7 answers
Lupe
Student
Hesperia, California
4
Questions
Updated
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What would be the best business major for someone going into dentistry?
Hi! I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm especially interested in dentistry as I'm aiming to become an orthodontist in the future. I've heard different things about suggested majors to choose while in undergrad, mainly bio or chem. I'm considering being a business major even if I need to take extra classes for pre-reqs as I think it'd be good preparation if I were to ever have my own dental practice so I'd at least know something about how to. Other options I'm heavily considering are Public Health and maybe (?) Microbiology? I'm really looking forward to pursuing this career, I'm just a little lost on where to start, so any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
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7 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Lupe. You're absolutely right, many dentists, especially orthodontists, end up running their own practices. Having a strong foundation in business can give you an edge when it comes to managing finances, hiring staff, marketing, and making smart decisions for your future clinic.
If you're thinking of majoring in business for undergrad, a good option would be Business Administration with a concentration or focus in Health Care Management, Entrepreneurship, or Finance. These areas give you practical skills like managing people, budgeting, operations, and understanding how health-related businesses work. Entrepreneurship is especially useful if you dream of opening your own practice one day. Finance can help you learn how to manage money, both your own and your future clinic's.
That said, you'll still need to complete the pre-dental science prerequisites like biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and possibly biochemistry. Many students who choose non-science majors like business just take these courses alongside their major or as electives.
Also, major in what you’re interested in, but make sure you stay on track with the science classes and maintain a strong GPA. All the best.
If you're thinking of majoring in business for undergrad, a good option would be Business Administration with a concentration or focus in Health Care Management, Entrepreneurship, or Finance. These areas give you practical skills like managing people, budgeting, operations, and understanding how health-related businesses work. Entrepreneurship is especially useful if you dream of opening your own practice one day. Finance can help you learn how to manage money, both your own and your future clinic's.
That said, you'll still need to complete the pre-dental science prerequisites like biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and possibly biochemistry. Many students who choose non-science majors like business just take these courses alongside their major or as electives.
Also, major in what you’re interested in, but make sure you stay on track with the science classes and maintain a strong GPA. All the best.
Thank you so much! I'll look into Business Administration
Lupe
You are most welcome
Wong Loke Yuen
Totally agree with that recommendation! Might also consider following up with and MBA to fine tune the business end of it if you do decide to pursue running your own practice.
Shea Ryan P.M.P. MBA
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lupe !
Thanks for your inquiry about the college path for becoming a dentist/orthodontist. This career is very important and should not be rushed or done by cutting corners on your academic experience. I just mention this because you said that you were thinking about a dual Masters and Doctorate program and would that be in Las Vegas ? You didn't spell it out. In California, it takes 11 - 12 years to become an Orthodontist and you should do your education in the State that you intend to practice in as you will need to be Licensed in that state. Part of being serious about dentistry is not minding how long the academic path is. There's a lot to learn and lots of responsibility working on people's bodies. I do not recommend a fast track for any part of it or going out of state if you intend to practice in California.
As for the Major for your Bachelors Degree, it goes without saying that one could be accepted to Dental School with any subject Bachelors Degree. That being the case, you have to ask yourself how prepared and how much insight do you want to have prior to Dental School. The science courses you'll have at Dental School will have a dental focus, so Majoring in a Human Science for your Bachelors is highly recommended to prepare you well.
Another reason that you should Major in a Human Science like Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, etc. is because you will need to take and pass the Dental Admission Test for Dental School. This test is usually taken after completing prerequisite science courses, ideally after finishing general biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, and is recommended to be taken no later than December 31st of the year prior to application to Dental School. So it will be greatly to your benefit to Major in a human science for your Bachelors degree. Ask yourself how prepared you want to be. Getting a Bachelors Degree in Business would not help you one bit for a path to becoming an Orthodontist. I'll explain.
Dentistry is a Service, not exactly a business that a whole four year college major in Business would prepare you for. Secondly, you are going to naturally learn how to run a dental office or clinic through Dental School as well as afterward when you are working as a dentist and orthodontist in other people's offices or clinics. It'll just be something that you pick up on. You would get the information about locality rules and guidelines from your local town or city hall. You can do this, and many have, without spending four years studying business that is geared to a more commercial aspect of business. There are also many, many books that can inform you about specific aspects of dental office practice or how to run a clinic. To major in Business as an undergrad will take you in a very different direction. Prepare well with a human science Bachelors Degree. That's just my advice.
So think about this seriously - if the path is too long or you are not into science so business sounds more appealing, the choice is up to you, but I advise preparing yourself as best you can. I also advise taking the entire path in the state that you intend to practice in. Each state has different ways and requirements and you'll want to stay on one track. The reason people do suggest majoring in Biology or Chemistry for your undergrad degree is because you'll need to know that information beforehand so dental school would go smoothly for you as well as the entrance exam.
I hope this is something to consider and whatever choice you make I wish you all the best !
Thanks for your inquiry about the college path for becoming a dentist/orthodontist. This career is very important and should not be rushed or done by cutting corners on your academic experience. I just mention this because you said that you were thinking about a dual Masters and Doctorate program and would that be in Las Vegas ? You didn't spell it out. In California, it takes 11 - 12 years to become an Orthodontist and you should do your education in the State that you intend to practice in as you will need to be Licensed in that state. Part of being serious about dentistry is not minding how long the academic path is. There's a lot to learn and lots of responsibility working on people's bodies. I do not recommend a fast track for any part of it or going out of state if you intend to practice in California.
As for the Major for your Bachelors Degree, it goes without saying that one could be accepted to Dental School with any subject Bachelors Degree. That being the case, you have to ask yourself how prepared and how much insight do you want to have prior to Dental School. The science courses you'll have at Dental School will have a dental focus, so Majoring in a Human Science for your Bachelors is highly recommended to prepare you well.
Another reason that you should Major in a Human Science like Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, etc. is because you will need to take and pass the Dental Admission Test for Dental School. This test is usually taken after completing prerequisite science courses, ideally after finishing general biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, and is recommended to be taken no later than December 31st of the year prior to application to Dental School. So it will be greatly to your benefit to Major in a human science for your Bachelors degree. Ask yourself how prepared you want to be. Getting a Bachelors Degree in Business would not help you one bit for a path to becoming an Orthodontist. I'll explain.
Dentistry is a Service, not exactly a business that a whole four year college major in Business would prepare you for. Secondly, you are going to naturally learn how to run a dental office or clinic through Dental School as well as afterward when you are working as a dentist and orthodontist in other people's offices or clinics. It'll just be something that you pick up on. You would get the information about locality rules and guidelines from your local town or city hall. You can do this, and many have, without spending four years studying business that is geared to a more commercial aspect of business. There are also many, many books that can inform you about specific aspects of dental office practice or how to run a clinic. To major in Business as an undergrad will take you in a very different direction. Prepare well with a human science Bachelors Degree. That's just my advice.
So think about this seriously - if the path is too long or you are not into science so business sounds more appealing, the choice is up to you, but I advise preparing yourself as best you can. I also advise taking the entire path in the state that you intend to practice in. Each state has different ways and requirements and you'll want to stay on one track. The reason people do suggest majoring in Biology or Chemistry for your undergrad degree is because you'll need to know that information beforehand so dental school would go smoothly for you as well as the entrance exam.
I hope this is something to consider and whatever choice you make I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much! Yes, the dual program is for Las Vegas, I apologize for the confusion. I understand what you're saying, I hadn't even thought about getting licensed in the same state I study in so that changes some things! I'm not worried about the length of the career path, more so the built up tuition if I were to study out of state. I appreciate your kind words.
Lupe
Lupe, you are very welcome for the advice and I wish you a very enjoyable path towards your plan to become an Orthodontist !
Michelle M.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Contrary to what many students assume Lupe, there’s no single “correct” major for dental school, and choosing the right one isn’t just about checking boxes. Dental schools do not require applicants to major in biology, chemistry, or any specific science; instead, they evaluate how well you’ve mastered the required prerequisite coursework and whether you’ve developed the skills and mindset needed to become a thoughtful, well-rounded clinician. That’s why the best major for you is the one that aligns with your strengths, interests, and ability to excel academically - not just the one that seems most “on brand.”
That said, most applicants do choose science majors and there’s a reason. Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and neuroscience not only cover the majority of dental prerequisites, but also prepare you for the rigors of the DAT and the depth of material in dental school itself. If you enjoy these subjects and can maintain a strong GPA, science majors can be a smart and efficient path Lupe.
Hope this was helpful Lupe
That said, most applicants do choose science majors and there’s a reason. Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and neuroscience not only cover the majority of dental prerequisites, but also prepare you for the rigors of the DAT and the depth of material in dental school itself. If you enjoy these subjects and can maintain a strong GPA, science majors can be a smart and efficient path Lupe.
Hope this was helpful Lupe
I understand, thank you!
Lupe
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Lupe,
It is good that you want to become a dentist while you are in school and also good that you are thinking about business. You just need to figure out if you really want to do both dentistry and business, if so go for it. When it comes to your question, I feel that you could do a healthcare administration, business administration or another general business degree since you want your main major to be dentistry. I hope this advice was helpful, wish you the best of luck when it comes to your dentistry and business journey!
It is good that you want to become a dentist while you are in school and also good that you are thinking about business. You just need to figure out if you really want to do both dentistry and business, if so go for it. When it comes to your question, I feel that you could do a healthcare administration, business administration or another general business degree since you want your main major to be dentistry. I hope this advice was helpful, wish you the best of luck when it comes to your dentistry and business journey!
I understand, thank you for the kind words!
Lupe
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lupe,
I would agree with Michelle, you don't need a business major. A sciency major would be much more useful so you have a great foundation for taking the DAT and for your studies in dental school. Take some business classes as electives, if you want to learn about some general business practices. You'll also have at least one course on managing a dental practice in dental school.
You'll also find helpful resources from professional organizations: https://www.ada.org/resources/practice.
Your local Chamber of Commerce will also have helpful information for businesses: https://ghdcc.com/business/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I would agree with Michelle, you don't need a business major. A sciency major would be much more useful so you have a great foundation for taking the DAT and for your studies in dental school. Take some business classes as electives, if you want to learn about some general business practices. You'll also have at least one course on managing a dental practice in dental school.
You'll also find helpful resources from professional organizations: https://www.ada.org/resources/practice.
Your local Chamber of Commerce will also have helpful information for businesses: https://ghdcc.com/business/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Shawn Jordan
Admissions coordinator
9
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
The best business majors for someone going into dentistry are Business Administration or Healthcare Management. They give you the skills to run or manage a dental practice in the future.
Thank you so much! I was considering Healthcare or Public Health
Lupe
Alyssa King
Director, Global Compensation Programs
2
Answers
Westminster, Massachusetts
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Lupe,
It's really smart to consider studying business before going into dentistry and orthodontics. Many dentists, especially orthodontists, start their own businesses, so having those skills is important.
I recommend a major in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship if you can. This will give you a strong base in business, which will help if you decide to open your own practice later. Even if you don't, knowing business administration will be useful when you start working. An entrepreneurship focus will also help you in the small business world, whether you own one or work for one.
You seem to be thinking carefully about your future and the opportunities ahead. Good luck!
It's really smart to consider studying business before going into dentistry and orthodontics. Many dentists, especially orthodontists, start their own businesses, so having those skills is important.
I recommend a major in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship if you can. This will give you a strong base in business, which will help if you decide to open your own practice later. Even if you don't, knowing business administration will be useful when you start working. An entrepreneurship focus will also help you in the small business world, whether you own one or work for one.
You seem to be thinking carefully about your future and the opportunities ahead. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Lupe