All US dental schools have undergraduate course requirements, which will be published on their websites. For example, most require that you take prerequisite courses in many sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. You should also consider taking business classes. [2] X Expert Source Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 9 April 2020. Be sure to take a wide range of classes when you’re in school, like biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, writing, and math. These will help you meet the prerequisites for dental school. [3] X Expert Source Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFELicensed Dentist Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
You can get letters from professors and any dentists you have shadowed or worked with during your undergraduate studies.
Your undergraduate grades, score on the DAT, recommendations, extracurriculars, and interviews are considered in the admission process.
The most important thing to make sure that you do is choose a program accredited by a dental organization, like the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dental school takes 4 years to complete. There are very few schools out there that have shorter programs than that. [6] X Expert Source Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFELicensed Dentist Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
The competition for dental specialty programs is rigorous and only the very top candidates will earn a position. You will need to need to be at the top of your class in dental school and be involved in research or other extracurricular activities. There are nine recognized dental specialties: Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology, or Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
The test contains a lot of questions related to natural sciences, along with reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. A high score on this test is important because dental school is very competitive. For example, some of the top dental schools in the country had hundreds of applicants, but only accepted between 100 and 200.
Your dental school will probably arrange the test for the graduating class to take together.
Some states accept a regional exam, such as the Western Regional Examining Board or the Northeast Regional Board.
You may be able to shadow a dentist or help in the office.
Some areas, like large cities, have many dentists and the job market is more difficult and competitive. Many graduates from dental school find more job opportunities in rural or inner city communities.
You can find these positions through your dental school or dental organization career boards.
You will also have to remove cavities and do fillings and give cleanings. You may have to do some minor oral surgery, like root canals, or treat people with periodontal disease. A dentist who runs their own practice may have to work more than 60 hours weekly early in their career.
To improve these skills, find a hobby that uses your hands and fingers. For example, you can play an instrument, draw and paint, make models, or play video games. You can also work on your hand strength by using objects to work the muscles, like putty, balls, or a squeeze grip.
Start practicing compassion in your everyday life. Be a friend to others and listen when they talk. Volunteer your time and give of yourself in the community. Try to think about other people’s situations and put yourself in their shoes.
To improve your problem solving skills, think about identifying the problem and approaching it logically. Come up with possible solutions to the problem, and encourage input from others.
Start making schedules for your days. Prioritize what needs to be done and what you can do later. Plan time in your day for classes, work, and studying, along with food, relaxation, physical activity, and sleep.
Good leaders are knowledgeable, kind, firm, and decisive. They keep their word, dress respectfully, and treat others with respect.
