2 answers
Michelle
Student
Inglewood, California
1
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What major in college is best if I am an aspiring dental student?
high school graduate
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2 answers
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
202
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hello Michelle,
While a general path is certainly an option, I'd highly recommend you to take a closer look at the specific curriculum provided by your school of interest. When I was an undergraduate, I actually majored in dental hygiene. This included specialized courses that focused on using the tools and equipment common in the field. Plus, we even got to provide free dental care to residents with low income upon graduation! If you can find a university or school nearby that offers a similar program, it would certainly give you a head start with hands-on experience and could also help you secure an entry-level position in your career.
Here's an example of a degree where dental hygiene is a major:
https://www.goodwin.edu/majors/dental-hygiene/
Also, don't forget that each university and school has its own page on CareerVillage. This means you could potentially connect with alumni and hear about their personal experiences in the program you're interested in.
While a general path is certainly an option, I'd highly recommend you to take a closer look at the specific curriculum provided by your school of interest. When I was an undergraduate, I actually majored in dental hygiene. This included specialized courses that focused on using the tools and equipment common in the field. Plus, we even got to provide free dental care to residents with low income upon graduation! If you can find a university or school nearby that offers a similar program, it would certainly give you a head start with hands-on experience and could also help you secure an entry-level position in your career.
Here's an example of a degree where dental hygiene is a major:
https://www.goodwin.edu/majors/dental-hygiene/
Also, don't forget that each university and school has its own page on CareerVillage. This means you could potentially connect with alumni and hear about their personal experiences in the program you're interested in.
Marissa Hanson
Sales Enablement
8
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
If you are aspiring to become a dental student, there is no specific major that is considered "best" for dental school admissions. Dental schools generally accept students from various undergraduate majors as long as they have completed the prerequisite coursework and demonstrate the necessary academic abilities and skills.
However, many aspiring dental students choose to pursue undergraduate majors in science-related fields because they align well with the prerequisite courses required by dental schools. These majors can provide a strong foundation in the sciences and help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for dental school. Common majors chosen by aspiring dental students include:
Biology: Biology is a popular major for pre-dental students as it covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry, which are relevant to dental studies.
Chemistry: A major in chemistry can provide a strong background in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, which are fundamental to understanding dental materials and biochemistry.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry combines the principles of biology and chemistry, focusing on the chemical processes and molecules in living organisms. It can be particularly beneficial for dental students due to its relevance to dental materials, oral biology, and biochemistry.
Neuroscience: Neuroscience explores the structure and function of the nervous system, which is relevant to understanding the orofacial region and related dental procedures.
Biomedical Sciences: This interdisciplinary major integrates biological sciences, chemistry, and physiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of human health and diseases, which can be valuable in dental studies.
Health Sciences: A major in health sciences can provide a broad understanding of various aspects of health, including human anatomy, physiology, public health, and healthcare systems.
It's important to note that while these science-related majors are commonly chosen, dental schools also value a well-rounded education. They consider applicants' overall academic performance, GPA, performance in prerequisite courses, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes.
Regardless of your major, make sure to carefully review the prerequisite coursework required by the dental schools you are interested in attending. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry (inorganic and organic), physics, and sometimes biochemistry or other specific subjects. Additionally, aim to maintain a strong GPA, gain relevant experience (such as shadowing dentists or volunteering in dental clinics), and engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication to the field of dentistry and your leadership abilities.
However, many aspiring dental students choose to pursue undergraduate majors in science-related fields because they align well with the prerequisite courses required by dental schools. These majors can provide a strong foundation in the sciences and help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for dental school. Common majors chosen by aspiring dental students include:
Biology: Biology is a popular major for pre-dental students as it covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry, which are relevant to dental studies.
Chemistry: A major in chemistry can provide a strong background in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, which are fundamental to understanding dental materials and biochemistry.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry combines the principles of biology and chemistry, focusing on the chemical processes and molecules in living organisms. It can be particularly beneficial for dental students due to its relevance to dental materials, oral biology, and biochemistry.
Neuroscience: Neuroscience explores the structure and function of the nervous system, which is relevant to understanding the orofacial region and related dental procedures.
Biomedical Sciences: This interdisciplinary major integrates biological sciences, chemistry, and physiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of human health and diseases, which can be valuable in dental studies.
Health Sciences: A major in health sciences can provide a broad understanding of various aspects of health, including human anatomy, physiology, public health, and healthcare systems.
It's important to note that while these science-related majors are commonly chosen, dental schools also value a well-rounded education. They consider applicants' overall academic performance, GPA, performance in prerequisite courses, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes.
Regardless of your major, make sure to carefully review the prerequisite coursework required by the dental schools you are interested in attending. These typically include courses in biology, chemistry (inorganic and organic), physics, and sometimes biochemistry or other specific subjects. Additionally, aim to maintain a strong GPA, gain relevant experience (such as shadowing dentists or volunteering in dental clinics), and engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication to the field of dentistry and your leadership abilities.