The American Dental Association describes dentistry as a branch of science devoted to maintaining oral health. General dentists 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 65 accredited dental schools within the U.S.
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.
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.
| 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
|
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 ma
jor and the below timeline should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.
It is important for students to check each school's requirements
carefully as some schools will require information not listed above. For
more information about a specific program, please contact the school
directly.