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What would be the best choice of high school courses to take to get ready to study orthodontics?

Trying to prepare for my future! #orthodontist #orthodontics #higher-education #college-major #career-planning

college-major higher-education orthodontist career-planning orthodontics
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Nancy’s Answer

Hi, Alexah,
The above is good advice. Since you asked about high school coursework, be sure to take biology, chemistry, and physics and 4 years of math. That will prepare you for college coursework in science and math that dental schools will want you to have, no matter your college major as an undergraduate. Good luck!
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Tracy’s Answer

Hello Alexah,

Congrats! On narrowing your career decision in becoming an orthodontist. Orthodontist will work to give an individual a great smile and therefore takes a dedicated student. Most colleges require students having a good GPA. I did some research and found out that entering students need to have a great grade point average (GPA ) and Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) scores. Source: http://doctorly.org/how-to-become-an-orthodontist/

Another search I performed on the Best Texas Dental Schools and there Minimum GPA
Source: http://dental-schools.startclass.com

Texas A & M Health Science Center: Baylor College of Dentistry
Dallas, Texas

Rank 25
GPA 3.57

University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio Dental School
San Antonio, Texas

Rank#36
GPA 3.68

The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston
Houston, Texas

Rank 38
GPA 3.65

Good Luck!
orthodontist student
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Michael’s Answer

The first answer is helpful but to clear up any confusion I'll just add this... You must first earn a bachelor's degree from a 4 year college in any major (also known as "undergraduate"). While completing your major you will have to complete the admission requirements for dental school, including the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). Completing these requirements is much easier if your bachelor's degree is in a science related field since dental school requirements are heavy in science and math. Once you complete your bachelor's degree you must earn a 4 year doctorate degree at a dental school. Then you are a general dentist but to specialize in orthodontics you must complete a 2-3 year residency.

The listed GPAs are for dental schools where you receive your doctorate. First things first, you should look at minimum or average GPAs for undergraduate universities (also known as regular college) before you focus on applying to dental school. In high school set your sights on a good college and explore their website to understand admission requirements. Take honors or AP courses in science and math since this will help get into a good science related major in college to set you up for dental school applications but don't neglect your other courses as colleges want well rounded applicants!
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