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What are some tips for getting into dental school?
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Tatsiana’s Answer
What they are looking for is a well rounded person- having a good GPA, high DAT scores is not always enough, you need to have shadowing hours - don't do just the bare minimum what the school requires ( look it up on the websites of dental schools you are most interested in), do more hours and multiple practices, and not only general dentists, try to shadow all specialties as well. It will show you what you are really interested in and it will show the committee that you take it seriously. In addition, to dental shadowing, do a lot of volunteering - non dental related, community outreach programs, food drives, anything you are truly interested in. Being a healthcare provider means caring for people, truly be willing to serve people- you show this love through volunteering. Take on a leadership role, in your school, college clubs, church, it can be anything. Being a dentist - being a leader in your office. You need to show that you have strong leadership skills. Try to take on a job while being at school. It shows you are good at time management. A lot of people who apply to dental school can get good grades but not everyone can manage to work, volunteer, have a leadership role in a club ( predental club at your college - first become a member, then apply for a leadership position. If there is none, create one- be a founder, president) and have good grades. All of that will make your application stand out. Good luck!
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Nathan’s Answer
My daughter is planning to apply for dental school in the future and I have done a lot of research on this.
Most dental schools have very specific requirements. In addition to the academic requirements list here (https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/applying-for-dental-school) you will need to
1. Shadowing - schools require anywhere from 25-100 hours of dental shadowing. This is where you would be in an actual dental office observing patient care and procedures. Start off by asking your current dentist, or cold call dentists in your area and introduce yourself.
2. Letters of recommendation- Schools usually require three letters of recommendation.
3. DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
Although it is geared toward military veterans this is a great website https://www.dentalveterans.com/requirements
Most dental schools have very specific requirements. In addition to the academic requirements list here (https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/applying-for-dental-school) you will need to
1. Shadowing - schools require anywhere from 25-100 hours of dental shadowing. This is where you would be in an actual dental office observing patient care and procedures. Start off by asking your current dentist, or cold call dentists in your area and introduce yourself.
2. Letters of recommendation- Schools usually require three letters of recommendation.
3. DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
Although it is geared toward military veterans this is a great website https://www.dentalveterans.com/requirements
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Mireia,
Depending on where you are at in your education makes a difference. According to the American Dental Association, https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/applying-for-dental-school , you will need to successfully complete:
8 hours Biology with lab
8 hours Physics
8 hours English
8 hours General Chemistry with lab
8 hours Organic Chemistry with lab.
Usually, to achieve organic chemistry and physics, you will need to be be complete Pre-Calculus or Higher. While you don't need to be a science major, you do want to follow a pre-med curriculum.
A year before you apply to Dental Schools, you will want to take the Dental Admission Test.
Good Luck To you!
Natalie
Depending on where you are at in your education makes a difference. According to the American Dental Association, https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/applying-for-dental-school , you will need to successfully complete:
8 hours Biology with lab
8 hours Physics
8 hours English
8 hours General Chemistry with lab
8 hours Organic Chemistry with lab.
Usually, to achieve organic chemistry and physics, you will need to be be complete Pre-Calculus or Higher. While you don't need to be a science major, you do want to follow a pre-med curriculum.
A year before you apply to Dental Schools, you will want to take the Dental Admission Test.
Good Luck To you!
Natalie
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