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What was your college major for going into dentistry?

I am a 10th grade high school student and I am interested in being a dentist.

college dentistry dental
Thank you comment icon "It is a very good career and, above all, very well-paid. I am Latin American, and even here, one earns well. In Europe and the United States, one earns 10 times more than what is earned in Latin America." Andres Salomon Rosero Taramuel
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Ashley’s Answer

Most dental students choose to specialize in biology and chemistry, but that's not the only path to success. Dental schools have been known to welcome students with a wide range of majors, from music and art history to engineering and math, even humanities and sports administration. So, whatever your passion, there's room for you in the world of dentistry!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Princess,

To pursue a career in dentistry, you'll first need to earn a bachelor's degree before attending dental school. There isn't a specific "pre-dental" major, but there are recommended courses to take during your college years to better prepare for dental school. These are:

Biology: As a core subject for all health professions, dental schools usually expect applicants to have at least one year of biology with lab experience.
Chemistry: Applicants are also expected to have a year of general chemistry with lab experience. Taking additional courses in organic chemistry and biochemistry is advisable.
Physics: Dental schools typically require a year of physics with lab experience.
Mathematics: Some dental schools might ask for coursework in statistics or calculus.
English: Dentists need excellent communication skills, so developing your writing and speaking abilities is crucial. Dental schools usually require at least a year of English composition or literature.

Remember, dental schools don't demand a specific major, so you're free to choose any subject that piques your interest, provided you complete the necessary prerequisite courses. Common choices among pre-dental students are biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. However, other majors like psychology, sociology, or even business can be suitable, as long as you fulfill the coursework requirements.

Moreover, gaining firsthand experience in dentistry through internships, volunteering, or shadowing dentists can bolster your dental school application. It also offers valuable insight into a dentist's daily work and can help you decide if this is the right career for you.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
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Mahi’s Answer

Biology, however you can major in anything you want as long as you take the pre-requisite courses. Science majors are usually the way you get those.
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Rafael’s Answer

To become a dentist, you typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. After completing your undergraduate degree, you would then need to attend dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. It's important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the country and the dental school you plan to attend. It's a great goal to pursue, and I encourage you to speak with your school counselor or research dental school admission requirements for more detailed information. Best of luck!
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A. Michelle’s Answer

Check several dental schools to see what they require for admission. If a college does not have a pre-dentistry major, majoring in one of the required science fields is a good strategy. You could major in a completely unrelated subject, but will have a full schedule completing the requirements for the major as well as the ones for dental school.
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Adrienne’s Answer

As a dental hygienist, I serve as a mid-level dental professional with a focus on oral preventative care. This specialization required me to complete certain prerequisite courses before entering dental hygiene school. Unlike other professions, I didn't need to choose a separate major, as dental hygiene itself was the primary field of study, at least in Connecticut where I studied.

To prepare for this career, I would suggest courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. These subjects will provide a solid foundation for dental studies.

Upon completion, I earned an Associate in Science degree, which attests to my qualifications as a dental hygienist.

Adrienne recommends the following next steps:

Researched different dental schools and see what prerequisites are required.
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敬太’s Answer

Thank you for your questions for being dentistry.
I am a dentist living in Japan. And I have my dental office.
When I was graduated student, I was major in physiology, which is for neuroscience.
It is because we should know how to work our body under nerve construction.

I hope you would be a good dentist.
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Khushi’s Answer

Hi!
Most of the dental curriculum is based on biology and chemistry but there are of course aspects of physics and psychology involved. Dentistry is a very creative field and ties in together many skills!
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Andrey’s Answer

Good morning Princess,
Every school will require certain pre-requisites. You can find those on school websites, however generally most dental and medical schools will requires heavy science. Organic chemistry 1 and 2, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, physics and some other classes.
My major for undergraduate degree was Biomedical science. This degree covered all pre-requisites for dental school applications and gave me additional experience needed to pass DAT. DAT is dental assessment test that is required to apply for dental school.

Hope this helps best of luck!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Princess
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