Pre-Dental
There are many reasons to choose Dentistry as a career. Dentistry offers an opportunity to make a difference in your patients’ health and well-being. It is a career that allows you a chance to be your own boss and own a dental practice. New exciting scientific breakthroughs in gene therapy and biotechnology offer dentists an opportunity to preserve their patients’ smiles and self-esteem.
Here are 10 great reasons for considering a career as a dentist.
There are more than 60 Dental Schools in the United States accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Each program is rigorously evaluated for its content and quality. Typically, DDS/DMD programs take four years to complete with additional years for dental specialties like Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry.
Admission to dental school is highly competitive, but the application process has never been easier. Most U.S. dental schools accept a single online application through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
Partnership Schools
Asbury University has contractual agreements with certain schools where students can gain early acceptance by meeting specific requirements. See the Health Professions Advisor for eligibility information.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) — School of Dental Medicine
The Early Acceptance Program (EAP) is designed to facilitate the admission of Asbury University students into LECOM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program. LECOM will interview students prior to their enrollment at Asbury or within the first two years of study at Asbury. Students interviewing successfully will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Upon meeting the criteria for final acceptance, they will matriculate at the LECOM Bradenton, FL campus. Each academic year, a maximum combined total of 5 students will be accepted by LECOM from Asbury University.
▾ What prerequisites are typically required for applying to dental school?
Specific courses to help prepare students for applying to dental school are: General Chemistry (1 yr), Organic Chemistry (1 yr), General Biology (1 yr), Physics (1 yr), Biochemistry, Physiology, and Microbiology. Additional recommended courses are Genetics, Physiology, Immunology, and Anatomy. View the Course Planning Guide for Pre-Med (there are similar requirements for Pre-Dental).
▾ What major should I choose?
Generally, you can choose whatever major you wish and then add in other required courses you will need. If you choose to major in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry), the majority of the prerequisite courses are included in the major.
General Timeline
Most dental schools require applicants to have an undergraduate degree completed before beginning dental school. Below is a brief summary of the process. (See Dr. Branan for more information.)
▾ Years 1 – 3
Take specific prerequisite courses (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, etc.), shadow physicians, participate on mission trips, volunteer, etc.
▾ Year 3 (spring and following summer)
Take the DAT (Dental Admissions Test); request letters of recommendation from professors; fill out application to dental schools (AADSAS online applications); send copies of all college transcripts.
▾ Year 4
Interviews with dental schools; receive acceptance(s); complete all Foundations requirements and electives needed for undergraduate degree.
Alumni
Dr. Friend Bechtel ’15 is a dentist at Friendly Dental Co.
He shares: “My Asbury advisor was incredible and really helped me develop a tailored curriculum which both taught me time management and responsibility. Dentistry has been an incredible way to change people’s lives with an incredible work-life balance. I get to transform lives while also getting to spend time with my family!”
Dr. Hunter Mitchell ’19 is a dentist at Friendly Dental Co.
He shares: “Dentistry offers the ability to have meaningful conversations with patients in our community. Asbury does a phenomenal job at preparing students for the field through teaching us to truly care for individuals and the discipline. I felt prepared for the next level of my education and eventually treating patients.”
Contact Dr. Bruce Branan, Asbury’s Advisor for the Health Professions, for more information and help in preparing for a career in Dentistry.