Dentistry

The American Dental Association describes dentistry as a branch of science devoted to maintaining oral health. General dentists (DDS or DMDs) use the latest techniques and equipment to examine the head, neck, and oral cavity to identify and diagnose oral conditions along with using specialized diagnostics to identify diseases of the teeth, gums, and supporting bones. Dentists also help restore and replace damaged teeth, perform corrective surgery, evaluate overall health of the patient, and provide instructions on oral care and preventive measure. 

To become a dentist you must graduate from an accredited dental school. Typically dental school is a four year program after your bachelor’s degree. Currently there are 66 accredited dental schools within the U.S.

Professional Associations and Resources

American Dental Association (ADA)
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
ADEA Official Guide to Dental School

How do I apply to dental school?

Students apply to dental school through a centralized application system called the  American Dental Schools Application Service (​AADSAS). Similar to the common application for undergraduate programs, students can apply to any of the dental programs through a single application on the AADSAS. The AADSAS opens early June.

Cost as of 2016​: ​AADSAS Application is $245.00 for one school + $98.00 for each additional school.

Do I need to take an entrance exam?

Students interested in pursuing dental school are required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).

As of ​2017,​ the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) costs approximately $445.00.

Where can I find resources to help me study for the entrance exam?

Prometrics Test Drive
Kaplan DAT Resources
Princeton Review DAT Resources

What are the prerequisites for dental school?

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require courses not listed below.  For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.

Course
​General Biology with lab	​1 year
​General Chemistry with lab	​1 year
​Organic Chemistry with lab	​1 year
​Biochemistry	​1 quarter
​Physics with lab	​1 year
​English	​2 quarters
​Statistics	​​1 quarter
​Anatomy	​1 quarter
​Physiology	​1 quarter
​Microbiology	​1 quarter

​

Local Programs

Indiana University

Marquette University

Midwestern University

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Iowa

Sample Timeline - Traditional 4 Year

Students should meet with their academic advisor and the pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest.

Below is a sample timeline for a Biological Sciences major. Please be aware that dental programs do not require or prefer a specific major and the below timeline should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.

Volunteering and Shadowing Opportunities

Go Dental (for prospective dental students)
Community Health
Smile Healthy Internships
Summer Medical and Dental Education Program
Oral Health American Internship Opportunities

Goldie's Place

For shadowing a dentist please set-up an appointment with the pre-health advisor by calling 773-325-8490 or scheduling an appointment on-line through BlueStar.

Into what dental programs have DePaul students been recently admitted?

Case Western University

Creighton University
Lake Erie College
Marquette University
Midwestern University
Southern Illinois University
Temple University

Tufts University
University of Illinois at​ Chicago
University of Iowa

University of Maryland​
University of Missouri - Kansas City
University of Southern California

What is considered a competitive GPA and entrance exam score for dental school?

National Average Cumulative GPA: 3.55
National Average Science GPA: 3.47 

National Average DAT Scores:

• Academic Average: 19.9
• Perceptual: 20.1
• Total Science: 19.8

Additional Resources

Doctor of Dental Medicine Timeline and Checklist.pdf