Pre-Dental

So you want to be a dentist, but aren’t sure where to start?  You’ve come to the right place. 

Deciding to go to dental school is an extraordinary choice and there is a lot that goes into becoming a competitive applicant.  There are also different paths to becoming a dentist.  US dental schools, Texas schools or international programs, or taking multiple gap years?  It is ultimately up to you to choose your path, but hopefully the resources and information provided can help guide you. 

 Also consider making an appointment with the Pre-Health Career Coach here: https://student.support.uccs.edu/ 

How long does it take to become a dentist?  The length of most DDS programs is 4-5 years.  Learn more about becoming a Dentist below. 

Pre-Dental Resources

Click on the 4 categories below to learn more about the pre-dentistry track at UCCS, testing requirements, and experiential learning opportunities in the industry.

IMPORTANT: UCCS does not have a dental medicine program. Pre-Dentistry Prep is not a major or a minor, but a listing of prerequisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission to the CU School of Dental Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

  • Students completing the pre-dentistry prep program are advised to choose a major and plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from UCCS. A college program leading to a bachelor’s degree is considered by the faculty and the CU School of Dental Medicine’s Committee on Admissions to offer the best preparation for a student interested in Dental Medicine.
  • Other programs may have different requirements. Students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan to apply. Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree.
  • Students must complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) before applying to dental school.
  • Application Information for the CU School of Dental Medicine, including contact information, application materials, deadlines, and testing, can be found at: https://dental.cuanschutz.edu/

Click Here to access the Program Catalog for the Pre-Dentistry Track Information

 

Application Process 

AADSAS: 

  • ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service. Service that allows you to apply to many DDS programs in one central location. 

    • Application Requirements include: 

      • Demographics and background information

      • Academic information 

      • Work/volunteer/shadowing experience 

      • Personal essay 

      • Letters of recommendation 

      • Official transcripts. 

Timeline for AADSAS: 

  • Early May- AADSAS Application Opens (use this time to complete, review and strengthen application) 

  • End of May or Early June- Open for submission 

  • Usually takes 3-6 weeks for verification of transcripts 

  • October- Deadline requirements 

  • December Offers of Admission 

  • Feb- AADSAS Closes 

Example Timeline for all 4 years as a pre-dental student

CU Anschutz: School of Dental Medicine 
https://dental.cuanschutz.edu/prospective-students/programs-of-study/doctor-of-dental-surgery/apply 

Testing: 

  • Applicants to dental schools usually take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). 

    • Dental schools use this test along with other factors, such as grade point average, interviews, and recommendations, to admit students into their programs. 

    • All U.S. and Canadian dental schools require their applicants to take the DAT as part of the admission process. Each school uses its own criteria to determine how to weigh DAT results as part of admission decisions. Prospective dental students should take the DAT during the second semester of their junior undergraduate year, or during the summer between junior and senior years- depending on when you want to apply. Make sure you have taken the subjects covered by the test, especially organic chemistry. 

    • The DAT consists of multiple-choice questions presented in English, and includes a battery of four tests: 

      • Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 items) 

      • Perceptual Ability (90 items) 

      • Reading Comprehension (50 items) 

      • Quantitative Reasoning (40 items) 

The DAT is offered year-round at Prometric Test Centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Once you have received your eligibility letter confirming that your test application has been accepted, you must contact Prometric to secure an appointment. We recommend doing this at least 60 to 90 days before your desired test date, since schedules fill up. Visit the Prometric site to find a testing site near you, see procedures updated for COVID-19, and schedule your test. 

Extracurricular Preparation 

Shadowing: 
Direct observation of a licensed dentist- variety of settings/specialties is recommended. Hour requirements of dental shadowing is dependant on the program. You should consider Dental shadowing as a requirement for your application. 

Clinical Hours and Extracurricular Activities  
Ideally working with a dentist office. Applicants should report any extracurricular activities in which they are involved, dental-related or otherwise, on the AADSAS application. Such activities could include (but are not limited to) academic enrichment programs, athletics, clubs and organizations, research, volunteering, and work experience. For each extracurricular, applicants must provide the frequency and duration of the experience, a description of the key responsibilities, and the name and address of the organization or supervisor. 

Endodontics– the area which specializes in the treatment of the internal tissues or “pulp” of the tooth which is mostly made up of nerves and blood vessels; an endodontist performs root canal treatments and other procedures and examinations involving the inner tooth. 

Orthodontics– deals with the straightening and alignment of the teeth and jaw; an orthodontist will fit braces and treat disorders involving misaligned teeth; will also deal with issues involving bone in and around the mouth area which may be related to other health issues. 

Periodontics-refers to the area around the tooth, including the gums and other tissues; a periodontist will deal with gum disease and other gum ailments. 

Prosthodontics– the area relating to cosmetic dentistry and the appearance of teeth; a prosthodontist fits implants to replace removed teeth and deals with other prosthetics in the mouth. 

Pediatric Dentistry– specializes in treating children’s teeth; may work with other specialists if specific areas (ex. gum disease) are involved. 

Other specialty areas include: 

Dental anesthesiologists administer drugs (anesthetics) to reduce or eliminate pain during a dental procedure, monitor sedated patients to keep them safe, and help patients manage pain. 

Dental public health specialists promote good dental health and the prevention of dental diseases in specific communities. 

Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases in the head and neck using imaging technologies. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head, performing procedures such as surgically repairing a cleft lip and palate or removing impacted teeth. 

Oral pathologists diagnose conditions in the mouth, such as bumps or ulcers, and oral diseases, such as cancer.