1] Start by laying out your plan of action and timeline.
2] Decide which schools you would consider. For whatever reasons are most important or applicable to you- location, cost, programs offered, affordability, duration, proximity to family, whatever.
3] See what each one requires.
4] Write the Parts 1 and 2 exams as soon as you can. Don't wait to finish these to continue your preparation.
5] Gather your required documents. Including many, many letters of recommendation. Calculate 3 letter requirement to each school you apply to.
6] Obtain ECE course-by-course evaluation for yourself.
7] Begin to work on resume, curriculum vitae, statement of purpose answering various commonly asked questions.
8] Take TOEFL when it is nearly time to apply since it is valid only for 2 years.
9] Request and obtain TOEFL additional score reports, ECE course by course evaluation direct-mailed official reports, and ADA direct-mailed NBDE score reports all at one shot when it is time to send in your applications. Proper planning will cut your costs, and allow you to get all you need at one time, instead of one at a time. Remember that this will depend on the requirements of the schools you choose.
10] Keep saving for school- application costs, mailing, travel, tuition...it never ends.
11] In addition, find ways to volunteer, observe or work in the dental field any opportunity you get. Every experience counts as a positive. It will open doors for you to practice dexterity skills, collect natural teeth, get reference letters, etc. Start early, you can never start too soon on this.
12] Be prepared for plan B. In the event, you don't make it into school as planned, have a plan B ready to improve your chances of getting in next year. Whether you take up some CDE or other courses to improve GPA, or increase exposure, or explore some new fields that can contribute to your skill set- whatever you choose, make sure you can use it to raise the likelihood of making it in next time.
13] Don't give up. Perseverance is key.
Good luck!
