Dental Schools

With only 57 accredited dental schools in the U.S., getting accepted can be extremely difficult. High undergraduate GPA scores and a high score on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) are crucial for candidates. Speaking with a college counselor prior to beginning a college career can assist students in acquiring the requisites necessary to gain admission to dental school.

Getting into Dental Schools

Pre-dentistry programs are offered at several colleges and universities. When deciding which program to start, it is important to ask about the dental school acceptance rate. During the undergraduate program expect to take classes in chemistry, biology, psychology, anatomy and physiology. Evaluating the highest scores on all grades and on the DAT testing lets admissions committees chose the best candidates for the positions available. Working or volunteering in medical or dental fields to learn more about this potential career path can make potential students stand out during the application process. Letters of reference from professors or professional relationships and a strong personal statement also help in choosing the strongest students for a career in dentistry. Personal statements will also be examined during the interview process, so a focused, well-thought statement will be an asset.

Dental Schools – Programs and Courses

Dental school programs will be a mix of class work and hands-on experience. Learning how to drill a tooth or perform dental surgery will cover nearly 20 percent of the curriculum during the first two years of school. Expect to take classes in biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, microbiology and laboratory techniques. During dental school, students also learn how to manage a practice, supervise staff and communicate with patients. Specific requirements vary by school though and individual programs should be evaluated to determine the best fit for any future career goals.

The first part of the National Dental Board Examination (NDBE) will be taken after the second year of dental school and tests the cumulative knowledge of students including microanatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology and dental anatomy. The second part is taken after dental school is completed and covers operative dentistry, pharmacology, prosthedontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics and pediatric dentistry. Finally graduates must take the clinical board examination that qualifies dental students using a series of dental procedures and a written examination to determine if the student is competent to practice dentistry.

Top Dental Schools

Top dental schools in the U.S. include Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania. The U.S. News and World Report and Business Week provide annual top ratings based on research scores, entry standards, national student surveys and graduate prospects. However, ranking is subjective and some schools focus on academic dentistry and research and some focus on practicing dentistry. Evaluating future career goals can help determine which school is the right fit for aspiring dentists.

Because admission into dental school is difficult, strong undergraduate coursework, high scores on the DAT and volunteer work in the medical community are essential for acceptance. To prospective students, having a comprehensive background and a strong personal statement is important when approaching the application process.