Pre-Dental

Dental School

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:

  • Profession Overview
  • Academic Preparation
  • Extracurricular Preparation
  • Application Process
  • Testing Requirements
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Dentistry involves the mouth, teeth, gums and related areas. Some studies have shown that diseases relating to the teeth and gums can be indicative or indicators of some health issues. The health of the mouth is essential to the general overall health of the body and a dentist will encourage and assist their patients in maintaining a healthy mouth by regular cleaning and check-ups.
    A dentist performs many important duties in the maintenance of oral health. Check-ups are a major part of the job and are important for patients keeping on top of their oral care. In addition to general check-ups, general dentistry involves basic treatments that can be done at a regular dental office. Such procedures might include filling a tooth, performing a minor surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction, and cleaning and polishing teeth.

    Dentists typically do the following:
    • Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities
    • Repair or remove damaged teeth
    • Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth
    • Administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures
    • Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
    • Examine x rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas in order to diagnose problems
    • Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures
    • Teach patients about diets, flossing, the use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care

    Specialties in Dentistry:
    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.

    The median salary for a dentist (2022) is $172,290. Salaries vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.

    Careers in the Dental Profession: https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Career_Options.aspx

    Professional Associations:
    ADA: American Dental Association
    ADEA: American Dental Education Association

    Training
    All dental specialties require dentists to complete additional training before practicing that specialty. This training is usually a 2- to 4-year residency in a CODA-accredited program related to the specialty, which often culminates in a postdoctoral certificate or master’s degree. Oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically take 4 to 6 years and may result in candidates earning a joint Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree.
    General dentists do not need additional training after dental school.
    Dentists who want to teach or do research full time may need advanced dental training, such as in a postdoctoral program in general dentistry.

    Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
    Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. All states require dentists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. Most states require a dentist to have a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental program, pass the written National Board Dental Examinations, and pass a state or regional clinical examination.
    In addition, a dentist who wants to practice in a dental specialty must have a license in that specialty. Licensure requires the completion of a residency after dental school and, in some cases, the completion of a special state exam.

  • As a pre-dental student, you can choose any major, as long as you take the required coursework you must complete in order to apply to dental school. See below.
    Prerequisite Coursework through UCCS Pre-Dental plan:
    https://advising.uccs.edu/sites/g/files/kjihxj1341/files/inline-files/PRDE%2020-21.pdf

    Work with your academic advisor when it comes to aligning your Pre-Dental coursework with your courses in your major.

    Averages for Matriculation:
    Avg 3.55 GPA, 3.25 science GPA
    Avg DAT score for students accepted to Dental School is 18-21.

  • 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.

  • 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:
    https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Application_Prep/The_Admissions_Process/Timeline_to_apply.aspx

    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.

  • Letters of Recommendation
    The AADSAS application allows a maximum of four evaluations, regardless of if those evaluations are individual letters of recommendation or committee/composite letters. UCCS does not offer committee letters and you will need to ask for 3-4 individual letters of recommendation.We suggest getting four letters of recommendation—two from science professors whose class you took for a grade, one from a dentist you’ve shadowed or worked with, and a fourth from an employer or another (non-science or science) professor.
    Check the policy for every school to which you’re applying.

    Establish Relationships
    Get to know your Professors early! Tell professors at the beginning of the semester that you would like them to keep an eye on your performance in class. It will give them a longer observational window.
    Visit their offices regularly.
    At the end of the semester, if you do well, ask them if they would be willing to write you an excellent letter of recommendation when you are ready to apply.A key to a good letter is the establishment of a relationship between student and professor based on shared academic interests.
    1. Ask thoughtful questions
    2. Delve deeper into concepts presented in lectures
    3. Share your academic and career goals
    4. Ask for recommendations for additional reading
    5. Inquire about their areas of interest and research

    Requesting Letters of Recommendation
    1. Ask if potential writers if they feel capable of writing a supportive letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.
    2. Get business cards with your recommenders’ contact information.
    3. Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession. You could also include a snapshot, a copy of a paper or assignment from their class, or transcript.
    4. Always give recommenders ample time. One month at a minimum. Follow up to make sure that your letters have been sent.
    5. Send thank you notes.

    The ADEA AADSAS application opens around mid-May and can be submitted in early June. The more time you provide a recommender, the more likely they are to write a strong and detailed letter of recommendation.
    Be sure to ask recommenders at least three months in advance of your desired submission date, which would be no later than mid-March for submission in mid-June.