How to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation for CAAPID (2026 Guide)
- officialppaconsult
- Jan 24
- 21 min read
You need three letters of recommendation for your CAAPID application.
Sounds simple, right? Ask three dentists who know you, they write some nice things, you submit them.
That approach gets you rejected.
Here's what most international dentists don't understand: a weak letter of recommendation doesn't just fail to help you — it actively hurts you. A generic letter that says "this person is hardworking and dedicated" tells admissions committees nothing. Worse, it tells them no one was willing to write something meaningful about you.
The difference between applicants who get interviews and those who don't often comes down to who wrote their letters and what those letters actually said.
This guide shows you how to get letters of recommendation that make admissions committees want to meet you — not letters that make them yawn and move to the next application.
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How to Get Strong CAAPID Letters of Recommendation: CAAPID requires minimum 3 letters of recommendation. The strongest letters come from U.S. dental school faculty who have directly observed your clinical skills. Request letters 6-8 weeks before deadlines, provide your CV and personal statement to help writers, and choose recommenders who know you well over those with impressive titles who barely know you. Avoid generic letters from private practice dentists who can only speak to shadowing experience.
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]
How Many Letters of Recommendation Does CAAPID Require?
Who Should Write Your CAAPID Letters of Recommendation?
Best Sources for CAAPID Letters of Recommendation (Ranked)
What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?
What Makes a Weak Letter of Recommendation?
How to Choose Your Letter Writers
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
When to Ask for Letters of Recommendation
What Information to Provide Your Letter Writers
How Letters of Recommendation Are Submitted Through CAAPID
How to Follow Up on Letter Requests
Can You See Your Letters of Recommendation?
What If a Recommender Doesn't Submit on Time?
Faculty Letters vs. Private Practice Letters
How to Get a Letter from U.S. Dental School Faculty
Letters from Your Dental School Professors
Letters from Clinical Supervisors
Should You Ask Your Current Employer?
How Many Letters Should You Request?
Common Letter of Recommendation Mistakes
Letter of Recommendation Red Flags for Admissions
Sample Letter Request Email Template
How P2A Consultancy Helps With Letters of Recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions About CAAPID Letters
1. How Many Letters of Recommendation Does CAAPID Require?
CAAPID requires a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation, though some schools may require or accept 4.
Letter requirements:
Requirement | Number |
CAAPID minimum | 3 letters |
Some schools require | 4 letters |
Maximum typically accepted | 4-6 letters |
Recommended | 3-4 strong letters |
Quality over quantity:
Three excellent letters are far better than five mediocre ones. Admissions committees would rather read three detailed, specific letters than five generic ones.
School-specific requirements:
Some schools have specific requirements for who should write your letters:
Requirement Type | Example |
Dentist required | At least one letter must be from a dentist |
Academic required | At least one from a dental school professor |
Employer required | Some schools want a letter from supervisor |
Specific number | Some schools want exactly 4 letters |
Always check individual school requirements before finalizing your letter writers.
2. Who Should Write Your CAAPID Letters of Recommendation?
Your CAAPID letters should come from people who can speak specifically about your clinical abilities, character, and potential to succeed in a U.S. dental program.
Ideal letter writers:
Source | Why They're Good |
U.S. dental school faculty | Highest credibility, knows U.S. standards |
Your dental school professors | Academic perspective, knew you as student |
Clinical supervisors (dentists) | Observed your clinical work directly |
Research mentors | If you have significant research experience |
Professional supervisors | Managed you in dental practice |
What admissions committees want to learn from your letters:
Question They're Asking | Who Can Answer It |
Can this person perform clinically? | Someone who watched you treat patients |
Is this person academically capable? | Professors who taught you |
Does this person have good character? | Anyone who knows you well |
Will they succeed in a U.S. program? | U.S. faculty who know standards |
How do they compare to other dentists? | Someone who's evaluated many dentists |
The key principle:
Choose people who KNOW YOU WELL over people who are impressive but barely know you.
A detailed letter from a dentist who worked with you for a year is worth more than a generic letter from a famous professor who met you twice.
3. Best Sources for CAAPID Letters of Recommendation (Ranked)
Not all letters carry equal weight. Here's how different sources rank in terms of impact on your application.
Letter sources ranked by strength:
Rank | Source | Strength | Why |
1 | U.S. dental school faculty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Highest credibility, knows U.S. standards, academic weight |
2 | Your dental school professors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Academic credibility, knew you during training |
3 | Clinical supervisor (dental director) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Observed clinical work, professional evaluation |
4 | Dentist you worked with extensively | ⭐⭐⭐ | Can speak to clinical abilities |
5 | Research mentor | ⭐⭐⭐ | Academic perspective, intellectual abilities |
6 | Private practice dentist (shadowing) | ⭐⭐ | Limited observation, limited credibility |
7 | Non-dental professional | ⭐ | Can speak to character but not dental abilities |
The faculty letter advantage:
A letter from U.S. dental school faculty carries significantly more weight because:
They know exactly what U.S. programs expect
They can compare you to U.S. dental students
Their opinion is trusted by admissions committees
They're staking their professional reputation on you
This is why P2A's Clinical Preceptorship is so valuable — the opportunity to earn a letter from Dr. Golda Erdfarb (Associate Professor, Clinical Course Director at a major NY dental school) can transform your application.
4. What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?
A strong letter of recommendation is specific, detailed, comparative, and comes from someone with credibility who knows you well.
Elements of a strong letter:
Element | What It Looks Like |
Specific examples | "When faced with a complex extraction, she demonstrated..." |
Detailed observations | Describes specific skills, situations, behaviors |
Comparative assessment | "Among the top 10% of dentists I've trained..." |
Personal knowledge | Clear the writer knows you well, not superficially |
Relevant credibility | Writer is qualified to evaluate dental abilities |
Enthusiastic endorsement | Genuine enthusiasm, not lukewarm praise |
Addresses potential concerns | If applicable, explains any weaknesses positively |
What strong letters say:
Strong Statement | Why It's Strong |
"In my 20 years of teaching, she ranks among the top 5 students I've mentored" | Comparative, specific, credible |
"I observed him perform 15 complex restorations with exceptional precision" | Specific, detailed, clinical |
"She identified a diagnostic issue that three other dentists had missed" | Specific example showing skill |
"I would welcome him into my own program without hesitation" | Strong personal endorsement |
What strong letters DON'T say:
Weak Statement | Why It's Weak |
"She is hardworking and dedicated" | Generic, could describe anyone |
"He would be a good addition to your program" | Lukewarm, no specifics |
"I recommend her for your consideration" | Formal, no enthusiasm |
"He shadowed at our clinic for 3 months" | Only confirms attendance |
5. What Makes a Weak Letter of Recommendation?
A weak letter is generic, lacks specific examples, comes from someone who doesn't know you well, or is written by someone without relevant credibility.
Characteristics of weak letters:
Characteristic | Example |
Generic language | "She is a hardworking individual with a passion for dentistry" |
No specific examples | Nothing concrete the writer observed |
Short length | Under one page with no detail |
Limited knowledge of applicant | Writer clearly doesn't know you well |
No comparison | Doesn't compare you to other dentists/students |
Lukewarm tone | "I believe she would be an adequate candidate" |
Irrelevant writer | Non-dental professional writing about dental abilities |
Warning signs in letters:
Red Flag | What It Suggests |
Only confirms dates of employment/shadowing | Writer has nothing substantive to say |
Uses mostly formal language | Writer doesn't actually know you |
Short paragraph instead of full letter | Minimal effort invested |
Mentions only personality, not skills | No clinical observation |
Generic praise that fits anyone | Letter might be a template |
The impact of weak letters:
Weak letters don't just fail to help — they can actively hurt you.
What Admissions Thinks | When They See... |
"No one could say anything good" | All letters are generic |
"They don't have real experience" | Only shadowing letters |
"They couldn't find better recommenders" | Letters from weak sources |
"The writer isn't impressed" | Lukewarm endorsement |
6. How to Choose Your Letter Writers
Choose letter writers based on how well they know you, their ability to speak to your clinical abilities, and their credibility with admissions committees.
Decision framework:
Question | Best Answer |
How well does this person know me? | Very well — worked closely together |
Can they speak to my clinical abilities? | Yes — observed me treating patients |
Are they credible to admissions committees? | Yes — dentist, professor, or faculty |
Will they write a strong, detailed letter? | Yes — they like me and will make effort |
Will they submit on time? | Yes — they're reliable |
The "impressive title" trap:
Many applicants chase letters from impressive-sounding people who barely know them.
Bad Choice | Better Choice |
Famous professor who met you once | Your dental school professor who taught you for 2 years |
Hospital director who knows your name | Dentist you worked with daily for 6 months |
Impressive title, no relationship | Modest title, strong relationship |
The best letter writers:
Know you well personally
Have observed your clinical work
Can provide specific examples
Are enthusiastic about recommending you
Will submit on time
Have credibility (dental background, academic position)
7. How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Ask for letters professionally, in person if possible, with adequate notice and clear information about what you need.
How to ask (step by step):
Step 1: Choose the right moment
Ask when you have their full attention
Don't ask when they're rushed or stressed
In person is best; video call is acceptable; email is last resort
Step 2: Ask, don't assume
"Would you be able to write a strong letter of recommendation for me?"
The word "strong" is important — it gives them an out if they can't
Watch their reaction — hesitation suggests they may not be the best choice
Step 3: Provide context
Explain what CAAPID is
Explain the deadline
Offer to provide supporting materials
Step 4: Make it easy
Provide your CV and personal statement
Provide specific talking points you'd like covered
Provide deadline information
Offer to send reminders
Step 5: Follow up
Confirm they received everything they need
Send a reminder 2 weeks before deadline
Thank them after they submit
What to say when asking:
Good approach:
"Dr. [Name], I'm applying to Advanced Standing Programs in the U.S. through CAAPID, and I would need letters of recommendation. You've seen my clinical work extensively over the past year, and I would be honored if you could write a strong letter supporting my application. Would you be comfortable doing that?"
Bad approach:
"Hey, I need a letter of recommendation. Can you write one? I need it by next week."
8. When to Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Ask for letters 6-8 weeks before you need them submitted, and no later than 4 weeks before deadlines.
Timeline for letter requests:
When | Action |
6-8 weeks before deadline | Initial ask — give plenty of notice |
4-6 weeks before | Provide all supporting materials |
3-4 weeks before | Confirm they're working on it |
2 weeks before | Polite reminder |
1 week before | Final reminder if not submitted |
At deadline | Should already be submitted |
Why early requests matter:
Request Timing | Outcome |
8+ weeks early | Writer has time to write thoughtfully |
4-6 weeks early | Acceptable but less ideal |
2-3 weeks early | Rushed letter, may be generic |
1 week early | Very rushed, likely weak letter |
Last minute | May not get submitted at all |
Busy people need time:
Your recommenders have their own jobs, patients, and responsibilities. A last-minute request:
Forces them to write quickly (lower quality)
May make them resentful (affects tone)
Risks them not completing it at all
The CAAPID timeline:
If CAAPID opens in March and you want to submit in April-May:
Date | Action |
January-February | Ask for letters |
February-March | Provide materials, confirm |
March | CAAPID opens, add recommenders to system |
April | Letters should be submitted |
April-May | Submit complete application |
9. What Information to Provide Your Letter Writers
Provide recommenders with your CV, personal statement, talking points, and specific information about what makes a strong letter.
Essential materials to provide:
Material | Why It Helps |
Your CV/Resume | Reminds them of your background and achievements |
Personal statement | Shows your narrative and what you're emphasizing |
Specific experiences with them | Reminds them of specific moments to mention |
Deadline and submission instructions | Ensures they submit correctly and on time |
What makes a strong letter | Helps them write more effectively |
Helpful talking points to suggest:
Area | Potential Points |
Clinical skills | Specific procedures you performed well |
Problem-solving | Times you handled difficult situations |
Patient interaction | How you communicated with patients |
Work ethic | Examples of going above and beyond |
Learning ability | How quickly you improved or adapted |
Character | Integrity, professionalism, teamwork |
Sample email providing materials:
Subject: Materials for Letter of Recommendation — CAAPID Application
Dear Dr. [Name],
Thank you again for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for my CAAPID application. I truly appreciate your support.
I've attached the following materials to help you:
My CV (updated)
My personal statement
CAAPID submission instructions
Deadline: I would greatly appreciate having the letter submitted by [Date — 2 weeks before actual deadline].
Some points you might consider mentioning:
My work on [specific procedure or project]
The [specific situation] where I [specific action]
My ability to [specific skill you demonstrated]
Please let me know if you need any additional information. I'm happy to meet to discuss further if helpful.
Thank you again for your time and support.
Best regards, [Your Name]
10. How Letters of Recommendation Are Submitted Through CAAPID
Letters of recommendation are submitted electronically through the CAAPID system directly by your recommenders.
CAAPID letter submission process:
Step | Who Does It |
1. Add recommender to CAAPID | You |
2. CAAPID sends instructions to recommender | Automatic |
3. Recommender creates account/logs in | Recommender |
4. Recommender uploads letter | Recommender |
5. Letter appears in your application | Automatic |
6. Track status in your CAAPID dashboard | You |
What you do in CAAPID:
Log into your CAAPID account
Navigate to Letters of Recommendation section
Add recommender's name and email address
CAAPID sends them an email with instructions
Monitor status (pending, received)
What your recommender does:
Receives email from CAAPID
Clicks link to access submission portal
Creates account or logs in
Writes or uploads letter
Submits electronically
Important notes:
Recommenders upload letters directly — you don't handle the letters
You can track whether letters have been submitted
Letters are sent to all schools you apply to (you don't need separate letters per school)
Some schools may request additional letters through supplemental applications
11. How to Follow Up on Letter Requests
Follow up politely and professionally to ensure letters are submitted on time without damaging your relationship with recommenders.
Follow-up timeline:
When | Action |
After initial ask | Send thank you and provide materials |
3-4 weeks before deadline | "Just checking if you received everything you need" |
2 weeks before deadline | "Gentle reminder that deadline is approaching" |
1 week before deadline | "Wanted to make sure you saw the deadline is [date]" |
2-3 days before deadline | Direct: "I noticed the letter hasn't been submitted yet" |
Sample follow-up emails:
2 weeks before deadline (gentle):
Subject: Reminder: CAAPID Letter — Due [Date]
Dear Dr. [Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to send a gentle reminder that the deadline for submitting my CAAPID letter of recommendation is [Date].
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me or if you're having any issues with the submission process.
Thank you again for your support!
Best regards, [Your Name]
3 days before deadline (urgent):
Subject: CAAPID Letter Deadline — [Date]
Dear Dr. [Name],
I wanted to follow up regarding my letter of recommendation. The deadline is [Date], which is coming up in a few days.
I checked my CAAPID dashboard and wanted to confirm whether you've been able to submit it. If you're having any technical difficulties, please let me know and I can help troubleshoot.
I really appreciate your support with this.
Best regards, [Your Name]
How to follow up without being annoying:
Do | Don't |
Be polite and appreciative | Be demanding or entitled |
Offer to help with issues | Assume they're being lazy |
Reference specific deadline | Send vague reminders |
Follow up appropriately | Email every day |
Acknowledge their busy schedule | Ignore that they have other priorities |
12. Can You See Your Letters of Recommendation?
CAAPID allows you to waive or not waive your right to see letters. It's strongly recommended that you waive your right to see them.
Waiver options:
Option | What It Means | Recommendation |
Waive right to see | You cannot read the letters | ✅ Strongly recommended |
Do not waive | You can request to see letters | ❌ Not recommended |
Why you should waive your right:
Reason | Explanation |
Letters are more honest | Writers speak more freely when applicant can't read |
Admissions trusts them more | Confidential letters carry more weight |
Standard practice | Almost all applicants waive; not waiving raises questions |
Shows confidence | Suggests you trust your recommenders |
Why NOT waiving is problematic:
Issue | Impact |
Writers may be less candid | Knowing you'll read it, they may soften criticism |
Admissions may trust letter less | Non-confidential letters seen as potentially biased |
Signals insecurity | Why wouldn't you trust your recommenders? |
The bottom line:
Waive your right to see your letters. Choose recommenders you trust to write positively about you, and let them write candidly.
13. What If a Recommender Doesn't Submit on Time?
If a recommender doesn't submit on time, follow up urgently, have a backup ready, and consider whether the letter is worth waiting for.
If deadline is approaching and letter not submitted:
Timeline | Action |
1 week before | Send reminder, offer to help with technical issues |
3 days before | Direct email and/or phone call |
1 day before | Call directly if possible |
Day of deadline | Call, text, do whatever it takes |
After deadline | Contact admissions to explain (if possible) |
Prevention is better:
Strategy | How It Helps |
Ask early (6-8 weeks) | Plenty of time to complete |
Send materials immediately | No delay waiting for info |
Set fake early deadline | Tell them deadline is 1-2 weeks before actual |
Have a backup recommender | If one falls through, you have an alternative |
Choose reliable people | Some people are just bad at deadlines |
Backup recommender strategy:
Ask 4 people for letters even if you only need 3. If one falls through, you have coverage.
If a letter is genuinely not coming:
Don't panic
Contact school admissions immediately
Explain the situation professionally
Ask if you can submit an additional letter from another source
Most schools will work with you if you communicate
14. Faculty Letters vs. Private Practice Letters
Letters from dental school faculty carry significantly more weight than letters from private practice dentists.
Why faculty letters are stronger:
Factor | Faculty Letter | Private Practice Letter |
Academic credibility | High — they evaluate students professionally | Low — not their primary role |
Comparison ability | Can compare you to many students | Limited comparison pool |
Understanding of standards | Knows exactly what programs want | May not know academic expectations |
Weight with admissions | Highly valued | Less valued |
Clinical evaluation | Structured, professional evaluation | Informal observation |
The private practice problem:
Most international dentists can only get letters from:
Dentists they shadowed
Dentists they worked with in private practice
Their dental school professors (from home country)
Private practice shadowing letters typically say:
"[Name] shadowed at our clinic from [date] to [date]"
"They observed various procedures"
"They were professional and punctual"
This tells admissions nothing useful.
The faculty letter advantage:
A letter from U.S. dental school faculty:
Confirms you can perform to U.S. standards
Provides academic/professional evaluation
Compares you to students they've trained
Carries weight because their reputation is on the line
How to get a faculty letter:
This is why clinical experiences at U.S. dental schools matter. Programs like P2A's Clinical Preceptorship provide:
Training under U.S. dental school faculty
Opportunity to demonstrate your abilities
Potential for faculty letter from Dr. Golda Erdfarb (Associate Professor, Clinical Course Director)
15. How to Get a Letter from U.S. Dental School Faculty
Getting a letter from U.S. dental school faculty typically requires participating in a structured program where faculty can observe and evaluate you.
Ways to get U.S. faculty letters:
Method | Description | Letter Potential |
Clinical preceptorship | Structured hands-on program at dental school | High |
Observership at dental school | Observation program with faculty contact | Medium |
Research collaboration | Working with faculty on research | Medium |
Previous connection | If you know U.S. faculty personally | Variable |
What faculty need to write a strong letter:
They Need To... | How Long It Takes |
Observe your clinical work | Days to weeks |
Assess your knowledge | Through interactions, discussions |
See your professionalism | Throughout the experience |
Compare you to others | Requires working with many students |
Feel confident recommending you | Time to build trust |
Why brief shadowing doesn't work:
If you shadow a U.S. dentist for 2 weeks:
They watched you watch
They can't evaluate your skills
They didn't see you treat patients
Their letter can only confirm attendance
The P2A Preceptorship approach:
Our 10-day, 70-hour program at a U.S. dental school provides:
Hands-on bench training (faculty observes YOUR work)
One-on-one attention (only 2 students per batch)
Extended interaction with Dr. Golda Erdfarb
Opportunity to earn a meaningful faculty letter
Faculty can write a strong letter because they've actually evaluated you — not just hosted you.
16. Letters from Your Dental School Professors
Letters from your dental school professors can be valuable if they can speak specifically to your abilities and character.
Strengths of dental school professor letters:
Strength | Why It Matters |
Knew you during formative years | Saw your development as a dentist |
Academic evaluation | Can speak to learning ability |
Clinical training | Observed you learning procedures |
Multiple interactions | Substantial time to form opinion |
Limitations:
Limitation | Impact |
Not from U.S. institution | Less familiar to U.S. admissions |
May not know U.S. standards | Can't compare to U.S. expectations |
Time has passed | If you graduated years ago |
Language barriers | Letter may need to be in English |
Best dental school professor letters:
Ideal Professor | Why |
Clinical professor who supervised your patient care | Saw your clinical work directly |
Professor who mentored you individually | Knows you beyond the classroom |
Department head who evaluated you | Can compare you to classmates |
Professor you maintained contact with | Current relationship |
Making the most of professor letters:
Choose professors who knew you well, not just taught large classes
Provide them with updated information about your career since graduation
Remind them of specific experiences they can reference
Make sure they can write in English (or get translation)
17. Letters from Clinical Supervisors
Letters from clinical supervisors who directly observed your patient care can be powerful if they provide specific details about your clinical abilities.
Strong clinical supervisor letters come from:
Source | Strength |
Dental director at clinic where you worked | High authority, direct observation |
Senior dentist who mentored you | Personal relationship, detailed knowledge |
Department supervisor | Professional evaluation, comparison ability |
Clinic owner who worked alongside you | Daily observation of clinical work |
What clinical supervisors can speak to:
Area | Example |
Clinical skills | Quality of your preparations, restorations, procedures |
Patient management | How you handle difficult patients |
Problem-solving | How you approach complex cases |
Work ethic | Reliability, dedication, professionalism |
Growth | How you improved over time |
Team dynamics | How you work with staff and colleagues |
What makes these letters strong:
Specific clinical examples
Patient outcomes you achieved
Challenges you overcame
Comparison to other dentists at the clinic
Personal endorsement of your abilities
18. Should You Ask Your Current Employer?
Asking your current employer for a letter can be valuable but requires careful consideration of your relationship and their potential reaction.
Considerations:
Factor | Think About |
Do they know you're applying? | If not, the request reveals your plans |
Will it affect your job? | Some employers react negatively |
Can they write a strong letter? | Have they observed your clinical work? |
Is the relationship positive? | A lukewarm letter hurts you |
When to ask your employer:
Situation | Ask? |
Employer supports your goals | ✅ Yes |
You have a strong relationship | ✅ Yes |
They've seen your clinical work | ✅ Yes |
You're leaving regardless | ✅ Yes |
Employer might react badly | ⚠️ Consider carefully |
They haven't seen your clinical work | ❌ Probably not |
Relationship is strained | ❌ No |
Alternative approach:
If you can't ask your current employer:
Ask a colleague who has observed your work
Use past employers instead
Focus on other letter sources
19. How Many Letters Should You Request?
Request 4 letters even if you only need 3, giving you backup in case one falls through.
Request strategy:
CAAPID Requires | You Should Request | Why |
3 letters | 4 letters | Backup if one falls through |
4 letters | 5 letters | Same backup logic |
Benefits of extra requests:
Benefit | Explanation |
Insurance | If one recommender doesn't submit, you're covered |
Choice | Use the strongest letters, hold back weaker ones |
Less pressure | Not everything depends on one person |
Potential concerns:
Concern | Response |
"I don't want to ask too many people" | Better to have backup than scramble last minute |
"What if all 4 submit?" | CAAPID allows multiple letters; use strongest ones |
"Is it presumptuous?" | People understand backup planning |
20. Common Letter of Recommendation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes that weaken your letters or cause submission problems.
Mistake 1: Asking the wrong people
Wrong Choice | Better Choice |
Famous person who doesn't know you | Regular dentist who knows you well |
Non-dental professional | Dental professional |
Someone you barely worked with | Someone who worked with you extensively |
Mistake 2: Asking too late
Timeline | Consequence |
6-8 weeks early | Strong, thoughtful letter |
2 weeks early | Rushed, possibly generic letter |
1 week early | May not get submitted |
Mistake 3: Not providing materials
What Happens Without Materials | What Happens With Materials |
Writer struggles to remember details | Writer has specifics to mention |
Generic letter results | Detailed, personalized letter |
Writer may give up | Writer finds it easier |
Mistake 4: Not following up
Without Follow-up | With Follow-up |
Letter may not be submitted | Letter submitted on time |
No way to catch issues early | Problems identified and solved |
Panic at deadline | Smooth submission |
Mistake 5: Not waiving right to see letters
Not Waiving | Waiving |
Less honest letters | More candid assessment |
Admissions trusts less | Full credibility |
Signals insecurity | Shows confidence |
Mistake 6: Only having shadowing letters
Shadowing Letters Only | Mixed Portfolio |
Only confirms attendance | Confirms abilities |
No clinical evaluation | Clinical assessment |
Weak application | Strong application |
21. Letter of Recommendation Red Flags for Admissions
Admissions committees notice certain red flags in letters that can hurt your application.
Red flags that raise concerns:
Red Flag | What It Suggests |
All letters are generic | No one has anything specific to say |
Letters are very short | Writers didn't invest effort |
No dental professionals | No clinical evaluation possible |
Only shadowing confirmation | No real experience or relationships |
Lukewarm endorsement | Writer isn't impressed |
Letter doesn't match your narrative | Inconsistency raises questions |
Obvious template letter | Writer sends same letter for everyone |
Non-waived letters | What is applicant afraid of? |
What admissions reads between the lines:
What Letter Says | What Admissions Thinks |
"I am happy to recommend..." (minimal detail) | Writer doesn't know them well |
"They shadowed at our clinic" (nothing else) | No real relationship or evaluation |
"They were professional and punctual" | That's the minimum, nothing special |
"I believe they would be adequate" | Writer isn't impressed |
"To whom it may concern" | Generic, impersonal |
22. Sample Letter Request Email Template
Use this template as a starting point for requesting letters of recommendation.
Initial Request Email:
Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation — CAAPID Application
Dear Dr. [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out because I am applying to Advanced Standing Programs in the United States through CAAPID for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Having worked with you at [clinic/institution] for [duration], I have greatly valued your mentorship and the opportunity to learn from your expertise in [specific area]. Your guidance during [specific experience] particularly shaped my development as a clinician.
I would be honored if you would be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation supporting my application. The letter would be submitted electronically through the CAAPID system, and the deadline is [date].
If you are comfortable providing a supportive recommendation, I would be happy to provide my CV, personal statement, and any other materials that would be helpful. I am also available to meet at your convenience to discuss my application further.
Thank you for considering this request. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Warm regards, [Your Name] [Phone number] [Email]
After They Agree — Providing Materials:
Subject: Materials for CAAPID Letter of Recommendation
Dear Dr. [Name],
Thank you so much for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for my CAAPID application. I truly appreciate your support.
Please find attached:
My updated CV
My personal statement
Instructions for submitting through CAAPID (you will receive an email from the system once I add you)
Submission deadline: [Date]
Some points you might consider including:
My clinical work on [specific procedures/cases]
[Specific situation where you demonstrated skill]
[Specific quality you demonstrated]
Please let me know if you need any additional information or if you'd like to meet to discuss. I'm happy to help in any way.
Thank you again for your time and support.
Best regards, [Your Name]
23. How P2A Consultancy Helps With Letters of Recommendation
P2A provides strategic guidance on obtaining strong letters and direct access to U.S. dental school faculty through our Clinical Preceptorship.
The letter challenge for international dentists:
Most international dentists struggle with letters because:
They only have shadowing experience (weak letters)
They don't have U.S. faculty connections (missing strongest letter type)
They don't know what makes a strong letter (poor choices)
They ask the wrong people (generic letters)
How P2A helps:
1. Strategic Guidance We help you identify the best letter writers from your network and how to approach them effectively.
2. Clinical Preceptorship — Faculty Letter Opportunity Our 10-day, 70-hour program at a U.S. dental school with Dr. Golda Erdfarb provides:
Hands-on training where faculty EVALUATES your work
Extended interaction (not brief shadowing)
Opportunity to earn a meaningful faculty letter
Only 2 students per batch (personalized attention)
Dr. Erdfarb is an Associate Professor and Clinical Course Director at a leading NY dental school. A letter from her carries significant weight with admissions committees.
3. Letter Strategy as Part of Complete Application Support Our CAAPID Application Services include guidance on:
Who to ask for letters
How to ask effectively
What materials to provide
How to follow up
Building a strong letter portfolio
The P2A difference:
We don't just tell you to "get good letters." We provide the pathway to actually GET a strong faculty letter through our preceptorship — something most international dentists cannot access any other way.
[Book Your Free Strategy Call]
24. Frequently Asked Questions About CAAPID Letters
How many letters of recommendation does CAAPID require?
CAAPID requires minimum 3 letters. Some schools require 4. We recommend requesting 4 letters for backup.
Who should write my CAAPID letters of recommendation?
Ideally: U.S. dental school faculty, your dental school professors, clinical supervisors, or dentists who worked with you extensively. Choose people who know you well over impressive titles.
How do I submit letters of recommendation through CAAPID?
You add recommender information to CAAPID, and the system emails them instructions. They upload letters directly to CAAPID electronically.
When should I ask for letters of recommendation?
Ask 6-8 weeks before you need them submitted. This gives writers adequate time to write thoughtful letters.
What makes a strong letter of recommendation?
Specific examples, detailed observations, comparison to other dentists/students, clear personal knowledge of you, and enthusiastic endorsement from a credible source.
What makes a weak letter of recommendation?
Generic language, no specific examples, short length, lukewarm tone, or coming from someone who doesn't know you well.
Should I waive my right to see my letters?
Yes, strongly recommended. Waiving allows writers to be more honest and makes letters more credible to admissions committees.
What if my recommender doesn't submit on time?
Follow up immediately and directly. Have a backup recommender ready. Contact admissions if needed to explain the situation.
Can I get a letter from someone who isn't a dentist?
While possible, non-dental professionals can only speak to character, not clinical abilities. Have at least 2-3 letters from dental professionals.
How do I get a letter from U.S. dental school faculty?
Participate in a clinical preceptorship or similar program where faculty can observe and evaluate your work, such as P2A's Clinical Preceptorship.
Are letters from private practice dentists valuable?
Less valuable than faculty letters, especially if only from shadowing. If they supervised your clinical work extensively, they can still be helpful.
How detailed should letters be?
Strong letters are typically 1-2 pages with specific examples and detailed observations. Short, generic letters hurt your application.
Should I ask my current employer for a letter?
If you have a good relationship and they've observed your clinical work, yes. Be aware that the request reveals your plans to leave.
What information should I give my letter writers?
Provide your CV, personal statement, specific experiences to mention, deadline information, and submission instructions.
How many letters should I request total?
Request one more than required (4 if 3 required) as backup in case one falls through.
Strong Letters Open Doors
Your letters of recommendation can make or break your CAAPID application. In a pool of thousands of qualified international dentists, strong letters differentiate you.
Don't settle for generic letters that could describe anyone. Don't rely solely on shadowing letters that only confirm attendance. Get letters that showcase your clinical abilities, your character, and your potential.
The best letter strategy:
Choose recommenders who know you well
Include at least one U.S. dental school faculty letter if possible
Ask early and provide helpful materials
Follow up to ensure timely submission
P2A Consultancy helps international dentists secure strong letters, including faculty letters through our Clinical Preceptorship.
About the Author
Dr. Dev Prajapati Co-Founder, P2A Consultancy
Dr. Dev understands the letter challenge firsthand. When applying through CAAPID, he strategically built relationships that led to strong recommendations. Now he helps international dentists do the same — including connecting them with U.S. dental school faculty through P2A's Clinical Preceptorship.
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