What it’s about:

Predental studies consists of the courses you need to take in college in order to get into dental school. It’s not a major by itself, so you have to choose a major in addition to completing the predental requirements. Predental programs also provide guidance to help you prepare for dental school.

What the study of this major is like:

Sometime students are surprised to learn that taking part in studio arts or playing a musical instrument is good preparation for a career in dentistry. But it makes sense-dentists must be able to visualize three-dimensional objects from diagrams, have good eye-hand coordination, and perform detailed tasks in very small spaces. Perhaps you didn’t realize that it takes some artistic ability to give people beautiful smiles.

In a predental program, however, science rather than the sculptural arts will occupy most of your time. You must take two semesters each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Many dental schools also expect you to take calculus and biochemistry. Courses in English and perhaps psychology are in the mix too. On top of all that, you will have to fulfill the requirements for the major you select.

Most students choose a science major, since the courses dovetail with the predental requirements. However, you don’t want to. Many predental students select a non-science major, and dental school admissions offices are satisfied with that option; in fact, they like to accept students from a variety of academic back-grounds, as long as the applicant excelled in their science courses. Choosing a non-science major, though, may create some course-scheduling conflicts that might make it difficult to graduate in four years. The trick is to keep your goal in mind, but also to follow your bliss-you’ll do best in a major you like.

Your predental adviser will play a critical role in helping you navigate your undergraduate career. He or she will assist you in planning your course work, choosing a major, coping with difficulties that may arise, and finding internships or community service opportunities. You will appreciate your adviser’s help most during the process of applying to dental school: evaluating your prospects, lining up interviews and letters of recommendations, and preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

What you do outside class is another important aspect of a predental program. It’s a definite plus to get related experience, such as “job-shadowing” a dentist or volunteering in a dental office. Many communities have Healthcare for the Homeless organizations, which provide oral care to people who are unable to visit a dentist; these groups often use student volunteers. Successful dental school candidates usually devote 15-20 hours a week to such activities during the school year and 40-50 hours a week over the summer.

Just how hard is it to get into dental school? Nationally, the mean GPA of successful dental school applicants is in the 3.1-3.2 range. The percentage of students who are accepted depends on the number of applicants per year, but is usually between 40 and 60 percent. Most dental schools are state institutions that give preference to residents of their state.

Here’s something to consider: more than half the dental schools in the United States cooperate with colleges to offer joint programs that enable you to achieve both a bachelor’s degree and a dental degree in less time than if you pursued the two programs separately. If you are interested, look at the latest edition of the Official Guide to Dental Schools, published by the American Dental Education Association.

Career options and trends:

Dentist*; oral surgeon*; orthodontist; dental or medical laboratory technician.

During dental school you must pass Parts I and II of the National Board Dental Examination. After dental school you will have to become fully licensed in the state (s) in which you want to practice. Like most licensed professionals, dentists are required to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits each year.

The demand for dentists is strong and growing, because the population is increasing and improved public oral hygiene has enabled people to keep their teeth longer! Also, many dentists who were educated in the 1960’s and ‘70’s will be retiring soon.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors