Preparing for and Applying to Dental School

18 Preparing for and Applying to

Dental School

Educational preparation

Application procedures

Admissions criteria

EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION

The discussion in Chapter 2 concerning high school and college education is generally

applicable to predental students and should be reviewed.

High School

While in high school, you should acquire a broad liberal arts education and at the same

time demonstrate that you have a genuine interest and good ability in the sciences, espe-

cially biology. Taking an advanced course in biology (if available) and/or undertaking a

special science project may be particularly useful. In addition, completing a course in

art, sculpture, mechanical drawing, or machine shop work will help determine and

improve your manual dexterity. Active participation in a variety of extracurricular activ-

ities, such as a dramatic society or sports team, will assist you in judging your interest in

and ability to work with people.

Undergraduate Studies

The criteria for selecting a college noted on page 12 are fully applicable to predental

students.

The overwhelming majority of students entering dental school have completed four

years of college. Thus you should plan your program on this basis (unless you have

valid reasons for applying earlier). There is no specific required major for predental stu-

dents, although most quite naturally select biology or chemistry. It is essential that your

college studies:

1. include the minimum science course requirements, namely, inorganic chem-

istry--1 year, biology--1 year, physics--1 year, and organic chemistry--1 year;

2. demonstrate that you have solid abilities in the sciences by satisfactorily com-

pleting the aforementioned required courses and any science electives you take;

3. provide you with a well-rounded background in the social sciences and humani-

ties by completing courses in English composition, history, and psychology;

4. reinforce your manual dexterity by taking courses that require use of your hands

(such as art, sculpture, drafting). If this is not possible, then an extracurricular

program involving such activities as model building, chalk carving, or playing a

musical instrument can substitute for formal experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

General Considerations

The initial step in the application process is to select the schools to which you will seek

admission. The selection process should take into consideration the following:

Preparing for and Applying to Dental School - Page 1