2 answers
isabella
Student
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
1
Question
Updated
924 views
Pre-dentistry major options?
Hi,
I am a first year student who is pursuing a pre-dental track. I will have to decide on a major in a few months, and was wondering which majors will benefit or distinguish me from a pool of applicants for dentistry?
Currently, I am thinking of picking microbiology and immunology as my major.
I know that many students have biology or biochemistry as their major, so I do want have a different major to make me stand out. Please let me know if this would be a good option, or not.
Thanks!!
Login to comment
2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, isabella !
Much as in the U.S., there is no required Major to go into Dental School in Canada. I'd be happy to give you some advice for your undergraduate degree before you attend Dental School.
Immunology or Microbiology are not the best pre-dental track majors for your Bachelors Degree, to be honest with you. The reason most people choose Biology and Chemistry as a Major for their Bachelors before Dental School is BECAUSE those are the better majors to have a foundation to prepare you for Dental School. You do not need to "stand out" by having a particular Major, you need to choose a major subject that aligns with pre-dental and will prepare you for the Dental Admission Test and either biology or chemistry will do that, certainly not immunology. Your dental school will expect you to have prerequisites in the health sciences, so read the Dental School's website to find out the exact courses that are required to attend their Dental Program. A strong application will not depend on having a "different major", rather will matter on your GPA being high and your true interest and understanding of your undergraduate Major.
Many of the life sciences you will have in Dental School will be dental based, so it's important for you to be familiar with biology, chemistry and anatomy. Please do not worry about "standing out". No one can tell you how to be accepted to any dental school. You have to read that dental school's requirements in order to know what they expect from applicants. You can also probably get some experience by seeking volunteer work at your local Ministry of Health in Vancouver where you live. Many health departments have a dental component and maybe there are volunteer opportunities to be involved in that. It would be a good networking opportunity, too.
So focus on your Bachelors Degree for right now, do not worry about "distinguishing" yourself or "standing out" when applying to dental school. Make it easier on yourself by majoring in either Biology, Chemistry or Anatomy which will be the appropriate academic foundation and pre-dental path. If in doubt, talk this over with your Academic Counselor on campus as well.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Much as in the U.S., there is no required Major to go into Dental School in Canada. I'd be happy to give you some advice for your undergraduate degree before you attend Dental School.
Immunology or Microbiology are not the best pre-dental track majors for your Bachelors Degree, to be honest with you. The reason most people choose Biology and Chemistry as a Major for their Bachelors before Dental School is BECAUSE those are the better majors to have a foundation to prepare you for Dental School. You do not need to "stand out" by having a particular Major, you need to choose a major subject that aligns with pre-dental and will prepare you for the Dental Admission Test and either biology or chemistry will do that, certainly not immunology. Your dental school will expect you to have prerequisites in the health sciences, so read the Dental School's website to find out the exact courses that are required to attend their Dental Program. A strong application will not depend on having a "different major", rather will matter on your GPA being high and your true interest and understanding of your undergraduate Major.
Many of the life sciences you will have in Dental School will be dental based, so it's important for you to be familiar with biology, chemistry and anatomy. Please do not worry about "standing out". No one can tell you how to be accepted to any dental school. You have to read that dental school's requirements in order to know what they expect from applicants. You can also probably get some experience by seeking volunteer work at your local Ministry of Health in Vancouver where you live. Many health departments have a dental component and maybe there are volunteer opportunities to be involved in that. It would be a good networking opportunity, too.
So focus on your Bachelors Degree for right now, do not worry about "distinguishing" yourself or "standing out" when applying to dental school. Make it easier on yourself by majoring in either Biology, Chemistry or Anatomy which will be the appropriate academic foundation and pre-dental path. If in doubt, talk this over with your Academic Counselor on campus as well.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
82
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
Great thinking. In this case, there are no special majors, but rather to follow the dental school prerequisites.
Fields such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and psychology are all science-based disciplines. Immunology, neuroscience, and public health would be standout areas for the DAT.
Also, pay attention to what you like and your preferences. Keep a strong GPA. Your GPA and DAT score carry the most weight.
Best,
Fields such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and psychology are all science-based disciplines. Immunology, neuroscience, and public health would be standout areas for the DAT.
Also, pay attention to what you like and your preferences. Keep a strong GPA. Your GPA and DAT score carry the most weight.
Best,