Admissions Requirements for Dental School
Getting into dental school in the United States is highly competitive. In 2007, 11,365 students applied to dental schools. This number indicates that almost twice as many prospective dentists filled out initial paperwork toward a doctor of dental science (DDS) or doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree as in 2001, according to the website Dental Student Books.
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Four-Year Undergraduate Degree
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Applicants to most dental schools in the United States and Canada must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Certain courses must be included. The New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, for example, requires that students complete six English credits, six to eight physics credits, six to eight biology credits, and six to eight credits of both organic and inorganic chemistry while pursuing their bachelor's degree. NYU suggests that students take courses in psychology, sociology, business and advanced sciences to prepare themselves for dental school studies.
Dental Admission Test
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Prospective dental school students must take the Dental Admissions Test. This exam measures a future dentist's academic abilities, decision-making aptitude and scientific knowledge. The student registers for the test with the American Dental Association and pays a non-refundable fee. He then receives a DENTPIN identifying number that allows him to take the test up to three times. The student's test score is uploaded to his electronic dental school application using the DENTPIN number. The multiple-choice test is given at test centers throughout the United States and can be taken at the applicant's convenience.
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Application Package
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The American Dental Education Association runs an application service used by 56 U.S. dental schools. The online Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) allows students to include all their pertinent information in one place. In addition to DAT test results and official undergraduate transcripts, the application package may include a number of other items. An applicant usually submits a biographical sketch, personal background information (volunteer work, scholarships, academic honors and research) and a one-page essay indicating why she wants to become a dentist. Some applicants add letters of recommendation from professors or associates. Application packages don't have to be submitted through the AADSAS program. They may also be sent to an individual school's admission office, according to the school's specifications.
Secondary Application
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If a school likes a student's credentials, its admission committee may request a second application geared specifically to its needs and curriculum. The application may contain essay questions or ask for additional information. It may also ask the student to verify information in the first application.
Personal Interview
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Once a dental school has approved a student's applications, he will be called in for a personal interview. The prospective dentist should prepare for the interview by reading up on the school's programs and procedures and studying its application package. Dressing professionally and asking pertinent questions about the school will increase the applicant's chances of impressing the interviewer.
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References
- Dental Student Books: The Number of Applicants to Dental School
- New York University College of Denistry: Admissions
- American Dental Association: Dental Admission Test
- American Dental Education Association: 2010 ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools : Applying to Dental School
- Dental Student Books: Secondary Applications
- Dental Student Books: Dental School Interview Information
Resources
- Photo Credit dentist image by pavel siamionov from Fotolia.com
