Is dentistry the career for me?

• To answer this question, "job shadow" a dentist in one or more of the following areas of practice:  family dentistry, public health dentistry, endodontics (root canals), oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics (gums and bone that support teeth) or prosthodontics (replacement of missing teeth).
  
  

  Are you unsure how to go about finding a dentist to job shadow?  Here are a few suggestions to get you started... Talk to your family dentist and find out if he or she is willing to let you observe or "shadow" them at work. Ask your family dentist for a referral to a dentist who might be open to letting you shadow. Talk to people you know.  Find out if they like their dentist and why.  Consider contacting these well-regarded dentists for a possible shadowing experience.

  
  
• Ask the dentist(s) you job shadow questions about what they do, such as: how they help their patients, how they became interested in the profession, what they like most about what they do and what they like the least.
• If you like what you've learned, proceed to the next question!

Yes, I want to be a dentist! How do I prepare?

• Having the CORRECT information about how to prepare and what the requirements are to attend dental school is a good place to start. The requirements for dental schools vary, so learn what is required of each school you are considering by visiting their web sites and speaking with their admissions officers.

• Familiarize yourself with the following ADEA resources: 
  (1) The ADEA Guide to Dental Schools - 45th Edition for entering class of 2008  Special note:  New versions of this handbook are updated and published annually, so be sure you have the most current publication.
  (2) The ADEA web site, which links all dental schools at: http://www.adea.org/ 
  (3) *Underrepresented minority students should also check out:  Opportunities for Minority Students in United States Dental Schools 5th Edition, 2006-2008  Special note:  New versions of this handbook are updated and published every two years so be sure you have the most current publication.
• Meet with your academic advisor to map out your plan for completing the required courses, and make a plan to MEET REGULARLY to update your progress and revise your academic plan as needed.
• Connect with and/or form study groups with people taking the same course as you. Many students find this a valuable way to improve their study habits and grades. It is also good practice for dental school because many dental students participate in study groups.
• Volunteer and become engaged in community service. Dentistry is about helping people improve their health. Obtaining health care and other basic services is often difficult for disadvantaged populations. By participating in community service projects, you'll get a better understanding of these challenges, and perhaps think of the contributions you can make as a volunteer while in dental school and as a dentist. Your community service does not have to be in the area of oral health.
• Dental schools require letters of recommendation. Begin thinking about the contacts you're making (i.e., college professors, community service organizers and job shadowing) and which of them you might approach to write you a letter of recommendation.
• Look for clubs and organizations on campus that are for students interested in health careers. If you think the club or organization has something to offer, consider joining and becoming an ACTIVE participant.
• Investigate whether college level dental enrichment programs may have something to offer you. Many of these programs are designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds or for students who come from racial groups that are underrepresented in the profession. If you find programs that interest you, determine when their applications are due and - as a rule of thumb when applying to all academic programs - APPLY EARLY, well in advance of the application deadline!

How do I apply for dental school?

• Begin approaching the academic and professional contacts you've been making (i.e., college professors, dentists and character references, community service organizers) to ask if they are willing to write you a letter of recommendation. It will be helpful to those individuals if you provide them with your personal statement or resume to review. Special note: When requesting letters of recommendation from professional individuals, consider it a best practice to provide professional individuals a due date of when you would like to have what you are requesting from them.
• Take the DAT!  All US dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT consists of 4 parts which test the applicant on natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. Applicants typically take the DAT after completing the prerequisite coursework required by dental schools. There are a number of published study guides and and CDs to help you prepare for the DAT as well as preparatory courses. Information about the DAT can be found at: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp
• Apply to AADSAS!  Most dental schools participate in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). AADSAS simplifies the application process by providing one standardized form, relieving students of the need to complete multiple applications. Information about AADSAS and the application process can be found at: http://www.adea.org/
• There are some schools that do NOT participate in AADSAS.  If you plan to apply to one of these schools, you will need to contact them to learn about their application process.
• Make a list of critical time-sensitive deadlines and mark them on your calendar.  At a minimum, your calendar should include the following: 
  (1) The application deadline for each school to which you are applying
  (2) The date you will take the DAT
  (3) The dates to register for required courses offered on a limited basis (Some required courses may be offered only once or twice a year.  Identify these courses with your undergraduate advisor and mark the dates to register for these classes on your calendar.)
  (4) The dates to re-visit your academic plan with your undergraduate advisor
  (5) Based on the schools you are applying to, when are the first letters of recommendation due?  Based on those dates, be sure to have your letters ready well in advance of the application deadlines.  Set a goal-date to have all your letters in hand and mark this on your calendar.  Special note: When requesting letters of recommendation from professional individuals, consider it a best practice to provide professional individuals a due date of when you would like to have what you are requesting from them.

Now that I have applied to dental school, what happens next?

• Patience with the admissions process and the people involved reflects positively on you as an applicant!  Wait for the dental school to contact you.
• Track all of the information you have submitted via the AADSAS web site to make sure that it was received.
• After reviewing your application, dental schools that think you are a promising candidate will typically contact you to ask you to complete their secondary application.  Complete the secondary application ASAP and return it to them well in advance of the deadline!
• If invited for interviews by dental school admissions committees, you should see if it is possible to have a practice or “mock” interview with your advisor, career center staff, or other mentors.
• Congratulations!  Now you have completed all the steps of the application process! Schools will be informing you of any change in the status of your application.  Be prepared to provide additional information such as updated transcripts.  You may check the status of your application on the secure AADSAS web site.