Predentistry

Suggested major: Biology or Chemistry

Dentistry is devoted not only to the repair of teeth but also to the treatment and health maintenance of all the oral tissues. Most dentists engage in general practice. However, about 10% take additional training beyond the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree to enter one of the eight recognized specialties: dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology, oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, or prosthodontics. A few enter the field of dental education or research. Georgia Regents University is Georgia’s only school of dentistry.

Application to Dental School

A candidate must take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) before an application to dental school will be considered. The DAT covers one's knowledge of biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Therefore, these courses must be completed before the senior year. Quantitative reasoning ability and two- and three-dimensional spatial perception are also included on the DAT. Applications to dental school should be submitted during the summer before the senior year and should be in by early fall. The student should see the preprofessional advisor and other appropriate individuals in the spring semester of her junior year or fall semester of the senior year to arrange letters of recommendation. Most dental schools require prospective students to apply using a standardized application service known as the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Importantly, candidates who have some acquaintance with the dental profession are preferred for acceptance. This may be accomplished through shadowing or internship with a community dentist or specialist. Undergraduates should seek opportunities to cultivate such experience and knowledge before applying as over 200 hours of volunteer time is now the norm. At Georgia College we have an active predental student club that works to provide some of these opportunities.