The dental profession is the branch of health care devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other tissues in and around the mouth. A dentist is a doctor, scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Dentists play a key role in the early detection of oral cancer and other systemic conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth. They often identify other health conditions, illnesses, and other problems that sometimes show up in the oral cavity before they are identified in other parts of the body. (Learn more from the American Dental Education Association).

Academic Prerequisites

There is no required or recommended major. Predental students pursue their major alongside dental school prerequisites that often include: 

Often include:

• General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
• Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
• Physics with lab (2 semesters)
• Introductory Biology with lab (2 semesters)
• Biochemistry (1 semester)
• English (2 semesters)

Sometimes include:

• Math: Calculus and/or Statistics
• Psychology

Application logistics

• Apply in the summer, about 14 months before intended entry.
• The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is the required standardized test for entry. The DAT comprises four sections: Survey of Natural Sciences; Perceptual Ability; Reading Comprehension; and Quantitative Reasoning.
  • Princeton applicants recommend DAT Booster; DAT Bootcamp; DAT Destroyer and Mometrix for preparation.
• Apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Application opens June 1.
• Most schools accept/prefer a committee letter of recommendation.
• ADEA GoDental Tips for Preparing to Enter Dental School

Find a program

ADEA Dental School Map & ADEA Dental School Explorer

For more information

• ADEA Go Dental
• ADEA Money Matters: financial resources and information
• The University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan offer free online courses on dentistry.  Take advantage!
  Introduction to Dental Medicine offered by U Penn
  Dentistry 101 offered by U Michigan