Dental School in the US
How can I go to dental school in the US?
Going to dental school is highly competitive regardless of it being a private school or not. To earn a DDS or DMD degree it takes 4 years. Only selective schools like University of Roseman offer a 3 year degree. However, in order to apply, a bachelor's degree is necessary. Your degree should come from an accredited american university, with the same system. Ex. Arkansas state university Campus Querétaro.
Do you have to major in biology or Chemistry?
No, you can major in anything you want: arts, agriculture, business, psychology, etc. However, make sure to fulfill all requirements (the must have classes and credits). Many students choose to major in biology because it covers most of the prerequisites. Arkansas state university offers an emphasis in pre-professional studies which covers most of the prerequisite courses.
Is a minor necessary? Does a minor help you get in?
Not necessarily, you can get in without a minor, you can take it if you are truly interested in the area. You can minor in anything like arts, chemistry, math, psychology, and so on.
Academic Prerequisites for Pre-Med / Pre-dental
BIOLOGY
• A minimum of two biology lectures and two biology labs is required.
• General Biology required
• Anatomy and Physiology (strongly recommended/required) Labs are not required but suggested. You can get in without the labs.
• Genetics (some schools required)
• Microbiology (required by some schools)
CHEMISTRY
• One year of general/inorganic chemistry with labs
• One year of organic chemistry with a lab
• Biochemistry (strongly recommended)
*Several dental schools will substitute Biochemistry lecture for the second semester of organic chemistry, but you should take both to not limit yourself
PHYSICS
• One year of physics with labs
*Some students take these at community college (over the summer) to save money, but you are fine either way. Be aware some schools do have CC credit limitations.
ENGLISH
• Composition 1
• A minimum of two biology lectures and two biology labs is required.
• General Biology required
• Anatomy and Physiology (strongly recommended/required) Labs are not required but suggested. You can get in without the labs.
• Genetics (some schools required)
• Microbiology (required by some schools)
CHEMISTRY
• One year of general/inorganic chemistry with labs
• One year of organic chemistry with a lab
• Biochemistry (strongly recommended)
*Several dental schools will substitute Biochemistry lecture for the second semester of organic chemistry, but you should take both to not limit yourself
PHYSICS
• One year of physics with labs
*Some students take these at community college (over the summer) to save money, but you are fine either way. Be aware some schools do have CC credit limitations.
ENGLISH
• Composition 1
For Dental School admission requirement links, click here.
For Dental School statistics, click here.
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
What is it?
Dental Admission Test is a multiple-choice standardized exam that is taken by students who want to apply to dental school in the US or Canada. It is one of the most relevant parts of the application process. Once it is taken it is valid for up to 3 years. And it consists of the following sections:
Dental Admission Test is a multiple-choice standardized exam that is taken by students who want to apply to dental school in the US or Canada. It is one of the most relevant parts of the application process. Once it is taken it is valid for up to 3 years. And it consists of the following sections:
Can you retake it?
Yes, you can retake it but your latest score will be taken into account for your admission to dental school. However, the admission committee is able to view your previous attempts.
Yes, you can retake it but your latest score will be taken into account for your admission to dental school. However, the admission committee is able to view your previous attempts.
Most popular resources to study:
- DAT Bootcamp is one of the most popular and used online programs by pre-dental students. It contains explanations and notes for all the sections of the DAT and many practice tests, including 10 full length ones that have similar structure and format to the real test. It also has a schedule you can follow and other valuable resources like personal statement review, interview prep, etc.
- DAT Destroyer is considered one of the most challenging resources to use since its questions are generally a lot harder than the real test. Although this is a great way to over prepare yourself for some students it can be overwhelming instead of helpful.
- DAT Booster is mainly used in Canada, but it is very similar to DAT bootcamp and as well provides several practice tests along with videos and explanations. This resource is less popular than bootcamp but has a cheaper price.
- Chad`s videos are a great resource to study breadth over depth. Some students like to complement another resource with this one since it is not expensive.
- There are also other books and digital resources that can be used, feel free to reach out to Thrive organization if you are having trouble with choosing a specific resource.
- DAT Bootcamp is one of the most popular and used online programs by pre-dental students. It contains explanations and notes for all the sections of the DAT and many practice tests, including 10 full length ones that have similar structure and format to the real test. It also has a schedule you can follow and other valuable resources like personal statement review, interview prep, etc.
- DAT Destroyer is considered one of the most challenging resources to use since its questions are generally a lot harder than the real test. Although this is a great way to over prepare yourself for some students it can be overwhelming instead of helpful.
- DAT Booster is mainly used in Canada, but it is very similar to DAT bootcamp and as well provides several practice tests along with videos and explanations. This resource is less popular than bootcamp but has a cheaper price.
- Chad`s videos are a great resource to study breadth over depth. Some students like to complement another resource with this one since it is not expensive.
- There are also other books and digital resources that can be used, feel free to reach out to Thrive organization if you are having trouble with choosing a specific resource.
Recommendations for individual sections:
BIOLOGY
Anki, Bootcamp, Cliff notes, Destroyer, Chad practice exam, Youtube
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Bootcamp, Chad, Destroyer
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Bootcamp, Chad, Destroyer, Dr. K notes, READING
COMPREHENSION
Bootcamp, Read scientific journals, Read books
PAT
Bootcamp, Whiteboard, Origami paper to practice, paper folding/hole, punching section
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
Bootcamp, Youtube, Orgoman Destroyer
BIOLOGY
Anki, Bootcamp, Cliff notes, Destroyer, Chad practice exam, Youtube
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Bootcamp, Chad, Destroyer
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Bootcamp, Chad, Destroyer, Dr. K notes, READING
COMPREHENSION
Bootcamp, Read scientific journals, Read books
PAT
Bootcamp, Whiteboard, Origami paper to practice, paper folding/hole, punching section
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
Bootcamp, Youtube, Orgoman Destroyer
Scores:
The DAT is graded on a scale of 0-30. However, the average AA acceptance score for most schools is 19-21. Some schools have cut offs and do not accept scores lower than 17 on any individual section. You will be given a non-official score sheet at your testing center right after finishing the test & the official ones will be posted in your admission portal.
The DAT is graded on a scale of 0-30. However, the average AA acceptance score for most schools is 19-21. Some schools have cut offs and do not accept scores lower than 17 on any individual section. You will be given a non-official score sheet at your testing center right after finishing the test & the official ones will be posted in your admission portal.
Timeline:
It is recommended to take it one year prior to your application. Most students take it during summer to avoid studying while being in school. Usually the DAT is taken after the students junior year since by then they have seen most of their general bio courses and you have a stronger foundation. Nevertheless the DAT can be taken anytime.
It is recommended to take it one year prior to your application. Most students take it during summer to avoid studying while being in school. Usually the DAT is taken after the students junior year since by then they have seen most of their general bio courses and you have a stronger foundation. Nevertheless the DAT can be taken anytime.
Research
Is it necessary?
It is not necessary, but many schools strongly recommend it. Especially if you want to apply to ivy league schools since they are very inclined to research.
How many hours?
There is no set number of hours. However, always search for quality over quantity.
What type of research is best?
Although dental related topics are the most convenient it is not your only option. You can do research in any other area that is related to science or human relationships like psychology.
How to ask for research opportunities?
The best way is to personally ask your professors, or colleagues that are already involved in a project in your school. You can also send out emails to other universities and search for opportunities. Another more challenging option would be to start a project yourself and search for people who can support and supervise your research.
It is not necessary, but many schools strongly recommend it. Especially if you want to apply to ivy league schools since they are very inclined to research.
How many hours?
There is no set number of hours. However, always search for quality over quantity.
What type of research is best?
Although dental related topics are the most convenient it is not your only option. You can do research in any other area that is related to science or human relationships like psychology.
How to ask for research opportunities?
The best way is to personally ask your professors, or colleagues that are already involved in a project in your school. You can also send out emails to other universities and search for opportunities. Another more challenging option would be to start a project yourself and search for people who can support and supervise your research.
Shadowing hours
What is it & importance
Shadowing involves assisting to a dental office and observing the work of a dentist to get familiar with the environment, work space, and the career in general.
How many hours?
This varies depending on the university but overall it is from 30 to 100 hours. You can find the exact hours required on their website.
How to find a dentist to shadow
First you should write a request letter providing your personal information, your intention, and some academic background. Afterwards, you can send a formal email to the offices you would like to shadow, but if possible it is better to go directly to the dental office to present yourself and provide your letter.
Shadowing hours have to be in Mexico or in the US?
Some schools like Iowa, Maryland, Pittsburgh, etc. do accept shadowing hours in Mexico but require at least some hours in the US.
You can ask the university that you are interested directly through email or in the annual dental fair.
*Futurdmd.com offers a complete guide and preparation for dental shadowing.
Shadowing involves assisting to a dental office and observing the work of a dentist to get familiar with the environment, work space, and the career in general.
How many hours?
This varies depending on the university but overall it is from 30 to 100 hours. You can find the exact hours required on their website.
How to find a dentist to shadow
First you should write a request letter providing your personal information, your intention, and some academic background. Afterwards, you can send a formal email to the offices you would like to shadow, but if possible it is better to go directly to the dental office to present yourself and provide your letter.
Shadowing hours have to be in Mexico or in the US?
Some schools like Iowa, Maryland, Pittsburgh, etc. do accept shadowing hours in Mexico but require at least some hours in the US.
You can ask the university that you are interested directly through email or in the annual dental fair.
*Futurdmd.com offers a complete guide and preparation for dental shadowing.
Annual Dental Fair
at www.adea.org/GoDental/Login
Personal Statement
Why is it one of the most important sections:
Every dental student's personal statement is unique, so it is the part of the application that will make you stand out, that is why it is important to start it with anticipation and to proofread it several times.
How to start?
You can start by reading other personal statements to give you a rough idea. There are also programs that guide you through the process but often do have a cost.
Resources for help and proofread:
You can ask someone with writing experience to revise it, but there are also programs that offer help. Like DAT bootcamp, Futuredmd, some dental students in social media and others. You can contact Thrive to provide you with more contact information.
Do’s and don’ts:
Do not just repeat your CV because they already read that in your application, do not provide stats or much academic information. Instead do provide your story, your journey, and challenges you have faced, and most importantly why you chose dentistry.
Every dental student's personal statement is unique, so it is the part of the application that will make you stand out, that is why it is important to start it with anticipation and to proofread it several times.
How to start?
You can start by reading other personal statements to give you a rough idea. There are also programs that guide you through the process but often do have a cost.
Resources for help and proofread:
You can ask someone with writing experience to revise it, but there are also programs that offer help. Like DAT bootcamp, Futuredmd, some dental students in social media and others. You can contact Thrive to provide you with more contact information.
Do’s and don’ts:
Do not just repeat your CV because they already read that in your application, do not provide stats or much academic information. Instead do provide your story, your journey, and challenges you have faced, and most importantly why you chose dentistry.
Recommendation letters
How many are needed?
Usually just 4, two from professors, one from a dentist, and one from anyone else (it can be staff, person you worked with, research professor, etc.)
Who to ask for a recommendation letter?
Ask someone who knows not just you as a student but also as a person so that it can be easier for them to describe your strengths and abilities.
How should it be sent?
Once you receive the email request, the email will include a link to an online portal where the evaluator can upload a letter up to 5 MB. It is recommended that the letter be on letterhead and include a signature.
Is a template needed?
No it is not, and only 1 page is recommended
Example 1, Example 2
Usually just 4, two from professors, one from a dentist, and one from anyone else (it can be staff, person you worked with, research professor, etc.)
Who to ask for a recommendation letter?
Ask someone who knows not just you as a student but also as a person so that it can be easier for them to describe your strengths and abilities.
How should it be sent?
Once you receive the email request, the email will include a link to an online portal where the evaluator can upload a letter up to 5 MB. It is recommended that the letter be on letterhead and include a signature.
Is a template needed?
No it is not, and only 1 page is recommended
Example 1, Example 2
Scholarships & Loans
Click here to find a pdf from ADEA. Go to dental which explains how to finance for dental school
For Dental school costs (2019), click here.
For Dental school costs (2019), click here.
Pre-dental / pre-medical Organizations
- Available resources to reach out:
These are pre-dental organizations that help lead dental students. Crystal Itzamar is part of both organizations so feel free to ask questions about the organization & how you can get involved.
Future DMD
IPDSA (international predental student association)
These are pre-dental organizations that help lead dental students. Crystal Itzamar is part of both organizations so feel free to ask questions about the organization & how you can get involved.
Future DMD
IPDSA (international predental student association)
Important dates
May 18 – 20, 2021: ADEA GoDental Virtual Fair. FREE online event. Applicants can chat with over 60+ dental schools.
*June 1, 2021: First day to submit your ADEA AADSAS application.
Fore deadline applications for specific schools, click here.
December 1st is the first day that schools send out acceptances
For further information, please contact:
Crystal Itzamar Hernandez Estrada
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]