Required coursework varies by dental program, but generally includes 8 credit hours each of biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Business classes can also help you learn the basics of running a successful practice. Talk to your academic adviser about taking courses that will best prepare you for a dental program.
Many dental schools require applicants to shadow multiple dentists for a total of 100 hours. Shadow more than 1 dentist so you can learn about how different practices are run.
See if any science professors are accepting research assistants. Participating in scientific research firsthand will make you a more competitive applicant. Keep in mind your grades are your priority. Don’t take on so many extracurricular activities that you have a hard time keeping up your GPA.
For instance, join the American Student Dental Organization (ASDA) as a pre-dental student member at https://www. asdanet. org/index/join. As of 2018, annual dues are $71 (U. S. ).
Survey of the Natural Sciences: 100 questions on biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry. Perceptual Ability: 90 questions on spatial reasoning that are a bit like mini mind games. Reading Comprehension: 50 questions on selected passages that cover a range of topics. Quantitative Reasoning: 40 questions on algebra, data analysis, probability, and statistics. The DAT is synonymous with the MCAT for med school. [7] X Expert Source Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFELicensed Dentist Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
Access the DENTPIN registration site at https://dts. ada. org/CustomerServices_ADA/NewUser. aspx?transaction=DAT. Register for the DAT at https://dts. ada. org/login/login__ADA. aspx.
Focus your studies on areas that gave you trouble in school. For instance, if you did great in biology but struggled in organic chemistry, spend more time studying the latter. The perceptual ability test is difficult, so devote about a third of your total study time to it. Practice exams with solutions and explanations are a worthy investment, especially for this section of the exam. For sections 3 and 4, freshen up on your math skills, and read complex passages and practice identifying how authors’ structure arguments. Spend less time studying for reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning, which don’t require quite as much prep as survey of the sciences and perceptual abilities.
The time limit for survey of the sciences is 90 minutes; it’s 60 minutes for perceptual aptitude and reading comprehension, and 40 minutes for quantitative reasoning. Finish studying a section of the exam, such as the science survey, then take the practice exam for that section. As the test date draws nearer, begin taking the full 4 ½ hour practice exam. Find practice exams and other free and paid resources on the American Dental Association’s test prep page at https://www. ada. org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test/test-preparation.
Since the exam takes 4 ½ hours, bring a snack, like a granola bar, and a bottled drink, which you’ll store in an assigned locker. You’ll be able to eat your snack, stretch, and walk around during the 15-minute break midway through the exam.
Adjust your study habits before retaking the test. Review your score report, focus on sections that gave you trouble, and consider investing in a DAT prep course. For most dental programs, enrolled students’ average DAT score is between 19 and 21. If your score is still under 17 or 18 after taking the test 3 times, you can still apply to dental programs. The DAT score is important, but it’s not a deal breaker. Schools will take all aspects of your application into consideration.
Consider location and cost as well. Decide if you’re able to relocate and if you can afford the cost of living in the city where a school is located. For help with financing, contact prospective schools’ financial aid departments and discuss available resources.
You’ll need to submit the application form, your official undergraduate transcripts, a personal essay, 4 letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, your DAT scores, and verification of your dental shadowing hours. Apply to a dental program in the U. S. through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) at https://www. adea. org/DENTAL_EDUCATION_PATHWAYS/AADSAS/applicants/Pages/default. aspx. As of 2018, the application fee is $245 for the first dental school and $102 for each additional school.
Ask for letters of recommendation early in the application process so your references have plenty of time to submit their letters.
Ask your references and other professors to read your essay and offer feedback. To ensure you have time to get feedback and make revisions, begin developing your essay a few months before AADSAS begins accepting applications. Be sure to proofread your work carefully to ensure it’s absolutely free of any spelling or grammatical errors.
You’ll find out if you were accepted after the interview. Schools begin announcing their decisions starting on December 1. So, for example, if you submitted your application in July of 2018, you’d find out if you were accepted between December 2018 and February 2019, and you’d start the program in fall of 2019. [17] X Research source
