College Students
There are many steps college students can take to get started. Here are some helpful tips.
Keep in mind that students make the decision to consider a career in dentistry at different points in their educational careers, so the timing of these tips may vary from student to student.
COLLEGE YEAR 1
Fall semester
- Meet with prehealth advisor and plan coursework
- If your school doesn’t have a prehealth advisor, look into obtaining a copy of the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools Although most schools require a minimum of one year of biology, general/inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, specific requirements vary from school to school
- Enroll in science courses, as suggested by an advisor
- Think about volunteer or employment opportunities in dentistry for the summer like shadowing a dentist or volunteering in a community health clinic
- Complete required coursework and register for the fall semester
- Research prehealth enrichment programs at Explore Health Careers. Look into the Summer Medical and Dental Education program for college freshman and sophomores. Prehealth enrichment programs can help you decide if a career in dentistry is a good fit for you, offer opportunities to network with other students, become more well prepared for the rigors of advanced science courses, and acquaint you with the dental school application process
Summer
- Complete an internship or volunteer program
- If necessary attend summer school
COLLEGE YEAR 2
Fall semester
- Schedule a time to meet with your prehealth advisor
- Enroll in predental courses as recommended by your advisor
- Join your school’s predental society if one is available; some schools offer a pre-health society for all students interested in health careers
- Participate in recruitment fairs, open houses, other opportunities to learn about dentistry and dental school
- Explore community service opportunities through your school; dental schools seek applicants who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to helping others
Spring semester
- Look into paid or volunteer clinical research opportunities
- Complete addtional predental courses and register for the fall
Summer
- Participate in a summer clinical or research program
- Attend summer school
- Begin preparing for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
COLLEGE YEAR 3
Fall semester
- Meet with prehealth advisor to make sure predental coursework is progressing on schedule
- Research dental schools. Consider purchasing the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools
- Complete coursework and register for spring semester
- Visit www.adea.org to learn about the dental school application process
- Participate in information sessions offered by your school regarding the dental school application process
Spring semester
- Complete coursework that is covered in DAT
- Register for the DAT
- Make preparations to complete your ADEA AADSAS application
- Identify individuals who can provide letters of evaluation on your behalf for your application
Summer
- Prepare for and take the DAT
- Complete and submit your ADEA AADSAS application
- Promptly respond to dental school requests for supplemental information
- Prepare for dental school interviews
- Participate in volunteer or paid experience
- Attend summer school, if necessary
COLLEGE YEAR 4
Fall semester
- Meet with prehealth advisor to make sure you will have completed courses required for graduation
- Participate in dental school interviews
- Acceptance offers to dental school are extended, starting December 1
Spring semester
- Complete all courses required for graduation
- Complete FAFSA and begin the dental school financial aid application process
Summer
- Prepare to relocate if necessary
- Take advantage of opportunities to network with fellow incoming dental students
- Finalize your dental school admission--submit final transcripts and complete any other steps required by your dental school
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