10 answers
Lupe
Student
Hesperia, California
3
Questions
Updated
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Does it matter what college I go to after high school before dental school?
Hi, I'm currently in high school and I'm interested in dentistry, more specifically orthodontics. I know that I have to go to a college/university for four years to get my Bachelors before I can go to a dental school, but are there any colleges I should lean towards specifically? Also, what would it be most recommended I get a Bachelors in? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
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10 answers
Joseph Ford
199
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Most orthodontists spend ten years from start to finish. Firstly, they must complete a four-year undergraduate degree before attending dental school for another four years. Additionally, orthodontists must complete a two to three-year residency program. Orthodontists go to dental school, which is similar to medical school because it also involves an extensive curriculum and considerable clinical training.
Thers no going around it or shortcuts. :-)
Thers no going around it or shortcuts. :-)
I've read about that! I'm happy to do schooling for that long for the career :)
Lupe
Michelle M.
Actress
2662
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Lupe !
In response to your first inquiry, thank you for the comment in which you've mentioned that you're considering going for your Associates Degree in Dental Assistance and THEN transferring to a four year college to obtain the Bachelors Degree. I will gear my advice accordingly, however it still stands if you decide to start at the four year university, too.
Before choosing a university for your Bachelors Degree, you will have to decide how far you may want to relocate/live in the dorms. As I've mentioned before, any human science would be good to get your Bachelors Degree in, but now that I am thinking more about it, if it was me, I'd major in Human Anatomy. The reason why I think this would be good is because dentistry affects more parts of the body than just the mouth. It will be good to know how everything, nerves, muscles, ligaments, veins, etc. are all connected. Any dental focused chemistry, physiology or biology would most likely be offered as courses to you in the Dental Hygiene Program and in Dental School. Double check this, but I think the California Universities call the Major 'Anatomy and Physiology'. You can double check this at their websites.
Some In-State colleges that have strong Anatomy programs are UC San Francisco, Stanford University, UCLA, UC San Diego, University of Southern California, UC Davis, UC Berkeley and UC Irvine. Also Loma Linda University, UC Santa Barbara and UC Riverside. Some of these may be a little closer to where you live and some as far as 500 or so miles, so you'll have to first decide if you want to relocate for your Bachelors Degree. Also remember that choosing a college for it's lower tuition is perfectly fine and you can always apply for financial aid, scholarships and grants !
So, there's really no specific college that you should lean towards. You'll have to assess your preferences and circumstances. Read each college's website and go to You Tube to see any videos of the school and maybe the Anatomy Department. A choice of college is best made by you and it should be one that has the major you want. If you can arrange going to some of the campuses for an Orientation and Tour, that would also help you make a choice.
Again, I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
In response to your first inquiry, thank you for the comment in which you've mentioned that you're considering going for your Associates Degree in Dental Assistance and THEN transferring to a four year college to obtain the Bachelors Degree. I will gear my advice accordingly, however it still stands if you decide to start at the four year university, too.
Before choosing a university for your Bachelors Degree, you will have to decide how far you may want to relocate/live in the dorms. As I've mentioned before, any human science would be good to get your Bachelors Degree in, but now that I am thinking more about it, if it was me, I'd major in Human Anatomy. The reason why I think this would be good is because dentistry affects more parts of the body than just the mouth. It will be good to know how everything, nerves, muscles, ligaments, veins, etc. are all connected. Any dental focused chemistry, physiology or biology would most likely be offered as courses to you in the Dental Hygiene Program and in Dental School. Double check this, but I think the California Universities call the Major 'Anatomy and Physiology'. You can double check this at their websites.
Some In-State colleges that have strong Anatomy programs are UC San Francisco, Stanford University, UCLA, UC San Diego, University of Southern California, UC Davis, UC Berkeley and UC Irvine. Also Loma Linda University, UC Santa Barbara and UC Riverside. Some of these may be a little closer to where you live and some as far as 500 or so miles, so you'll have to first decide if you want to relocate for your Bachelors Degree. Also remember that choosing a college for it's lower tuition is perfectly fine and you can always apply for financial aid, scholarships and grants !
So, there's really no specific college that you should lean towards. You'll have to assess your preferences and circumstances. Read each college's website and go to You Tube to see any videos of the school and maybe the Anatomy Department. A choice of college is best made by you and it should be one that has the major you want. If you can arrange going to some of the campuses for an Orientation and Tour, that would also help you make a choice.
Again, I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Diane Karn
Procurement and Sales Support
4
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Diane’s Answer
What you should find out prior to your selection is if the school of dentistry/orthodontics has any programs that target top students from their own school aiming at dental school after their undergrad degree. Also, some of the bigger dental supply companies have programs and scholarships tied to schools in their coverage area(s) such as Henry Schein, Benco, Patterson which can help you financially and help make that decision easier. Ultimately, your dental school should be selected for their innovations, particularly in the field you want to specialize in and in their reputation for producing the most skilled grads. Good Luck to you! I loved my Orth for giving me a million dollar smile.
You need a little research on the school to see what their strengths are in their dental college.
Diane recommends the following next steps:
I wasn't aware of that, thank you so much!
Lupe
Tamara Fletcher
Sales
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tamara’s Answer
Your performance is more important than the college you attend.
Gotcha! Thank you
Lupe
Kandel A. Allard
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kandel A.’s Answer
Hi Lupe,
Think about what suits you best. Would you like to live in a dorm or stay close to home? Do you enjoy big lectures or prefer smaller, more personal classes? Explore different programs; you might find a school that lets you earn both a BS and MS before dental school. It's important to feel comfortable and aim for a high GPA. Also, look for programs that help you prepare for the DAT. You’ve got this!
Think about what suits you best. Would you like to live in a dorm or stay close to home? Do you enjoy big lectures or prefer smaller, more personal classes? Explore different programs; you might find a school that lets you earn both a BS and MS before dental school. It's important to feel comfortable and aim for a high GPA. Also, look for programs that help you prepare for the DAT. You’ve got this!
Will I need both a BS and MS to get into dental school, or does an MS just look better on applications? Thank you so much!
Lupe
Aravind C
34
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Hi Lupe,
When it comes to education, it's important to choose a college and major that offer good quality and challenge. This can really make a difference in your application. Dental schools want to see strong grades, especially in science classes, and a real interest in dentistry. Things like research opportunities, being close to dental schools, and the college's reputation can also help.
The best college for you is one where you can do well in your studies, get valuable experience, and show your love for dentistry, no matter where it ranks or is located.
When it comes to education, it's important to choose a college and major that offer good quality and challenge. This can really make a difference in your application. Dental schools want to see strong grades, especially in science classes, and a real interest in dentistry. Things like research opportunities, being close to dental schools, and the college's reputation can also help.
The best college for you is one where you can do well in your studies, get valuable experience, and show your love for dentistry, no matter where it ranks or is located.
Thank you so much!
Lupe
Steven Bornfeld
dentistry
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
While I cannot guarantee that your choice of college will have ZERO chance of helping or hurting (you could, I suppose, get an interviewer who particularly favors your college), in general, so long as you go to a fully-accredited college your choice is not important. What is more important is that you take and do well in all the required coursework for admission. Usually those requirements will be posted on the dental school website. And while you will almost certainly need to take 2 years of chemistry, 1 of biology and 1 of physics, the rest of your coursework is not critical, so long as you have a well-rounded choice of courses.
I will differ from Michell in that I would not particularly recommend you go for anatomy. For one thing, you will be taking anatomy in dental school and there's no reason to take it twice. I did take an undergrad anatomy course myself, but it is unlikely you will be dissecting a human body (I got to dissect a dogfish shark myself). Take the required amount of biology. Being a physical sciences major will make it easier to fulfill your major requirements, but so long as you can complete them, having a major outside the physical sciences is certainly possible.
Good luck!
I will differ from Michell in that I would not particularly recommend you go for anatomy. For one thing, you will be taking anatomy in dental school and there's no reason to take it twice. I did take an undergrad anatomy course myself, but it is unlikely you will be dissecting a human body (I got to dissect a dogfish shark myself). Take the required amount of biology. Being a physical sciences major will make it easier to fulfill your major requirements, but so long as you can complete them, having a major outside the physical sciences is certainly possible.
Good luck!
Thank you! I'll look into physical sciences then
Lupe
Marty Cranmer
Manager Engineering Support
4
Answers
Fairport, New York
Updated
Marty’s Answer
If your school has a Project Management class, definitely take it! We all use Project Management skills in some way. Even dentists need these skills, whether at work or at home. Whether you're planning long-term dental care for a patient or building a deck, Project Management skills are incredibly useful.
I'll have to check if my school has that, but thank you!
Lupe
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
38
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
I would add to the earlier comments that some colleges and universities have a history of sending graduates to particular dental schools. I'm not sure of the best way to check on this, other than to ask admissions personnel what dental schools graduates have attended in the past.
I didn't know that, thank you!
Lupe
Joanne Pallone
Sales, Accounting
5
Answers
Holbrook, New York
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
The college you choose isn't that important. What matters more are your GPA, DAT scores, required courses, extracurricular activities like shadowing, research, and volunteering, and your personal statement or interview. Admissions committees mainly focus on your academic performance and readiness, not the school's reputation.
Got it, thank you so much!
Lupe