Overview of Dental School Admissions

Dental school admissions are competitive and require a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular experiences, and personal attributes. Here's a comprehensive overview of the requirements:

Academic Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

• Biology with lab (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
• General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
• Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
• Physics with lab (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
• Additional courses may be required such as English composition, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, or microbiology.

GPA and Standardized Tests

A strong GPA is crucial, with most dental schools preferring a minimum GPA of 3.0, but a higher GPA significantly improves your chances. The Dental Admission Test (DAT) assesses your scientific knowledge and reasoning skills. Aim for a competitive score, typically above the national average.

Extracurricular and Personal Requirements

• Dental Shadowing: Gaining experience by shadowing a dentist is essential to demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the profession.
• Community Service and Volunteering: Shows your compassion and dedication to serving others.
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrates your ability to take initiative and work effectively with others.
• Research Experience: Conducting research, especially in a dental-related field, highlights your intellectual curiosity and scientific aptitude.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters from professors, dentists you've shadowed, or employers can attest to your character, work ethic, and potential for success in dental school.
• Personal Statement: Your personal statement should showcase your passion for dentistry, unique experiences, and reasons for choosing this career path.

Application Components

Complete the American Dental Education Association's Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) application, which includes your academic record, DAT scores, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Timeline and Application Process

Be aware of application deadlines, which typically fall in the late summer or early fall of the year preceding your desired enrollment.

Financial Considerations

When considering out-of-state versus private dental school tuition, it's crucial to understand how loan interest accumulates and impacts total educational costs. Federal student loans calculate interest daily based on the principal balance and interest rate factor, which is the annual rate divided by the days in the year. In traditional repayment plans, monthly payments cover all accruing interest, preventing it from capitalizing, or being added to the principal. However, under income-driven repayment plans, or when not making regular payments, unpaid interest can capitalize, increasing the total loan amount.

Moreover, federal student loans include loan fees deducted from the disbursed amount, meaning the actual amount received is less than borrowed, yet repayment covers the total borrowed. These factors—interest accumulation, capitalization, and upfront loan fees—make it essential for dental students to consider the long-term financial implications of attending out-of-state or private dental schools, as these may have higher tuition rates and associated costs.