Health profession schools are very competitive for admissions no matter what field it is. Because of this, it is very important that dentistry is chosen for the right reasons, and not because it is the backup choice of an unsuccessful premed. The GPA and test score requirements are almost just as rigorous as premed. The reason for choosing dentistry over other health professions should be well thought out.
Choice of Undergraduate Major
The major chosen for the bachelor's degree does not matter. In some cases, the completion of a bachelor's degree is not required. Nevertheless, it is a good idea for the student to pick a major that the student is interested in. Even if the student has a major in the humanities or social sciences, he will still be expected to excel in the pre-dental science and math prerequisites.
Required Pre-Dental Coursework
The required classes for getting into dental school are very similar to other health professional schools such as medical school. Of course, the GPA earned in these courses as well as overall GPA should be very high due to the competition for health profession schools. The similarity in prerequisite course requirements to premedical courses is very helpful for students who have not quite decided which area of health they want to be in. The classes typically required in a pre-dental program are:
- 1 year English composition
- 1 year general chemistry with lab
- 1 semester organic chemistry with lab
- 1 year biology with lab
- 1 year physics with lab
- 1 semester calculus
Some schools may require more than this. For example, University of the Pacific wants two years of biology with lab. University of Puerto Rico requires 12 semester units of Spanish. As far as AP credit is concerned, many schools do not accept them in lieu of college courses. Often recommended by some schools is a course that requires hand dexterity such as jewelmaking or a sculpture class
Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
As of 2007, students may not take the DAT more than three times. Therefore, it is important to study thoroughly the first time. Don't plan on taking the test a second time, which requires at least a 90 day waiting period from the first attempt. Nearly all students should get a DAT preparation book to study from. In many cases, pre-dental students may wish to take a DAT test preparation course as well.
One of the most important things students can do to prepare for the DAT is to treat their science courses seriously, and save the science textbooks for test preparation. The four hour long test covers biology, chemistry, math, and English. Good grades in these courses are good for the GPA as well as preparation for the DAT.
Relevant Dental Experience
One of the fears of dental school admissions committees is admitting a student who cannot stand working on the mouth of patients. In order to make sure the students they admit truly want to have a career as a dentist, most schools require relevant experience in a dental office to validate a student's interest. Volunteer work beginning in the freshman or sophomore year of college at a dentist would be very helpful.
Letters of Recommendation
Just like with other health profession schools, letters of recommendation from science professors as well as dentists involved in the student's volunteer work are very helpful. Students should ask for letters of recommendation early during the class and show up to the professor's office hours periodically during the term to breed familiarity and generate content for the professor's letter.
The total package is required to get admitted. After all of the above is submitted to admissions, schools contact potential candidates for secondary, which involve a visit to the school as well as an interview. Students who treat their secondary seriously and do well will get that coveted admission to dental school.
Reference:
UC Berkeley Career Center - Dental School Preparation and Application
