Prehealth

DaVinci's Man

Dentistry

DESCRIPTION

Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the hard and soft tissue of the mouth. They are also trained to recognize a number of systemic diseases that manifest symptoms within the oral cavity to be referred to the appropriate physician. Eight specialties include orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, prosthodontics, oral pathology, and dental public health.
American Association of Public Health Dentistry
American Dental Association (ADA)
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
Baylor College of Dentistry Post-Baccalaureate Program
Baylor College of Dentistry Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program (SPEP) for College Students
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Premedical/Predental Enrichment Program (PREP)
UCLA School of Dentistry Pre-Dental/Volunteer Options
U. of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine Medical/Dental Preparatory Program
U. of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine Passport to Dentistry Program
Dental Forums and Dental Resources on Student Doctor Network (SDN)
Dental Jobs
Dentist Career Overview
Dentist Interview
Dentist Interview Two
Dentist Interview Three
Dentist Occupational Outlook
Dentistry Overview
East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine Preparing Tomorrow's Dentists Summer Program (for residents of North Carolina)
Financing a Dental Education
U. of Florida College of Dentistry Summer Learning Program
GoDental.org; GoDental Internship
Massachusetts Dental Society
U. of Michigan School of Dentistry Profile for Success (PFS) Summer Enrichment Experience
National Dental Association; Annual Meeting, July 26-30, 2013
National Museum of Dentistry
New Jersey Dental School Gateway to Dentistry Program
U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Schools of Medicine and Dentistry Medical Education Development Program
Ohio State U. College of Dentistry DENTPATH Program
U. of Oklahoma College of Dentistry Predental Clinical Simulation Course
Orthodontist Interview
U. of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Introduction to Dentistry Summer Course
Scholarships, Awards and Fellowships
Southern Illinois U. School of Medicine Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program
Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
Worcester District Dental Society
(Additional dentistry links are located on the "Health Professions Links" page.)

DEGREE

D.D.S., D.M.D.

PROGRAM LENGTH

4-7 years, depending on specialization.

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS' ORGANIZATION

ADEA (American Dental Education Association)
Dental Schools

APPLICATION SERVICE

ADEA AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service)
FAP (Fee Assistance Program)

ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum three years undergraduate; B.A. or B.S. preferred; one year each: General & Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, English, Calculus & Upper-level Biology recommended.
Links to prerequisites for each U.S. dental school are found at the bottom of the Choosing Your Courses page.

ADMISSION EXAM

DAT (Dental Admission Test)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & EXPERIENCES

Evidence of inquiring independent thought, interest in continued education, motivation toward dental career, good interpersonal skills, leadership qualities and interest in the community; appropriate psychomotor skills, concern for people, social awareness; evidence of understanding of the profession through experiences in clinical settings; psychomotor skills to perform technical tasks in dentistry, service and desire to help others.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Health Professions Committee letter (usually confidential) sent with additional individual letters of support.