A minimum 2 years, but usually 4 years of predental education which includes: one year of biology, physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, english and math (at the majority of schools), biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology (depending on the school), and a minimum science and cumulative GPA may also be required.




While the national range of GPA is from 2.0 to 4.0, the average overall GPA of the dental students who enrolled in dental school during the 2002 academic year was 3.45, and the science GPA was 3.31. Prospective dental students should speak with the representatives of the schools they are interested in for more detailed information on the current GPA range figure.




While an undergraduate degree is preferred, it is not required for admittance to the dental schools on this list of dentist schools. If the total credit requirements, in addition to pre-dental course requirements are met, admission to dental school can be achieved without a degree. Most dental students tend to have an undergraduate science degree, but a degree in a non-science major is acceptable, if the pre-dental requirements are met. In addition, advanced-level science courses in biology, chemistry and physics are rarely required, although taking them, offers an advantage with becoming more familiar with the subject matter.




Note: if the dental school is a public institution, priority and preference may be given to those state residents.

The Dental Admission Test is a mandatory examination that must be taken by all prospective dental students. The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is a standardized computerized test which consists of four (4 sections):

• Survey of natural sciences (biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry
  
  
• Perceptual ability (two and three-dimensional problem solving)
  
  
• Reading comprehension (dental and basic sciences)
  
  
• Quantitative reasoning.
  
  
  

  Prerequisites for dental school should be completed before taking the DAT exam, especially the sciences exam. Additionally, for a fee, there are test preparation programs available. Some prep programs, such as Kaplan's Test Prep and Admission programs have documented success of program participants. They also offer you the opportunity to take a free practice DAT online as well as other resources to help you pass the exam. Many prospective students have found participating in these program to be very advantageous.

  The cost of the DAT examination is about $160 and it can be taken at any Sylvan Technology Test Center. You can register for the exam at the Sylvan website or get more assistance with the help of Kaplan's Test Prep and Admission Program.

  In preparation for the DAT exam, attempt to learn as much as you can about the exam by taking the online practice test and using DAT review books. Also consider taking DAT review courses to learn about the testing process and to familiarize yourself with the question types.

In addition to grades and the DAT exam, you should being the process of marketing your talents effectively, in order to improve your chances of being selected by the schools. This would involve securing letters of recommendations, developing a personal statement and preparing for interviews. Most admission committees use use letters of recommendations, a personal statement and interview, in addition to grades and test scores, to evaluate the applicants’ for dental school admission. Being timely, prepared and ready comes requires planning.




Most dental schools request letters of recommendation to dental schools. Some people are good letter writers, some are not. A writer that may be the best advocate for you to be admitted may have difficulty putting that opinion into a letter of recommendation. The authors of these letters should be college instructors, unless otherwise specified. College instructors are usually more familiar with your academic performance and can provide the admissions committee’s information on how successful you can be with a dental school curriculum. This is accomplished by the essay, which should indicate both the intellectual ability and motivation of the applicant. The letter of recommendation should reflect a strong recommendation for you to be accepted as a student at the dental school.

The process of obtaining a letter of recommendation involves preparation. Each person who you ask should be provided with the following information:

• a biography or personal statement of the applicant
  
  
• a listing of the dental schools being applied
  
  
• information of the deadline for letter to be received
  
  
• a stamped, addressed envelope for each dental school application
  
  

  Take the time to schedule an appointment to meet with the individual during their office hours, well in advance of the deadline date. Express to them the need for a strong letter, and an enthusiastic endorsement. Being prepared will demonstrate to the writer that you are deserving of such a letter.

In addition to GPA, DAT scores and recommendations, most applications may be asked to provide a personal statement. A well written personal statement is highly regarded as a reason to offer an invitation for a dental school interview.

A personal statement allows you to describe your personal, in addition to your academic background. You can provide a list of your hobbies, clubs you belong to, sports you’re involved in and other extracurricular activities that interest you. The personal statement offers you the opportunity to convince the dental school admissions committee to meet with you personally, because of you have portrayed yourself as an applicant deserving an interview for admission.

The personal statement is the opportunity for the dental school applicant to demonstrate, in writing, how the schools would benefit by the student enrolling in their program. The following should be considered when writing a personal statement:

1. what inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry
   
   
2. include experiences you’ve had related to dentistry or others health professions
   
   
3. describe how beneficial dentistry would be to your life
   
   
4. illustrate past accomplishments which demonstrate an ability that will translate into future success in the dental profession
   
   
5. convey your message in a way that results in an interview.

Because the personal statement can often determine whether or not an invitation for a dental school interview is given, it is seen as pivotal in the admissions process. Therefore, the following guidelines apply to all personal statements:

• Use a computer to prepare your personal statement. There are computer programs available to help you to produce a professional looking statement.

• Do not include irrelevant personal information (age, weight, height, marital status, etc.,).

• Convey a positive attitude and identify key accomplishments.

• Try to keep the personal statement to one page (a page and a half, if it is absolutely necessary).

• Provide the reader with evidence showing that you have researched the dental school thtat you are applying for thoroughly. This would involve you to not use a generic statement, but rather, tailor each statement for each dental school as appropriate.

• Identify characteristics about you that are unique and would make you an asset to the dental school.

• Be aware of the tone and flow of your sentences by being specific and using concise sentences.

• Proofread your work, sharing it with others and revise as necessary. One of the goals of the statement is for the personality of the applicant to be shown through the writing.

• Set aside an ample amount of time to complete the personal statement.. If your academic grades and DAT scores are outstanding, but the personal statement reads as if hurried, this could hurt your chances of admission. A hurried statement is seen more of a reflection of the applicant’s inability and lack of motivation to complete projects. The end result will be reason to not grant an interview.
  
  
  
  
• The Interview Process
  

  The dental interview serves two major purposes. While it gives the dental school an opportunity to gather information about the applicant that helps in the decision making process for admission, it also provides the applicant with an opportunity to learn more information about the school, its students, educational programs, philosophy and career opportunities. Most admission decisions are made after the interviews. How you come across during the interview may be as important as both grades and test scores.

  
  

  In order to prepare for the interview, here are some helpful interviewing tips:

  
  

  Before the interview:
  

• Learn as much as you can about the dentist school you’re applying to. Use such informational resources as the ADEA Official Guide for Dental School and the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Handbook: A Resource Guide for Dental School. Also review your application, becoming as familiar with it as the interviewer. Finally, speak with other dental students at the institution to get a student’s perspective.

• If possible, schedule your interview with your first choice last. Doing this will help you gain experience during the interview process with other schools, and better prepare you with your preferred choice.

• Do a mock interview with an advisor or mentor

  
  
  

  Interview Day:
  

• Dress for the interview as you would for a job. Business attire is recommended.

• Arrive at the interview early so that you can be relaxed and not feel rushed.

• When discuss your interest in the dentist schools, utilize the resources that you used to gather information about the school.

• Allow the interviewer to direct the conversation. Remember, they are interested in you, based upon your application. They are looking to see if you match what they’ve read. Allow them to do so.

• When answering questions, do so in a clear and positive manner, maintaining good eye contact and posture.

• Interview the interviewer. Attempt to find common ground with the interviewer and initiate the conversation in areas where you feel most secure. Participate in the conversation by asking relevant questions. This demonstrates, interest, initiative and maturity.

• Closing the Interview. If the interviewer is unable to offer you admission at this time, or say when you will hear about it, ask if you may follow-up with a phone call to find out your status. If the answer is yes, make a written note written note of the date.

• Thank the interviewer for their time, reaffirming both your interest and qualifications for admission to their school.

Application Acceptance and Denials

While dentist school applicants can be accepted to a dentist school as early as December of the admission year and as late as the first of class of the entering year, many qualified applicants are denied admission to dental school. The reasons can vary: GPA and DAT scores may have been below an acceptable level, Letters of Recommendations or personal statements may have been weak. Although you may have been granted an interview with this data, the interview may have been the deciding factor. If possible, speak with the admissions committee in order to learn how to increase your chance of admission with reapplying.

If you are unable to discuss the rejection with the school official, speak at length with a mentor or advisor who may possibly help you to find the possible reasons for rejection. Then develop and implement a plan to correct what you perceive to be the problem before reapplying. While each situation is different, there are some ways to increase your chances of admission to dental school:

• There are summer enrichment programs or post-baccalaureate programs available, which focuses on dental school preparation. One of the requirements is to have been denied admission to a dental school. Check with the admissions personnel of the dental school to which you would like to apply for more information.

• Reevaluate those dental schools to which you applied, as well as those you did not. Ask yourself it you had applied to the other schools, do you think you may have been accepted? Should you include these schools with you are reapplying?

• There are dental schools that have Masters and Ph.D. programs in oral biology and public health dentistry. Admission to those programs is not as competitive as dental school. If highly successful in such a program, entering a dental school through this vehicle is probable, because your capabilities in a dental education curriculum would have been demonstrated.

• Reapply to dental school after attaining a post-baccalaureate degree, such as a masters or Ph.D. in the sciences, with research publication. This can increase your chances of admission, although it will increase your timeframe of becoming a dental practitioner.

The American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), sponsored by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), is a centralized application service for individuals applying to dentist school. AADSAS simplifies the application process for both applicants and schools by allowing applicants to complete one application form. Information is then sent in a standardized format to each dentist school that is requested by the applicant. AADSAS serves as an information clearinghouse only. It does not influence any dentist school’s evaluation or selection of applicants, nor does ADEA recommend applicants to dentist schools.

The AADSAS online application and instructions are located here. ADEA customer service representatives are also available to assist applicants.

Dental School Admissions Committees often review credentials such as academic grade point averages (GPA’s), Dental Admissions Test (DAT) results, recommendation letters, personal interviews and other admission criteria, which can vary, depending on the school.

The DAT exam should be taken a year prior to your seeking admission to dental school. This exam is a computerized test which measures general academic abilities, an understanding of scientific information and perceptual ability. In order to take DAT exam, prospective students should complete at least one year of college-level courses in biology, and general and organic chemistry. Additional information of the DAT exam is available here.

In addition to the DAT, most dentist schools may require a personal interview with prospective candidates. The interviews are usually designed to assess candidate qualities such as a desire to help people, self-confidence, ability to meet challenges, ability to get along with people and one’s capacity to work independently. The personal interview should also be looked at as an opportunity for the potential candidate to ask questions about the dentist school.

Apply for admission at least a year in advance of the planned enrollment date. Most dentist schools participate in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). For a fee, students can subscribe to this service and complete a single application to apply to multiple dentist schools. An online application to the schools participating in AADSAS can be completed at http://www.adea.org/aadsas/. The AADSAS toll-free number is 800-353-2237.

Dentist School Programs

Earning a doctoral degree in dentistry usually requires four academic years of study. Dentist schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). The four years of study leading to the DDS or DMD degree progress as follows:

1st and 2nd Years:

Studies begin with classroom and laboratory instruction in basic health sciences (including anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, pharmacology and physiology), with an emphasis on dental aspects. Students learn the basic principles of oral diagnosis and treatment, may practice on manikins and models, and may begin treating patients later in the second year.




3rd and 4th Years:

Students treat patients under the supervision of licensed dental faculty. Procedures cover the broad scope of general dentistry and include opportunities to work in a variety of settings, e.g., community clinics, hospitals and outpatient clinics. Practice management courses include instruction in effective communication skills, the use of allied dental personnel and business management.

Financing a Dentist School Education

A dentist school education is a good investment which compares favorably with that of other health care professionals; a dentist salary exceeds that of family physicians, pediatricians and psychiatrists. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentistry is the sixth highest paying occupation requiring a college degree or higher.

While the cost of dental school education can be on the average $150,000 for four years of study, it is offset in most instances by financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships and grants for which most dental students are eligible. For example, the cost of a dentist school may be $150,000 for 4 years, but with financial aid, the debt of the dental education may be $120K, depending on the make-up of the financial aid.

• Loans
  
  

  On the average, 80% of financial aid may consist of loans. There are scholarship programs, such as those offered by the armed forces and the U.S. public health service, that may drastically reduce the amount of the loan through dental service appointments for a specified number of years after graduation. Speak to the financial aid officers at the dentist school for more information about financial aid loan options.

  
  

  The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) have developed a package for dental students about federal and private loans. Information on these loan programs is available at 800-225-6783. Information on student loan opportunities can also be provided by the financial aid officers at the dentist schools.

  
  
  

• Scholarships/Grants
  
  ADA Foundation Scholarships
  
  Federally Funded Scholarships
  
  
  
  
  

  ADA Foundation Scholarships
  

  The ADA Foundation has a scholarship program for students pursuing careers in dentistry, dental hygiene, dental assisting and dental laboratory technology. The number of ADA Foundation scholarships awarded is dependent upon available funds. Scholarships are awarded to defray dentist school expenses, which include tuition, fees, books, supplies and living expenses. Scholarship disbursements are made twice yearly in equal payments and sent directly to the student's financial aid office. The second disbursement is made contingent upon the student's maintenance of the required grade point average. ADA Foundation scholarship programs include the Dental Student Scholarship and the Minority Dental Student Scholarship . The ADA Foundation’s Minority Dental Student Scholarship Program is funded in part by Harry J. Bosworth Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Proctor & Gamble and Sunstar Americas.

  
  

  Both scholarships have a maximum annual award of $2500 and have the same general applicant criteria outlined below. The only exception is that only dental students of African American, Hispanic and Native American descent are eligible to apply for the Minority Dental Student Scholarhip at this time. These minority groups have been identified as being underrepresented in dentist school enrollment.

  
  

  General Criteria for both scholarships are as follows:
  
  

• All applicants must be U.S. Citizens (permanent resident status does not qualify);

• All applicants must be an entering second year student at the time of application and currently attending or enrolled at a dentist school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association;

• All applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours;

• All applicants must demonstrate a minimum financial need of $2,500;

• All applicants must have a minimum accumulative grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale;

• All applicants must submit two(2)reference forms from two dentist school representatives,(i.e., professor or academic advisor), supporting the applicant. References are submitted as part of the application form.
  
  
  
  
  ADA Scholarship Application Process
  

  Only dentist schools accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association are eligible to participate in the ADA Foundation’s Scholarship Program. Students must contact the associate dean for student affairs/program director or financial aid officer at the dentist school to request a scholarship application form as the forms are disbursed by dentist school officials. Dentist school officials are also responsible for selecting and submitting to the ADA Foundation, its top two students for scholarship consideration. Dentist school officials may contact the ADA Foundation by phone at 312-440-2763 or by e-mail: famularor@ada.org to request the scholarship application form.

  
  

  Prospective applicants must submit the following for consideration:
  
  

• A completed application form, including the Academic Achievement Record Form* and Financial Needs Assessment Form*, signed by school official;

• A copy of the school or program’s letter of acceptance, if entering as a first-year student;

• Two completed reference forms, sealed and signed on the back flap of the envelopes by the referrers

• A typed, biographical sketch questionnaire;

• A self-addressed, stamped postcard, which can be mailed upon receipt of the application of you wish to have receipt verification. Foundation staff may not be able to verify receipt of the application over the phone or by e-mail.

* These are required forms that are part of the scholarship application form that must be used.

The top two (2) completed applications must be submitted by the dentist schools to the ADA Foundation by the deadline date of October 16th for consideration. Any applications received after this date will not be considered. Notification of funding decisions will be made after December 31st.

Federally Funded Scholarships


• Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
  
  
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
  
  
• Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships (HPSP)
  
  
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Awards
  
  
  
  

  Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
  

  These scholarships provide funds to eligible dentist schools for the purpose of providing scholarships to full-time, financially needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolled in health professions programs. For more information, call HRSA, 888-275-4772.

  
  
  

  National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
  

  Dental students may compete for NHSC scholarships beginning in their sophomore and junior years The program offers payment of tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment and includes a monthly stipend. In exchange, recipients must agree to provide oral health services for a minimum of two years in any underserved community identified by the NHSC as being a critical need area. For more information, call NHSC, 800-221-9393.

  
  
  

  Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships (HPSP)
  

  The U.S. Armed Services offer scholarships to dental students that pay tuition, feels, books and a monthly stipend. All are highly competitive programs. The active duty obligation is one year of service for each year of scholarship support with a minimum of three years of active duty service. Scholarships are available annually from all service branches. For information contact the individual branches of service.

  
  
  

  National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Short-Term Training Awards
  

  This program provides underrepresented minority and women dental students and opportunity to obtain research experience during their professional training. Recipients receive a monthly stipend during training periods. Applicants must be enrolled at a U.S. dentist school and be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national of the U.S., or lawfully admitted for permanent residence. All minorities are eligible, but NIDCR determines if minority status is underrepresented. All recipients must sign an agreement that they will fulfill payback requirements. For more information contact NIDCR, 301-594-7617.

Dentist School Cost vs. Dentist School Debt

The average educational debt of a dentist school is an important figure to be used in the financial consideration of that dentist school. Many students make decisions based on the amount of financial aid distribution of scholarship, grant and loan, in their first year. This is an important consideration to be evaluated. The distribution can change over the years in the percentage of types of financial aid as the students advances, more loans could be part of the financial aid package. It is more important to ask the financial aid officer at the dentist school what the debt trend has been, historically, for dentist school graduates. This is a better determining factor in financial planning. What is the difference of a $20,000 scholarship for the first year and $5,000 scholarship for each of the 4 years? Analysis of the financial aid design is critical for an accurate depiction of the differences in “costs” and “debt” of dentist school.

All 50 States and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most States, candidates must graduate from an accredited dentist school, then pass written and practical examinations. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the State licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Individual States or regional testing agencies administer the written or practical examinations.

Below are links to all of the accredited dental education programs in the United States and Canada. Dentist school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, also are provided at this time. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The rest award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Some dentist school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most distl school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.

For the dentist schools in the US, please click on the State to receive a list of schools in that particular State. Any questions that you may have that is related to admission criteria and application processes should be directed to each dental school. The information that the list provides includes the school mailing and website addresses, on-site evaluation years and the current Accreditation Status.

Alabama	Louisiana	Ohio
Ariizona	Massachusettes	Oklahoma
California	Maryland	Oregon
Colorado	Michigan	Pennsylvania
Connecticut	Minnesota	Puerto Rico
District of Columbia	Missouri	South Carolina
Florida	Mississippi	Tennessee
Georgia	North Carolina	Texas
Iowa	Nebraska	Virginia
Illinois	New Jersey	Washington
Indiana	Nevada	Wisconsin
Kentucky	New York	West Virginia

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* Statistics collected from the ADA 2004 Survey of Dental Practice, Characteristics of Dentists in Private Practice and their Patients, the American Dental Association; Trends in Dentistry and Dental Education, the American Dental Education Association and Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the 2001 Gallup Poll.