About Dentistry
Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions related to oral health.
They may practice after attending an accredited dental program and completing a residency and board exams. Dental programs are 4 year graduate degree programs where you learn the fundamentals of oral diseases and conditions, and residency is a post-graduate training process which may be 3-7 years depending on the field.
Most dentists work with patients full-time, however others also teach, engage in research, work in administration, and contribute to healthcare policy.
Many aspiring dentists elect courses in business because dentistry is a field where many professionals own their own practice or create a limited liability corporation with other dentists.
DDS/PhD
Combining a Ph.D. with a DDS. degree prepares students for careers in academic dentistry, such as a dental school professor or biomedical researcher. Adding a Ph.D. generally adds three to four years to a student’s dental school program; thus, you finish after seven or eight years rather than four. You can then choose to go on to complete a specialty in your area of research.
Explore Your Interest in Dentistry
Shadowing & Informational Interviews
An excellent way to explore your interest in dentistry is by observing providers. Shadowing dentists shows you what their day is like and how they work with patients. Conduct informational interviews with providers and ask them about how dentistry has changed since the start of their practice.
Jobs
Getting a job in a dental office is a great way to learn about the practical aspects of the field and can be a stepping stone to other support roles in the practice. Confirm that this work is something you enjoy!
Volunteering
Dental programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings.
Preparing for Dental School
Dental schools use a process called holistic review to weigh personal factors, academic preparation, and professional experience when reviewing an applicant’s “readiness” for dentistry. Put together, these create a picture of you as a whole person.
In addition to having a clear motivation for the field,completing required coursework, experience in clinical and community settings, participating in research, hobbies and interests, and completing the DAT are common admissions factors for dental schools.
Requirements vary from school to school, so it’s always necessary to consult program websites. Pre-requisite courses may include:
Dental School Required Coursework
Application Process
Dental schools use a central application called AADSAS, similar to the Common App, to collect biographical information, academic information, experience, and letters of recommendation in one place for schools to review. Applications open in May and it is important to submit by early June since many schools fill their seats on a rolling basis.
Most schools give you a chance to submit additional essays that are specific to their school called secondary essays. These essays are a chance to “speak” directly to a school about your interest in their program.
Interviews for dental programs can begin as early as August and go through December. In February and March, you can attend second-look weekends if you have been offered a spot at a school. Schools (and applicants) finalize their decisions in March/April, and you begin dental school in July or August. The entire application process takes a full year!
Related CPHA Canvas Courses
Enroll in Pre-Health 101
Our most important advising resource for first year students is Pre-Health 101, our online orientation on Canvas. It provides an overview of pre-health classes, activities, application timelines, and more.
Enroll in Applying to Health Programs
CPHA runs a Canvas course called Applying to Health Programs, a non-credit course designed to help you with the process of applying to dental programs. In this course, you'll learn about writing essays, school selection, paying for dental school, interviews, managing waitlists and more.
Career Resources
American Dental Association (ADA)
The American Dental Association (ADA) represents dentists across the country and engages in a variety of efforts to advance oral health. In addition to its advocacy, research, and educational efforts, it also certifies oral hygiene products and engages in philanthropic work through its foundation.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) represents all of the American and Canadian dental schools as well as a variety of allied programs. It works to support dental education, research, and professional development, as well as improve oral healthcare for the general public. The ADEA also manages all of the dental common application systems, including the AADSAS, PASS, DHCAS, and CAAPID.