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How do stand out in dental school?
What is the best way for a sophomore in high school to stand out when getting into dental school. I want to either be a dentist or orthodontist. I want to job shadow but don’t know how to reach out. Also, is there anything else that would deem me a good fit. My school doesn’t have many advanced science classes. Ex: No AP classes.
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3 answers
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Olivia’s Answer
Oh, I totally get it—standing out in dental school can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it’s all about mindset and effort! When I was in FutureDMD, which provides amazing dental coaching and mentoring, I realized that success isn’t just about grades—it’s about being proactive, building relationships, and constantly improving. Get involved in clubs, research, and volunteer work to expand your skills and network. Find mentors (FutureDMD helped me a lot with this!), stay curious, and always ask questions. Most importantly, keep a positive attitude and push through challenges—your growth and passion will make you stand out naturally!
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Steven’s Answer
You don't need AP classes, but you will need to take required courses in college. Most will require 2 years of chemistry, and one year each of biology and physics. Being a good interview is also important, so look for opportunities to get skilled in interviews for employment, college or special programs.
You may wish to become familiar with the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is analogous to MCAT, GRE, LSAT required for admission to other graduate and professional programs.
Wayne State has a pre-dental program you may wish to look into:
https://www.wsc.edu/pre-dentistry
To shadow a dentist is a very good idea. Start with your own dentist. Also, consider a job as a dental assistant in your spare time. Many offices will train you, and there's no substitute for seeing how a dental practice operates from the inside.
Good luck!
You may wish to become familiar with the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is analogous to MCAT, GRE, LSAT required for admission to other graduate and professional programs.
Wayne State has a pre-dental program you may wish to look into:
https://www.wsc.edu/pre-dentistry
To shadow a dentist is a very good idea. Start with your own dentist. Also, consider a job as a dental assistant in your spare time. Many offices will train you, and there's no substitute for seeing how a dental practice operates from the inside.
Good luck!
Updated
Avery’s Answer
No matter what subjects you're studying, never forget that your dedication and hard work matter the most! Remember, most of your peers are in the same boat, facing similar challenges. So, start your learning journey early to make a lasting impression. It's not just about knowing the basics but going beyond them that sets you apart. Taking the lead and volunteering proactively will definitely make you shine brighter.