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I want to go into dentistry, but I'm completely confused about the steps to become a dentist.
I’m a sophomore and rising junior in 2026–27, and my graduation year is 2028. By my senior year, I will have enough college credits to equal about two years of college. I’ve wanted to become a dentist for a while, but every time I research the steps, it feels complicated. Granted, I knew it would be hard, but I still feel confused.
Right now, the steps I think I should take are: graduate from high school, go to college, major in biochemistry, join a dental program or do shadowing through my college if possible, graduate from college, and then go to dental school. I know that sounds choppy, which is why I’m trying to understand the process better.
With the economy the way it is, I don’t want to struggle financially as a student. I also don’t really like science, but I think that may be because of my past teachers or my attitude toward school in general. Even so, I’m very good at science and have gotten all A’s for as long as I can remember, so I know I can handle the classes.
One thing I’m really confused about is what other dentists’ paths looked like and how they reached their careers. I saw a comment about a college in Illinois that lets students become dental hygienists first and then continue on to become dentists. That route interests me, but I feel like there may be other options or similar opportunities too.
I’ve especially been looking at HBCU colleges. Howard caught my attention because it also has a dental program. I want to have my plan set out clearly so I know what my next steps should be. If you haven’t noticed, I’m definitely a planner. Please help, and if you can share any tips, I would really appreciate it.
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Brady’s Answer
Hi! That’s a great question, and it’s awesome that you already have a goal and are starting to make a plan early!!
I’m currently in college right now pursuing a degree in Human Biology and preparing to apply to dental school. The major you choose doesn’t necessarily matter, but science majors can be helpful because many of the classes overlap with dental school prerequisites. These usually include General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics.
The DAT is another important step in applying to dental school. It tests subjects like Biology, General and Organic Chemistry, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension. There are a lot of resources and programs available to help you study, such as DAT Bootcamp.
Getting experience in the dental field is also really beneficial for your application. Working as a dental assistant can give you hands-on experience and help confirm that dentistry is truly the field you want to pursue. Shadowing is important too. By observing different areas of dentistry—General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, and Prosthodontics—you can discover what interests you most. Shadowing hours are also required or strongly recommended by many dental schools, and a lot of students aim for 100+ hours.
One thing that helps me now is trying to do everything with the goal of becoming a dentist in mind. I work hard to maintain a strong GPA and build good study habits because I know those will help me later with dental school applications and the DAT. I also look for opportunities to serve in my community, shadow dentists, get involved in clubs and leadership opportunities, and gain experience as a dental assistant. All of these experiences not only help me become a stronger applicant for dental school, but they also help me learn more about the profession and reassure me that dentistry is what I want to pursue.
I’m currently in college right now pursuing a degree in Human Biology and preparing to apply to dental school. The major you choose doesn’t necessarily matter, but science majors can be helpful because many of the classes overlap with dental school prerequisites. These usually include General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics.
The DAT is another important step in applying to dental school. It tests subjects like Biology, General and Organic Chemistry, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension. There are a lot of resources and programs available to help you study, such as DAT Bootcamp.
Getting experience in the dental field is also really beneficial for your application. Working as a dental assistant can give you hands-on experience and help confirm that dentistry is truly the field you want to pursue. Shadowing is important too. By observing different areas of dentistry—General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, and Prosthodontics—you can discover what interests you most. Shadowing hours are also required or strongly recommended by many dental schools, and a lot of students aim for 100+ hours.
One thing that helps me now is trying to do everything with the goal of becoming a dentist in mind. I work hard to maintain a strong GPA and build good study habits because I know those will help me later with dental school applications and the DAT. I also look for opportunities to serve in my community, shadow dentists, get involved in clubs and leadership opportunities, and gain experience as a dental assistant. All of these experiences not only help me become a stronger applicant for dental school, but they also help me learn more about the profession and reassure me that dentistry is what I want to pursue.
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Aditya’s Answer
Hi there! It's fantastic that you're already thinking about a career in dentistry. Starting from your freshman year in college is ideal. Dental schools have some required courses like chemistry, biology, physics, and possibly biochemistry. It’s a good idea to major in one of these fields or any science-related area, but you can choose any major as long as you complete the necessary courses.
You'll also need to take the DAT before applying to dental schools. Aim to take this exam by the end of your junior year or earlier, and plan your exam date at least six months ahead to give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Since you’re still young, try contacting local dental offices for shadowing or summer internships. This experience will help you decide if this is the right path for you. It's a long journey, so it's better to find out sooner rather than later.
Good luck on your journey!
You'll also need to take the DAT before applying to dental schools. Aim to take this exam by the end of your junior year or earlier, and plan your exam date at least six months ahead to give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Since you’re still young, try contacting local dental offices for shadowing or summer internships. This experience will help you decide if this is the right path for you. It's a long journey, so it's better to find out sooner rather than later.
Good luck on your journey!
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I agree with Brady that while you need not major in science, your path will be easier if you are majoring in something related to required courses. Generally this will be 2 years of chemistry, 1 of biology, and one of physics. Physics has its own requirement for calculus. But so long as you can finish courses required for entrance, you can major in anything.
Having first-hand experience in either dental assisting or dental hygiene is likely to be a plus, but when I went to school in the dark ages the students who actually had this experience were very much in the minority.
Good luck!
Having first-hand experience in either dental assisting or dental hygiene is likely to be a plus, but when I went to school in the dark ages the students who actually had this experience were very much in the minority.
Good luck!
Updated
Kalyan’s Answer
You’re not as confused as you think — you already have the basic path mostly right. The cleanest default route is: finish high school → complete a bachelor’s degree with dental school prerequisites → get shadowing/experience → take the DAT → apply through ADEA AADSAS → attend 4 years of dental school. Most schools want a bachelor’s degree, though some will consider applicants with at least 90 college credits; either way, you still need the required science courses and a strong application. 1 2 3
Here’s the key point I’d give you: you do not need to major in biochemistry to become a dentist. Dental schools care more about whether you completed the prerequisites and performed well than about your exact major. Biochemistry, biology, and chemistry are common because they fit the requirements, but you should choose a major you can do well in and afford, not one that sounds the most “pre-dental.” 3 4
The usual prerequisite set is fairly standard: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, English/composition, and often biochemistry, usually with labs. Some schools also like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. In-person labs are often preferred, and some schools may not accept certain online lab courses, so when you start college you’ll want to verify that your dual-enrollment/AP/college credits actually satisfy dental school requirements before assuming they do. That matters a lot in your case because entering college with roughly two years of credit is a great advantage, but only if the credits line up correctly. 5 4 6
Based on what you wrote, I’d recommend this best-fit plan for you:
Do not rush the process just because you have credits.
Use college to build a strong GPA, real shadowing experience, and a competitive application.
Pick an affordable undergrad where you can succeed academically and get advising.
Keep Howard and Meharry on your list, but also compare them with strong HBCU pre-dental undergraduate options. 1 2 7 8
What dental schools also want, beyond grades, is very predictable: shadowing, community service, leadership, and strong letters of recommendation. Shadowing often lands in the 75–100 hour range for competitive applicants, and schools also like to see service and some evidence that you understand what dentistry is actually like day to day. So your plan should not just be “take science classes”; it should also include exposure to the profession early. 1 2 9 3
The DAT is the big test in the process. It covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Since March 2025, it uses a 200–600 scale, with 400 centered as average; around 450+ is competitive and 500+ is excellent. Students usually take it about a year before applying to dental school, ideally no later than spring of the application year. 10 6 11
The application itself usually runs through ADEA AADSAS, and dental admissions are typically rolling, so applying early matters. In the current example cycle, the application opened in May, submissions started in June, early submission was recommended by mid-July, and acceptances began in December. Those exact dates will shift by the time you apply, but the pattern will likely be similar: prepare early, test early, apply early. 12 11 13 14
On the HBCU question: Howard University and Meharry Medical College are the only two HBCUs with fully accredited DDS programs. Howard is attractive because it has both the university and dental school ecosystem, and it offers a DDS plus a BS/DDS pathway for Howard undergrads. Meharry is also mission-driven and well known for serving underrepresented and underserved communities. If you want an HBCU path, there are really two decisions to make: where to do undergrad and where to apply for dental school. Those do not have to be the same place. 7 15 16 17
For Howard specifically, recent admissions information suggests applicants are reviewed holistically, with attention to GPA, DAT, service, leadership, and dental exposure. Howard also strongly recommends a bachelor’s even though 90 credits may technically satisfy the minimum academic threshold. That means Howard can be part of your plan, but you should build a profile that would also make you competitive elsewhere. 1 2 6
On the “dental hygienist first, then dentist” idea: yes, that pathway exists, but it is not the normal or fastest route. There are some bridge-type options, such as Loma Linda’s DH-to-DDS pathway, but those are specialized and not the standard route most future dentists take. In other words, becoming a hygienist first is a real option, but I would view it as a specific alternate strategy, not your default plan unless you have a strong reason to want the hygiene credential first. 18 19
Why I wouldn’t make hygiene-first your starting plan: it can add complexity, and many dental hygiene programs are designed to prepare students for careers in hygiene, not necessarily to streamline entry into dental school. If your true goal is to become a dentist, the more direct route is usually better: pre-dental undergrad → dental school. Use the bridge idea only if it clearly solves a problem for you, such as affordability, academic rebuilding, or wanting a solid clinical fallback career. 20 21 18
Since you’re a sophomore/rising junior now, here is the practical roadmap I’d suggest:
Now through high school graduation
Keep your GPA high.
Continue taking strong science and math classes, but don’t panic if you don’t “love” science yet.
Start learning what dentistry is actually like by asking for shadowing opportunities with local dentists.
Track your college credits carefully so you know what will transfer.
Build a simple resume with leadership, service, and any health-related exposure. 1 2
When choosing colleges
Prioritize cost, advising, GPA-friendliness, and access to shadowing/research/pre-health support.
Look at schools where your existing credits will save you real money but won’t force you to rush through prerequisites before you’re ready.
If HBCUs matter to you, compare Howard, Xavier, Tennessee State, Fayetteville State, and other schools with strong science or pre-dental support. 7 8 22 23
During college
Finish prerequisites with strong grades.
Shadow regularly.
Get recommendation letters from science faculty and dentists.
Add service and leadership.
Take the DAT when your science coursework is mostly complete.
Apply early in the cycle. 4 11 24
On the money side, your instinct is smart. Dentistry can be financially rewarding long term, but training is expensive, so your biggest levers now are: minimize undergrad debt, use your college credits wisely, choose affordable schools, and avoid unnecessary extra years. That is another reason I’d lean toward the direct pre-dental route unless a hygiene-first path gives you a very specific financial or strategic advantage. 3 18
My recommendation, very plainly: your default plan should be a direct path to dentistry, not a dental hygiene detour. Go to an affordable college, complete prerequisites, keep your GPA high, shadow dentists early, and treat Howard and Meharry as future dental-school targets while also considering strong HBCU undergrad feeders. That path is clearer, more standard, and easier to plan around.
Your next move this month:
Make a one-page document called “Dentistry Plan 2028+.”
List three college types: HBCU with dental school, HBCU with strong pre-dental pipeline, affordable non-HBCU backup.
Start a shadowing log.
Gather your current and future college-credit list.
Compare those credits against common dental school prerequisites.
Here’s the key point I’d give you: you do not need to major in biochemistry to become a dentist. Dental schools care more about whether you completed the prerequisites and performed well than about your exact major. Biochemistry, biology, and chemistry are common because they fit the requirements, but you should choose a major you can do well in and afford, not one that sounds the most “pre-dental.” 3 4
The usual prerequisite set is fairly standard: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, English/composition, and often biochemistry, usually with labs. Some schools also like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. In-person labs are often preferred, and some schools may not accept certain online lab courses, so when you start college you’ll want to verify that your dual-enrollment/AP/college credits actually satisfy dental school requirements before assuming they do. That matters a lot in your case because entering college with roughly two years of credit is a great advantage, but only if the credits line up correctly. 5 4 6
Based on what you wrote, I’d recommend this best-fit plan for you:
Do not rush the process just because you have credits.
Use college to build a strong GPA, real shadowing experience, and a competitive application.
Pick an affordable undergrad where you can succeed academically and get advising.
Keep Howard and Meharry on your list, but also compare them with strong HBCU pre-dental undergraduate options. 1 2 7 8
What dental schools also want, beyond grades, is very predictable: shadowing, community service, leadership, and strong letters of recommendation. Shadowing often lands in the 75–100 hour range for competitive applicants, and schools also like to see service and some evidence that you understand what dentistry is actually like day to day. So your plan should not just be “take science classes”; it should also include exposure to the profession early. 1 2 9 3
The DAT is the big test in the process. It covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Since March 2025, it uses a 200–600 scale, with 400 centered as average; around 450+ is competitive and 500+ is excellent. Students usually take it about a year before applying to dental school, ideally no later than spring of the application year. 10 6 11
The application itself usually runs through ADEA AADSAS, and dental admissions are typically rolling, so applying early matters. In the current example cycle, the application opened in May, submissions started in June, early submission was recommended by mid-July, and acceptances began in December. Those exact dates will shift by the time you apply, but the pattern will likely be similar: prepare early, test early, apply early. 12 11 13 14
On the HBCU question: Howard University and Meharry Medical College are the only two HBCUs with fully accredited DDS programs. Howard is attractive because it has both the university and dental school ecosystem, and it offers a DDS plus a BS/DDS pathway for Howard undergrads. Meharry is also mission-driven and well known for serving underrepresented and underserved communities. If you want an HBCU path, there are really two decisions to make: where to do undergrad and where to apply for dental school. Those do not have to be the same place. 7 15 16 17
For Howard specifically, recent admissions information suggests applicants are reviewed holistically, with attention to GPA, DAT, service, leadership, and dental exposure. Howard also strongly recommends a bachelor’s even though 90 credits may technically satisfy the minimum academic threshold. That means Howard can be part of your plan, but you should build a profile that would also make you competitive elsewhere. 1 2 6
On the “dental hygienist first, then dentist” idea: yes, that pathway exists, but it is not the normal or fastest route. There are some bridge-type options, such as Loma Linda’s DH-to-DDS pathway, but those are specialized and not the standard route most future dentists take. In other words, becoming a hygienist first is a real option, but I would view it as a specific alternate strategy, not your default plan unless you have a strong reason to want the hygiene credential first. 18 19
Why I wouldn’t make hygiene-first your starting plan: it can add complexity, and many dental hygiene programs are designed to prepare students for careers in hygiene, not necessarily to streamline entry into dental school. If your true goal is to become a dentist, the more direct route is usually better: pre-dental undergrad → dental school. Use the bridge idea only if it clearly solves a problem for you, such as affordability, academic rebuilding, or wanting a solid clinical fallback career. 20 21 18
Since you’re a sophomore/rising junior now, here is the practical roadmap I’d suggest:
Now through high school graduation
Keep your GPA high.
Continue taking strong science and math classes, but don’t panic if you don’t “love” science yet.
Start learning what dentistry is actually like by asking for shadowing opportunities with local dentists.
Track your college credits carefully so you know what will transfer.
Build a simple resume with leadership, service, and any health-related exposure. 1 2
When choosing colleges
Prioritize cost, advising, GPA-friendliness, and access to shadowing/research/pre-health support.
Look at schools where your existing credits will save you real money but won’t force you to rush through prerequisites before you’re ready.
If HBCUs matter to you, compare Howard, Xavier, Tennessee State, Fayetteville State, and other schools with strong science or pre-dental support. 7 8 22 23
During college
Finish prerequisites with strong grades.
Shadow regularly.
Get recommendation letters from science faculty and dentists.
Add service and leadership.
Take the DAT when your science coursework is mostly complete.
Apply early in the cycle. 4 11 24
On the money side, your instinct is smart. Dentistry can be financially rewarding long term, but training is expensive, so your biggest levers now are: minimize undergrad debt, use your college credits wisely, choose affordable schools, and avoid unnecessary extra years. That is another reason I’d lean toward the direct pre-dental route unless a hygiene-first path gives you a very specific financial or strategic advantage. 3 18
My recommendation, very plainly: your default plan should be a direct path to dentistry, not a dental hygiene detour. Go to an affordable college, complete prerequisites, keep your GPA high, shadow dentists early, and treat Howard and Meharry as future dental-school targets while also considering strong HBCU undergrad feeders. That path is clearer, more standard, and easier to plan around.
Your next move this month:
Make a one-page document called “Dentistry Plan 2028+.”
List three college types: HBCU with dental school, HBCU with strong pre-dental pipeline, affordable non-HBCU backup.
Start a shadowing log.
Gather your current and future college-credit list.
Compare those credits against common dental school prerequisites.