Working as a dentist requires various skills and a set of experiences that will aid you in your career path. These resources will also help you determine if this is the right career for you.
Preparing for Dentistry School
Start Building Your "Resume"
Working alongside a dentist will strengthen your leadership skills and help you gain insight about daily tasks. You will also learn about a dentist's lifestyle and how they balance their life with career. As an undergraduate student pursuing a career in dentistry, some programs require volunteer hours or observations in a healthcare setting for at least 100 hours.
Get started by talking to the Office of Career Services.
Research will provide the written proof of your fluency in scientific inquiry and writing, both of which are skills that support a student pursuing a career as a dentist. Research is also helpful for being able to publish writing in scientific journals.
Talk to your academic advisor and faculty about research opportunities.
Talking to dentists will guide you in understanding this career field from a student's point of view. You can search for dentists through dental related professional organizations such as the ADA (American Dental Association).
IU East Career Services can also assist you with finding a dentist to learn more.
Volunteering will demonstrate your commitment to a cause and/or community. IU East Center for Service Learning has many opportunities for you to engage with the community including tutoring young students, collaborating on art projects with dementia patients with OMA, and more.
If interested in volunteer opportunities, connect with the Center for Service Learning.
IU East Majors to Consider
Students are suggested to major in the following fields if interested in attending dentistry programs.
- B.S. in Biochemistry
- B.S. in Biology
- B.S. in Human Life Science
Dentistry School Programs
- Indiana University
- Ohio State University
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- University of Iowa
- University of Missouri Kansas City
- University of Illinois
- Midwestern University Downers Grove
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Detroit Mercy
The Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
After completing the necessary coursework and before applying, you are required to take the DAT. Test must be taken eighteen months prior to being admitted by your preferred dental school program. This test is continuously administered throughout the year and consists of four main sections.
- Natural sciences
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Skills
- Perceptual Skills