me as a valuable method to obtain hands-on experience while positively changing people’s lives. Furthermore, the faculty’s experience and commitment to mentorship fosters a supportive learning environment, which is critical for my development.
“Our university actively fosters a diverse learning environment, attracting students from many backgrounds and perspectives. This is critical for building a well-rounded, culturally competent approach to patient care. As I embark on my next steps in this journey, I plan to continue to strengthen my leadership and clinician qualities at ATSU. This will help me to better serve my community to the best of my abilities and offer them the quality and personal care that I believe everyone deserves in our society.”
Dsouza has been highly engaged in student activities, serving as a member of the American Dental Education Association, Delta Sigma Delta, and American Student Dental Association chapters.
“Joining these organizations has given me the opportunity to deeply engage with the dentistry community, expand my knowledge, and develop my leadership skills,” she said. “These roles allow me to facilitate the transfer of new students and promote cultural diversity. I also enjoy promoting oral healthcare education, and these roles enable me to connect with our community. Finally, getting more involved keeps me up to date on current dentistry topics, thereby allowing me to refine my skills outside of clinical practice.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to make wonderful friends from different backgrounds, each with their own distinct viewpoints that help me comprehend diverse cultures. We learn together, volunteer together, and encourage one another to achieve. This combination of community service, cultural learning, and excellent peer relationships has made my experience at ATSU extremely fulfilling, preparing me to be a compassionate and culturally competent healthcare professional.”
She also serves as a student ambassador, meeting with and answering questions from prospective ATSU-MOSDOH ASID students, with her message, “dream big, the sky is the limit.”
“I became a student ambassador for international dental students because I wanted to help others navigate the unique difficulties and opportunities that come with studying dentistry in the United States,” Dsouza said. “It is challenging to start your life from scratch and build your career after coming to a new country. Coming from an international background myself, I realize how important it is to have someone who can empathize with your situation and offer advice, whether it’s about academic modifications, cultural adaptation, or community development.”
Dsouza aims to enhance accessibility of dental care in underserved communities, bridging the gap in oral health services, and assisting individuals who lack the means or access to regular dental care.
“ATSU has been essential in preparing me for this path. The University’s emphasis on community service and mission to aid the underprivileged are strongly aligned with my professional ambitions,” she said. “ATSU provides hands-on experience through community service programs, allowing me to engage directly with diverse groups and understand the unique barriers they encounter in receiving dental treatment. Through ATSU’s whole person healthcare approach, I am convinced that this education will enable me to work effectively with underprivileged groups, promoting better lifestyles and brighter smiles.”
She appreciates opportunities afforded by ATSU to be part of a community dedicated to service and driven by compassion.
“One of the most gratifying aspects of student life is engaging in community service initiatives that enable us to apply our skills while genuinely helping those in need,” Dsouza said. “Participating in free dental clinics, health fairs, or school-based health screenings allows us to witness the impact of accessible healthcare firsthand. This also reinforces the goals of our research.”