The key to dental school admissions success is planning based
on correct information. Research the schools in which you are
interested. What are their admissions requirements? And, keep in
close contact with your pre-health advisor. Are you taking the
proper classes now?
By knowing all of the information before hand, you will avoid
the extra scrambling and aggravation upon finding out that you do
not meet all of the necessary prerequisites.
Required Coursework
Most schools agree on the basic elements for pre-dental
education. Minimum course requirements for most U.S. dental
schools include one year each of biology, general (inorganic)
chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and related lab work for
each science course. In addition, many dental schools require
English and Math courses. Check the Admissions Requirements of
U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools, published by the American
Association of Dental Schools, for admissions requirement
information on specific schools.
Selecting a Major
While science majors are certainly more common, dental schools
stress their interest in well-rounded students with broad-based
undergraduate backgrounds. In fact, regardless of your major,
your undergraduate transcript is a vital part of the admissions
decision.
If you are not majoring in a science, your work in both
science and non-science courses will be evaluated. However, with
fewer courses on which to judge your science ability, your grades
in the core science courses will take on greater importance.
Bottom line? Don't choose a major because you think it will get
you accepted to dental school. Choose to major in a subject in
which you are really interested. You will probably get better
grades.
The DAT
For all U.S. dental schools, the DAT carries significant weight
in the admissions process. Your score on the DAT is a relatively
objective way for admissions committees to compare you with other
applicants. In addition, dental schools use DAT scores to assess
whether or not you have the academic foundation upon which to
build a successful career in dentistry.
Dental Experience
Obviously, dental schools look favorably on dental-related
experience. In fact, some require it. Check with the dental
schools to which you are applying to see if they require dental
work experience for admissions.
