DENTAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

General DENTAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CONSULT WITH AN ADVISOR AND RESEARCH THE SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DENTAL SCHOOL IN WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED. ALL DENTAL SCHOOLS VARY IN THEIR SPECIFIC ADMISSION STANDARDS.

Minimum Cumulative and Science Grade Point Averages – 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale)

A 3.0 GPA is preferred

The higher your GPA is the more you will increase your chances of acceptance.

Three years of undergraduate course work (90 semester hours, or 135 quarter hours)

However, a baccalaureate (4 year college) degree preferred

Required Coursework:

General Biology

1 year lecture & lab, minimum of 8 semester/12 quarter hours

Zoology or Microbiology can be alternatives

General Chemistry

1 year lecture & lab, minimum of 8 semester or 12 quarter hours

Organic Chemistry

1 year lecture & lab, minimum of 8 semester or 12 quarter hours

Physics (algebra based)

1 year lecture & lab, minimum of 8 semester or 12 quarter hours

Math

Brief Calculus Level

English composition/Technical writing

Minimum of 3 semesters or 4 quarter hours

Strongly RECOMMENDED in addition to the required coursework

Biochemistry

Physiology

Microbiology

Human Anatomy

Pathology

Genetics

Neurology

Endocrinology

Immunology

Hematology

Try to obtain employment in a dental office (as a receptionist or trainee)

Attend summer health career enrichment courses sponsored by:

the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP)

the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

And/or programs sponsored by various dental schools.

Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)

No scores older than 3 years are accepted

DAT scores are preferred by December 15 of the application year (If you are not done with you prerequisites then don’t take the test unless you are confident. Do not sacrifice school studies for DAT studies, and do not take unless you are really ready.)

This scored is based on the number of correct answers and results are reported in terms of “standard scores”. This means that rather than using your actual score you are given one that compares your ranking with the performance of everyone that has taken the exam. The scores range from 1-30, with no passing or failing scores. 17 is typically considered average. You get your score immediately when you leave the testing center.

It takes approximately three weeks after the examination was taken to have scores sent to dental schools

It has four sections (4 hours and 15 mins with an optional 15 minute break):

Natural Sciences (100 questions, 90 minutes – 30 general chemistry questions, 30 Organic chemistry questions, 40 general biology questions)

Perceptual Ability (90 questions, 60 minutes – top, end, keyholes, angle ranking, hole punching, cube count, pattern folding)

Reading Comprehension (50 questions, 60 minutes – 3 passages with corresponding questions)

Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions,45 minutes – algebra, geometry, trigonometry)

You should prepare for the DAT by practicing, practicing, practicing!!!

You can take the DAT more than once, but you must wait 90 days before taking the test again. However, studies show that students do better the first time than the second time. It depends on the school you attend -- some schools average all scores, some take the highest score or they will only count the most recent. Check with the school you are applying to if you take it more than once. Effective 2007 – please read update

Kaplan offers free DAT practice testing in there centers!

COST to take the DAT

All Applicants can be evaluated on:

Academic Preparation

Performance on the DAT

AADSAS Essay

Letters of Recommendation

Personal Interview (see interview etiquette and questions)

Demonstrated Community Service through volunteerism or service-oriented employment