When applying to dental schools, you'll want to know their requirements, and you should find a school that is a good fit for your personal needs and abilities. Start early, and brace for plenty of competition, as dentistry is a high-paying, steady career.
Do Your Research
Start by looking up a database online that lists all of the dental schools in the country. You can try the Web site www.dentalschools.com or the list at the American Dental Association's Web site to get you started. You can narrow your search by state and then focus on the schools in the area you'd like to study in. Make a list of about 8 to 10 schools that interest you. Call them up to ask for a brochure and some reading materials that you can have delivered to your home. Review the materials carefully, and, if you have the time, plan a trip to visit the top five or so that intrigue you the most.
Dental School Requirements
In most cases, you'll be required to go to school for four years to receive a dental degree, and you will need to take the DAT (Dental Admission Test). Many individual schools will have varying prerequisite classes, but it's a good idea to take a biology, a chemistry and a calculus class before applying to cover the bases. Look up the schools' prerequisites so you have an idea of what they expect from you. It's best to start looking at dental schools in your sophomore year of college. You can then assess the better programs and apply early if necessary.
Scholarships
Many dental schools offer scholarships for those who might have a hard time financing their education. Download any applications you find online, review the requirements and apply where it's a good fit. A great idea is to volunteer to work at a dentist's office in your area either while you're in college or on summer vacation. You can speak with people in the profession, ask them how they got into the business and hear personal accounts that might help you in your own endeavors.
 | Dental training programs offer individuals the opportunity to become dental hygienists or dentists. While dental schools are four-year postgraduate programs that train dentists, shorter dental assistant training programs prepare students to enter the dental hygienist field. |
 | Certified dental assistants perform many of the daily tasks in a dentist's office. Certified dental assistants can also go on to teach other dental assistants in schools and training programs. |
 | Have you ever considered becoming a dental hygienist? This career offers flexibility when it comes to work hours and can provide a solid income. Start by mapping out a plan for heading to school and getting a dental hygienist degree. |
Dental continuing education can help keep dentists on top of the changes in the industry. Through dental continuing education courses and new online dental continuing education opportunities, seminars and lectures, dentists can improve their skills and learn about new techniques. |
Many career opportunities are available within a dental staff, and you don't even have to be a dentist. You could be a dental assistant, a dental technician or a dental hygienist. |
