Milestone 3
Are You Prepared for the Road Ahead?
Now that you have assessed your academic strengths and identified a career goal, you should take a moment to gauge whether you are prepared to undertake the course of study necessary to achieve your goal. The profile below will help you determine whether your previous academic achievement is appropriate preparation for your career goal. You might not have a perfect match to the criteria indicated. That's okay, the criteria will help you identify potential areas where you will need additional help or preparation along the way.
A career in DENTISTRY requires (in most cases) an undergraduate degree followed by at least four years of study in Dental School. A succesful career in Dentistry requires a long-term commitment to preparing yourself for a rigorous and demanding course of study and seeking out meaningful shadowing or volunteer experiences in dentistry or a closely related area.
Use the information below to become familiar with the requirements and expectations for this career path.
Typically, students interested in pursuing studies that will lead to a career in Dentistry share the following attributes:
HIGH SCHOOL PROFILES of UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
considering Pre-Dental Studies
| Desirable SAT Score: | >= 1200 |
| HS Rank: | Top 25% |
| HS GPA: | 3.5 |
| High School Sciences: | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| High School Math: | Algebra I-II, Geometry, Trigonometry/ Pre-Calculus/Calculus |
A career in Dentistry usually begins with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in an undergraduate major. As an undergraduate, you will have to meet the following expectations:
COLLEGE PROFILES of UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
considering admission to the SCHOOL of DENTISTRY
| Possible majors: | Students interested in going to Dental School can choose any undergraduate major, though the majority major in the natural or physical sciences. Regardless of the major, course work must include the required courses listed below. |
| Required Courses: | Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and English |
| Recommended Courses: | Biochemistry, Histology, Microbiology, Human Anatomy |
| Science GPA | 3.3 |
| Cumulative GPA: | 3.4 |
| Hours/Degree Required | Students who have earned 90 hours can be admitted to Dental School. However, the majority of students admitted to Dental School have earned a BA or BS by the time they are admitted. |
| Desirable DAT Score: | 18 |
Once you have completed your undergraduate studies, the road to a career in Dentistry includes the following time and application requirements:
| Length of Program (years) | 4 |
| Degree Conferred | Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) |
| Application Period | |
| Application Essay | Required |
| Letters of Recommendation | Required (3) |
| Official Transcript(s) | Required |
| Interview Writing Sample | Required |
