It is important to note that pre-dental is not a major of study, but rather an advising track to help students prepare for dental school. 

In their undergraduate years, pre-dental students can expect to enroll in courses focused heavily on mathematics and the sciences, including biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, and more.

Contrary to what many students might assume, it is rarely mandated that pre-dental students choose a science- or math-focused major. 

Many dental schools actually appreciate students who have a well-rounded collegiate experience in the humanities and social studies, as well as the traditional sciences.

However, what a pre-dental student can expect is to begin working towards becoming a competitive applicant as soon as they arrive on campus. This means making an effort to join pre-dental clubs or societies, forge relationships with pre-professional school advisers, volunteer in the local community, and log hours shadowing at local dental practices. 

Currently, there are 68 dental schools in the United States, and even more colleges and universities that offer pre-dental programs.

Here are 10 of the very best schools offering pre-dental tracks.

Auburn University (Auburn, AL)

Recently ranked as one of the top 100 best places to live in the country, Auburn provides an ideal setting for students to enjoy a collegiate experience. 

While Auburn’s overall acceptance rate is 85%, interested students should know that admission to the university is highly competitive. The school candidly shares that there are more qualified applicants than there are placements available in the pre-dentistry program. 

It is recommended that students meet with the College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM) Director of Pre-Health Programs in their first year at Auburn to learn how to develop a competitive background. It is also advised that students attend mandatory meetings regarding the dental school application process, and take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) at least one year prior to entering a professional school. 

Students who perform at a high level may be invited to join the Alpha Epsilon Delta national honor society for students preparing for a dentistry career; this organization acts as a liaison between students and the pre-dentistry advisory team. 

Auburn alumnus – Dr. Jim Phillips, Jr. (class of 1980) – has volunteered as the Auburn Athletics football team dentist for over 20 years. 

Additionally, he teaches at the COSAM, serves on the Dean’s Leadership Council, participates in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame selection committee, and was recently elected president of the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA). 

Auburn students can certainly expect to feel the community support to which Phillips alludes. 

Mrs. Beverley Childress is the Pre-Health Professions Director and has 20+ years of experience in an advisory role at Auburn; she oversees the PPAC – Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee – whose applicants are accepted to professional schools at a rate that is 30% above the national average. 

While Auburn does not have a dental school on campus, most Auburn pre-dentistry students attend the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham.

Eastern University (St. Davids, PA)

Students who seek to follow a pre-dental track, as well as attend a school with a tight-knit, faith-based community, should consider all that Eastern University has to offer. 

Pre-dental advisor Dr. Maria Ficherea loves the “dynamic Christian environment,” and many students embark on dental mission trips to countries outside of the United States.

Eastern University recommends that pre-dental students participate in community service projects, get involved in research opportunities, shadow practicing dentists, maintain excellent grades, and take required standardized tests. 

Eastern is close to three dental schools and their campus has a strong relationship with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, where many students volunteer during the school year.

Current biology student Kadeem attends class, plays on the lacrosse team, conducts and observes research with Eastern professors, manages first-year student study hall groups, and shadows at a local dental practice once a week. 

Students at Eastern can apply for the Gateway to Dentistry summer internship based at Rutgers School of Medicine. This 8-day immersive experience grants students exposure to clinical techniques, dental specialties, and admissions counseling. This internship is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates.

James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)

One of the most competitive pre-dental programs on this list, JMU requires pre-dentistry students to undergo twice-annual performance reviews. They are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; otherwise, they may be dropped from the program.

The Pre-Dentistry Program (PDP) is considered a minor at JMU, and students typically earn a BS or BA in a major of their choice. 

Students can join the Pre-Dental Society at JMU, which is committed to helping students prepare to become professional dentists. Membership in the society requires students to attend monthly meetings, local community service events, and other local professional opportunities. 

The Pre-Dental Society often visits regional dental schools, like Howard University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel HIll. As of 2018, JMU reports that their students were accepted to nine dental schools in nine different states.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (La Crosse, WI)

With an acceptance rate of 82%, and a #1 ranking out of 34 schools in Wisconsin for value, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a great option for pre-dental students that won’t break the bank. 

Students should add an “intended pre-professional track” when declaring their majors; the school recommends that students consult the ADEA coursework table to understand pre-dental course requirements.

Dr. Michael Abler collaborates with pre-dentistry students; he is an associate professor of biology students can join the Pre-Dentistry Club, whose purpose is to arm students with helpful resources that prepare them to be competitive dental school applications and leaders in the community. 

Recent club leader Kaitlyn Michalek served as a student-athlete and fundraiser leader for the Vida Dental Mission Trip to Guatemala. 

She traveled with 40 other La Crosse students to provide dental, medical, and vet services to Guatemalan citizens, free of charge. Her fundraiser to pay for the trip expenses collected over 1,000 pairs of shoes for those who need them. 

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)

Johns Hopkins is one of the most selective schools on this list, with a recent acceptance rate of only 9% of applicants. They are also ranked 9th overall in U.S. universities, according to U.S. News.

Like Eastern University, Johns Hopkins links students to the Gateway to Dentistry pre-dental internship. 

Additionally, the Dentistry Today program – offered through the nearby University of Maryland’s Baltimore College of Dental Surgery – provides interactive experiences for students on a pre-dental track. 

Students at Johns Hopkins can expect to be supported with an abundance of resources. The university provides students with a list of current dental practices, along with addresses and phone numbers, where they can inquire about shadowing opportunities. 

With over 40 members, the Pre-Dental Society is dedicated to helping Johns Hopkins students transition to the dental schools of their choice. 

Students can also download a helpful spreadsheet – the Pre-Health Activities Tracker – which they can use to record their undergraduate experiences in pre-dental preparation.

Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)

Unlike other schools on this list, Marquette offers an accelerated Pre-dental Scholars Program with conditional acceptance to their School of Dentistry; students can complete their bachelors and dental degrees in seven years (instead of the typical eight). 

Marquette enrolls a maximum of ten students in the Pre-dental Scholars Program annually, making it highly competitive.

Students find out by the end of their junior year if they are accepted into the Marquette dental school, which offers over $11 million in financial aid to each class of the School of Dentistry. 

Additionally, the school offers a five-week intensive program, called the Dental Summer Enrichment Program (DSEP), which prepares students to matriculate from pre-dental studies to the School of Dentistry. 

Alumnus Chuck Kosowski, DDS, graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2004 and now works at Marquette’s Advanced Care Clinic and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Dental Clinic, specializing in serving Milwaukee residents who are at an economic disadvantage. 

Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)

Oregon State is an ideal option for students who want to learn more about dentistry but aren’t yet ready to commit to a pre-dental track. 

BHS 107 (Pre-Dental Orientation) is a one-credit Pass/Fail course that helps orient students to the dentistry field and dental school application process. Course participants also get access to guest speakers and field visits to dental offices and labs.

Students can join the Oregon State Pre-Dental Club to learn about opportunities to hear guest speakers, volunteer at local practices and community events, and attend pertinent dental school application meetings. 

Located in Portland, the Oregon Health and Science University is the singular dental school in Oregon. They require students to have at least 50 hours of dental shadowing and 25 hours with a general practice dentist – students find that the Corvallis dental community is very welcome toward OSU students. 

OSU shares that most of their students take out loans to pay for dental school and pay them back within a decade; students can also obtain military health professions scholarships through the U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force, as well as the National Health Services Corps.

UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)

On an annual basis, UCLA’s post-baccalaureate program offers two underrepresented and disadvantaged students a 1-year immersive experience that provides them with mentorship, clinical experience, volunteer opportunities, and research activities. 

The program is designed to help make them competitive applicants to the UCLA Dental School. According to the school, 75% of students who have participated in the program moved forward to attend dental school. 

All UCLA pre-dental students can attend the ‘Basic Dental Principles’ lecture series, which introduces undergraduates to pertinent topics and exercises in the dental field. UCLA also offers an 80-hour, 6-month clinical volunteer program and a research volunteer program for undergraduates interested in joining the dentistry field.

The ASDA pre-dental outreach committee collaborates closely with the UCLA Pre-Dental Student Outreach Program (PDSOP) to provide undergraduate mentorship to pre-dental students. They offer lab tutorials, job shadowing opportunities, presentations, and Q&A forums. 

The PDSOP meets regularly, helps inform students of what they need to be competitive applicants, and provides community outreach in the greater LA area. 

University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX)

UTA offers two unique programs for pre-dental students: first, the 6-week Texas A&M Collegiate Program for Dentistry, which provides students with opportunities to strengthen their skills prior to applying to dental schools. 

The second is the Summer Health Professions Education Program, a 6-week program for first-year and sophomore students to learn more about careers in the health professions. 

The Julia & Dale Martin Pre-Dental Scholarship is used for students enrolled in the UTA College of Science who intend to practice dentistry.

It is highly recommended that UTA students join a pre-health student organization on the UTA campus. 

The Pre-Dental Society is an online-run club that seeks to educate students about the dental field and dental school application process; they host guest speakers, tours of dental schools, social mixers, job shadowing programs, community service opportunities, and scholarship info sessions regularly. 

Pre-dental students will have two advisors: a main advisor (for their major) and a health professions adviser, who is dedicated to helping them become a competitive applicant. The UTA College of Science additionally allows students to sign up for a peer or alumni mentor. 

There are four dental schools in Texas: Texas A&M College of Dentistry, UT Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry, and Texas Tech El Paso – The Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine. 

With a recent acceptance rate of 88%, UTA is an ideal choice for students who desire access to a wide variety of resources within a university and many nearby dental school options to where they can enroll.

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)

MSU boasts that their pre-dental alumni have progressed to gain employment at dental schools, private practices, major healthcare employers, and epidemiology research labs. 

Pre-dental students work closely with Michigan State Pre-Health advisers, who help connect students to essential resources. 

The Michigan State Pre-Dental Club informs students of the dental school application process and aims to connect them with fellow students and local dental practitioners. They maintain an impressive club enrollment of almost 100 members per year!

Those hoping to matriculate to dental school in Michigan have two in-state options: the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan (located in Ann Arbor). Interested students can access the pre-dental curriculum guide for Michigan dental schools here.

The post The 10 Best Pre-Dental Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Prospective dental students might find the overall acceptance rates discouragingly low, with most accredited schools accepting fewer than 10% of applicants. 

But the following schools offer quality dental programs, and they have some of the highest acceptance rates in the country, according to data published by BEMO Academic Consulting about dental school acceptance rates.

Requirements for dental school can be even more specific than for general medical programs, in some cases. Most schools require the DAT, or Dental Admission Test, and many use the Associated American Dental School Application Service, or AADSAS, to pre-screen application.

Candidates can apply once they have three years of undergraduate work usually. Most schools have a list of required and preferred coursework, largely in the sciences.

Students wishing to practice standard dentistry will follow the curriculum for a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD). Each program offers one or the other of these degrees.

Prospective dental students should apply early because most programs have rolling admissions. Most dental programs, especially those on this list, favor in-state candidates, and some require a commitment to remain in the area to practice.

10. Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (Alton, IL)

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine offers a high level of faculty access due to a small student body, and its graduates have enjoyed a high first-time pass rate on National Board Dental Exams.

A BA or BS is recommended but not mandatory; three years of undergraduate work, including a list of required and recommended coursework, meet the academic requirements. Clinical experience and shadowing are also not required for admission, but those kinds of experiences will help an application stand out.

More than half of Southern Illinois’s graduates go straight into private practice. Tuition runs lower than the national average, and the cost of living in Alton remains low, allowing graduates to begin careers without heavy debt.

Students start their clinical training in a state-of-the-art simulation lab, then move on to work directly with a variety of patients in community service settings, including special needs populations, veterans, and children.

Located in the small town of Alton, on the Mississippi River above the mouth of the Missouri, the campus is only a 30-minute drive from St. Louis. Around 7.9% of applicants are admitted.

9. University of Alabama School of Dentistry (Birmingham, AL)

The University of Alabama’s School of Dentistry has a history going back to 1948, but the school stays at the forefront of technology and dental innovation.

In the 1960s, UAB Dental introduced dental hygienists to dental practice. These days, students can participate in auxiliary programs covering topics like craniofacial development, oral cancer, or biomaterial science.

The school hosts the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, a community of dental professionals sharing practice-based research insights.

Through partnerships around Alabama, UAB School of Dentistry provides dental care for underserved populations, giving dental students a chance to work with patients of all ages in all kinds of clinical circumstances.

Applicants should have at least three years of undergraduate study, including specific course requirements, mostly in science and math.

UAB offers dual programs combining an MBA or PhD with a DMD for students interested in clinical administration or in research. The acceptance rate for the dental program is 8.66%.

8. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (Minneapolis, MN)

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry educates almost 3/4 of Minnesota’s practicing dentists, offering a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a host of specialty programs like periodontology and maxillofacial surgery.

Clinical rotations take place within community outreach programs in locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Senior dental students can volunteer for two weeks each summer in the Indian Health Service/Tribal Outreach externships.

For candidates interested in learning if dental school is the right choice for them, Minnesota offers a weekend dental school prep course, where students use dental simulation tools, attend lectures, and explore career options.

Minnesota requires at least 87 undergraduate semester credits. Students should choose a broad range of coursework in which they can excel. Though the admissions department reports valuing the quality of undergraduate work over course selection, the program does have a list of prerequisites.

The acceptance rate for the dental program at Minnesota is 9.16%. Minnesota admissions advises students to gain real-world experience, take diverse coursework, and apply early for the best chance of admission.

7. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry (New Orleans, LA)

Louisiana State University’s School of Dentistry offers a DDS and programs in dental hygiene and dental lab technology. Students can also pursue fellowships in special needs dentistry and implants, or in specializations like pediatric dentistry and prosthodontics.

Located in metropolitan Baton Rouge, LSU is a large state school with an active campus. Cost of living is relatively low, and even for nonresidents, tuition and fees come to $63,839 per year. Residents pay $35,141 annually.

LSU’s overall acceptance rate is 9.28%, but Louisiana residents receive extra consideration. Of the 75 positions available in each incoming dentistry class, 56 are dedicated to Louisiana residents.

The two-part application process starts with submitting the basic information to the Associated American Dental School Application Service. Eligible applicants will receive materials to complete the second stage of supporting documents.

Candidates must complete a chalk carving exercise in order to demonstrate their manual dexterity. The admissions committee selects based on their complete evaluation of the candidate’s ability to succeed in the dental profession.

6. University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine (San Juan, PR)

The University of Puerto Rico offers a comprehensive four-year DMD degree through its School of Dentistry. Students acquire practical skills for running a dental practice, specialized training in pediatric and geriatric dentistry, and training in diagnosing orofacial diseases and abnormalities.

Requirements include a broad base of coursework in the sciences and humanities, including hours in Spanish and English. Tuition and fees for each of the first two years runs about $50k; years three and four are slightly less, for a four-year total cost of $180, 649.

The University of Puerto Rico’s School of Dental Medicine receives applications through the Advanced Dental Education Programs portal. The dental school’s acceptance rate is 10%. Preference is extended to residents of Puerto Rico.

Located in San Juan, UPR’s dental school is the only dental school in Puerto Rico. Though the school is accredited by the ADA, allowing graduates to practice in the mainland, the school’s administration is motivated to accept and train dentists who wish to practice in Puerto Rico.

5. Augusta University Dental College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)

The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University offers a four-year DMD degree designed to prepare students for licensing and practice. Dual degrees include a DMD/MBA and DMD/PhD in Oral Biology.

A public university, Augusta serves as Georgia’s health sciences college, with 150 study across several professional programs. Hands-on, practical training goes along with innovative research at this university with 150 years of health care education experience.

Augusta, the campus’s location, sits across the Savannah River from South Carolina, about two hours from Atlanta. The Dental College uses the AADSAS preliminary application; interviews are by invitation. Acceptance rate is 10%.

Students begin treating patients by their second year in the program, ranked 16^th for dentistry and oral sciences globally. For the last decade, 93% of graduates have passed their licensing exams on the first attempt.

Fifteen dental student organizations on campus give students a chance to network, socialize, and collaborate. Exchange programs take students to Italy, France, and China.

4. Ohio State University College of Dentistry (Columbus, OH)

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is the fourth largest in the country, an 11% acceptance rate, and a strong preference for Ohio natives.

They track first-generation students and students from the Appalachian region, supporting their mission to provide dental care for regional underserved populations.

Their DDS degree can be combined with a Master’s in Public Health or a research-oriented PhD. Applicants should use the AADSAS service, checking Ohio State’s prerequisites for eligibility.

Ohio State also requires that candidates have at least 40 hours of dental experience, though most successful applicants have around 120 hours with a diverse group of practitioners.

To help students from underserved populations without some of the necessary backgrounds to apply, Ohio State offers the one-year DentPath entry program. Students who complete DentPath automatically earn a spot in the DDS program.

The total cost of matriculation for Ohio residents is around $85k for the most expensive year of the four-year program; other years are a little less. Non-residents pay $43k-$56k more per year.

Located in Columbus, the capital of Ohio and its most populated city, the Ohio State campus has a metropolitan lifestyle and extensive student life activities.

3. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry (Kansas City, MO)

The University of Missouri offers an extensive university experience in the metropolitan area of Kansas City. The school is located within the major health care system known as Hospital Hill, a few miles north of UMKC’s main campus. The acceptance rate is 11.37%.

Students begin clinical work in the first year of the program, as UMKC views the hands-on experience as a critical training component. Collaborative problem-solving and team assignments are also part of the curriculum.

Eligible applicants will have completed 90 hours of undergraduate coursework, including a standard list of prerequisite courses. The program requires a minimum DAT of 16, though most accepted candidates score around 20.

UMKC strongly suggests candidates have at least 100 hours of dental clinical experience in five different settings, along with 100 hours of community service, also in 5 different settings.

Tuition and fees are a little over $18k for Missouri residents, not including living expenses. Out-of-state students pay an additional $18k, but opportunities exist for funding to cover the difference.

Missouri and Kansas residents are eligible for the school’s Reserved Admission Program, which offers early admission to dental school for college sophomores.

2. Eastern Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (Greenville, NC)

East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine is one of the newer programs on the list, started in 2011 to address the need for dental practitioners in rural areas of North Carolina.

The school’s central DMD program can be enhanced with additional years in advanced dental education or general practice residencies.

ECU uses the AADSAS application process, with typical requirements for eligibility. Candidates under consideration will be invited for an interview with the admissions committee.

While the main campus of the dental school is at ECU in the coastal city of Greenville, fourth-year clinical experience for students takes place in 8 service-learning clinics located in small towns from the beach to the mountains.

Recent awards from Apple and the ADEA make ECU Dental a promising choice for dental study. Acceptance rate is 13.75%; due to its mission, the school extends enrollment to North Carolina residents only.

1. University of Mississippi School of Dentistry (Oxford, MS)

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Dentistry jumps to a 31.81% acceptance rate, the highest acceptance rate for an accredited dental school in the U.S.

One reason for this rate is that the program is the only dental school of any kind in Mississippi, part of an enormous hospital system that generates 2% of the state’s annual economy. 

The UM dental program is dedicated to educating candidates from underserved communities and providing dental care to all citizens of Mississippi.

The school offers a DMD degree, along with four different specialized residency programs. UM offers a specific program in dental oncology. The estimated cost of attendance comes in around $70k per year.

Like most dental programs, UM requires no particular major, but does have prerequisite coursework. While the school does accept applications from out-of-state candidates, no non-residents of Mississippi have been accepted in recent years.

The post The 10 Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Nearly everyone in the U.S., no matter how much they know or care about science, can name Harvard and Johns Hopkins as the best medical schools in the country. 

But it’s not so easy for future dentists. 

Although dentists serve a vital role for society, by teaching us how to take care of our teeth and the relationship between our health and the foods we eat, they rarely get the glory given to their fellow healthcare professionals. 

Just because great dental schools aren’t famous doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Like their MD counterparts, dentists must spend years in school to develop their skills, and they must go through rigorous training and testing before they’re given the right to practice. 

Before you assume that going to a good dental school means jetting off to an expensive part of the country like New York or San Francisco, we’re here to tell you that the American Midwest has schools that stand up to any on the East or West Coasts. 

This list covers dental schools in the Midwest states, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Each of the schools covered here has great faculty, top-notch resources, and everything else a future dentist needs to enter the field. 

University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor, MI)

Most lists put the school within the top five in the entire world. 

What earns the U of M such high praise? In addition to the school’s accomplished faculty and history of successful alumni, the school’s most extraordinary claim to fame is its ambitious research agenda. 

Multiple research labs make their home at the University of Michigan, including the Bradley Lab. Within the lab, researchers and students work to understand the organization of taste receptor cells. 

Other labs within the school cover everything from image analysis for dental and craniofacial bionetworks to the factors responsible for craniofacial skeletal development. 

With all of these research opportunities available to them, students have the chance to work at the forefront of dental research. 

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (Iowa City, IA)

Not only is the University of Iowa College of Dentistry the only dental school in the state of Iowa, but it is also one of just two dental schools in the country to offer every one of the specialty training programs accredited by the American Dental Association. 

That commitment to excellence drives every aspect of the College, including its recent $65 million building renovations. 

With such resources in place, the school offers excellent opportunities to the 80 students currently in the program. 

Those resources include a fully-appointed simulation clinic, allowing students to develop their skills before working with real patients. 

At the end of their first year, students gain hands-on training in one of the many clinics hosted in the College’s Dental Science Building. These clinics serve over 165,000 patients annually, providing students with exposure to a wide range of situations. 

New techniques and responsibilities are added to the students each year, letting them build their skills as they continue their studies. 

Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indianapolis, IN)

Part of the Indiana University – Purdue University campus in Indianapolis, the School of Dentistry is the state’s only dental school. It was established in 1879, and in those nearly 150 years, the school has trained some of the best dentists in history. 

Alumnus Dr. Robert M. Ricketts was a pioneer in the field of orthodontics. He developed the Ricketts’ Cephalometric Analysis and a widely used orthodontic bracket. Dr. Ricketts also wrote over 30 books, relating his groundbreaking research. 

After graduating from the School in 1980, Dr. Elaine C. Wagner went on to become the first female pediatric dentist to earn a flag rank in the United States Navy, becoming Chief of the United States Navy Dental Corps. 

Throughout her three-decade career, Dr. Wagner earned awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. 

As these impressive graduates demonstrate, the Indiana University School of Dentistry has an exemplary track record of training exceptional dentists. 

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (Omaha, NE)

In addition to learning about the fundamentals of the dental trade, students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry also learn about the importance of caring for the community. They learn this lesson by participating in one of the College’s many outreach programs. 

One such program is the school’s SHARING Clinic (Student Health Alliance Reaching Indigent Needy Groups). 

In these clinics, students gain hands-on experience with serving patients from diverse cultures while improving the dental health of those who need it most. The Lincoln clinic alone provided approximately $25,000 in free dental care. 

Students also participate in the school’s annual Children’s Dental Day. Working alongside staff and faculty, students diagnose issues and perform cleanings to underserved children throughout the state. 

Since the program was founded in 2001, the School has provided over $3 million in free dental care to more than 6000 children. 

Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine (Downers Grove, IL)

There are many ways to judge the quality of a dental program, including the quality of alumni and the breadth of their research. But for your average dental student, it all comes down to one question: will this program help me get a job?

With a 100% graduation rate and a 99% national board pass rate, the College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University answers that question with a resounding “yes!” The college puts a priority on the practical skills students develop to take into their future careers. 

To that end, the school has launched programs such as the BRIDGES program. The newly launched initiative helps students enter the school to begin a career in dental medicine. 

The program actively recruits from members of underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged populations, to provide the support they need to practice dentistry. 

A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (Kirksville, MO)

Every school on this list has its outreach programs to improve its local communities. But at the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health at A.T. Still University, serving the community is an immediate need. 

Because Missouri is currently experiencing a severe shortage of dentists, MSDOH strives to place its graduates throughout the state. Students take into these areas knowledge gained through a first-class education, which puts them among the most talented dental healthcare professionals in the nation. 

However, MSDOH isn’t just about practical concerns. Instead, the school emphasizes student research, giving them ample opportunities to advance their knowledge through experimentation. Projects include taking advantage of 3D printing technologies, understanding artery calcifications, and more. 

As this focus demonstrates, MSDOH provides the state not just with much-needed dentists, but some of the country’s most innovative professionals. 

Marquette University School of Dentistry (Milwaukee, WI)

The state of Wisconsin offers its residents only one dental school and clinic. But what a clinic it is! State-of-the-art resources are housed in the 120,000 square foot facility, including medical mannequins and high-tech equipment. 

These technologies give students the opportunity to practice their skills before working with real patients. 

The facility demonstrates Marquette’s devotion to innovative work. Since it was founded in 1894, Marquette’s School of Dentistry has remained committed to providing students with access to the latest technology and tools, ensuring that they graduate with hands-on experience with the materials that they’ll need to succeed. 

All of these aspects serve the school’s focus on evidence-based research. Working alongside their faculty mentors, students take advantage of Marquette’s resources to advance their own interests, innovating in the subject while gaining knowledge. 

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry (Chicago, IL)

Founded in 1891, the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago has a long history of excellence in the dental field. 

That history reaches back to the 1930s and 40s, when the College was at the center of marked advancements in the subject, thanks to the work of the Vienna Group of researchers and faculty members. 

Today, UICCD continues that proud tradition with the latest in dental innovations. 

The school houses the Center for Wound Healing & Tissue Regeneration, which brings together both scientists and clinicians to study issues related to injuries and healing. 

The Center encourages collaborative research with the goal of developing new therapies, which will have an immediate impact on dental health. 

Likewise, the Multidisciplinary Oral Science Training (MOST) Program supports students from a number of fields as they explore new directions in dental sciences. 

Taking advantage of all of the resources offered by the University of Illinois at Chicago, the program gives students access to a diverse patient population and the latest in research techniques.  

Creighton University School of Dentistry (Omaha, NE)

For most of the schools on this list, students gain advanced experience working as residents in specialty programs. But the Creighton University School of Dentistry tries a different approach, teaming students with faculty observers to perform advanced procedures within the school. 

This desire to keep things within the school is continued in its research program. Thanks to funding from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, Creighton enjoys approximately $1.5 million in research monies. 

But the real draw for Creighton’s upcoming academic year is its new dental building. The $84 million project equips the school with everything that it needs to train the finest dental experts, including a 7,250-square-foot pediatric clinic and multiple preclinical labs. 

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (Cleveland, OH) 

The School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve has an extremely competitive 2.9% acceptance rate. 

With such an exclusive rate, Case Western can afford to limit itself to the best of the best. Those who get in will be following in the footsteps of some outstanding alumni, including dentistry innovators Holly Broadbent Sr. and Jr. 

Students in the school get the opportunity to work in highly respected programs such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Since its founding over 30 years ago, the program can be completed in five years, as opposed to six years at other schools.  

Students at Case Western can also participate in cutting-edge research projects. In the past few years, the school has received millions in funding to create oral cancer detection devices and to study severe oral diseases such as HIV and cancer.

The post Discover 10 Amazing Dental Schools in the Midwest appeared first on collegegazette.com.

More than 201,000 dentists worked in the United States in 2020, the American Dental Association (ADA) reported, and that number is expected to increase by 8% between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Utah has noticed that change recently, too. The number of licensed dentists providing services in Utah increased by nearly 12% from 2012 to 2017, according to a state study.

Becoming a dentist requires four years of graduate training that includes a mix of classroom study and clinical work. 

Students gain hands-on experience at a variety of dental facilities, where they learn to care for patients of all ages and backgrounds while pursuing their doctorate of dental medicine (DMD), noted the American Dental Education Association.

Enduring the long hours of study and practice that come with dental school may prove worth it in the end, though. In 2020, dentists working in private practice had an average net income of $170,160. 

Dentist salaries in Utah come close to that national average, ranging from about $141,000 to nearly $188,000, according to Salary.com. 

Dentists also have lots of options for their practice beyond general dentistry. The ADA also recognizes 12 specialties dentists can choose, such as endodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics. 

And dental specialists earned even more than those working in private practice in 2020; specialists’ average net income topped $323,000.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the two Utah universities offering dental programs, from their courses to their student life and everything in between, as well as how to get accepted.

Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (South Jordan, UT)

The dental program at Roseman University of Health Sciences is one of the newer ones in the nation, having been founded in 2007 at the school’s Nevada campus and moving to its South Jordan one in 2011. 

Located in the suburbs of Salt Lake City, the state capital, Roseman teaches undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in health care. While it offers a DMD program, the university also has opportunities for more advanced dental study. 

This includes the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program and an orthodontics residency as well as continuing education programs for professionals looking for additional training.

Students in the DMD program encounter five “themes,” or areas of study, ranging from biology basics to clinical skills to patient assessment. 

Roseman also takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, meaning students and faculty from the dental department can team up with their peers in departments like nursing and pharmacy for research projects.

In their fourth and final year of study at Roseman, students put all they’ve learned into practice at the oral health clinics in the community as well as the Roseman CODM Primary Care Clinic, where un- and under-insured people can get some much-needed care. 

Faculty members who have dental licenses in Utah oversee the students during this time. This well-rounded approach to education ensures graduates leave the school with knowledge of not just how to care for a patient, but also how to manage a dental practice ethically and successfully.

Students can impact the local community beyond the clinic, too. Each year, the university holds events that involve dental care, such as “Give Kids A Smile” and “Back to School Brush-Up,” and students also are active in helping area nonprofits and other causes. 

The community returns that support, too, participating in an annual golf tournament that raises money for scholarships at the university. And when they’re ready to relax after a long day of study, students can literally grab a breath of fresh air while enjoying some of the natural amenities near campus, such as skiing and hiking.

These future dentists can also add another layer to their education and even have some fun while doing it by joining some of the 10 student organizations in the dental college. The variety of groups reflect the diversity of campus, with opportunities to join groups such as the Academy of Latter-day Saint Dentists, the Hispanic Dental Association, and Tau Sigma Military Dental Club. 

Roseman has chapters of national organizations, too, including the American Dental Education Association and the American Student Dental Association.

University of Utah School of Dentistry (Salt Lake City, UT)

Utah’s other dental school also is located in the Salt Lake City area, this time right in the heart of the capital.

The university’s doctoral dentistry program is on the newer side, as it welcomed its inaugural class in August 2013. 

But the university’s history of dental education goes back to the early 1980s, when it began offering a cooperative dental education program through a partnership with other universities, a program it retired when the new School of Dentistry was accredited in 2012.

While the University of Utah does not offer a DMD program, it does have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

 But prospective students shouldn’t worry, because DMD and DDS degrees actually are the same, despite the difference in their names, with graduates of both programs getting identical educations, according to the American Dental Association.

University of Utah students finish most of their requirements for graduation in three years, with the fourth and final year dedicated to clinical training. 

These future dentists learn their craft in what the school’s dean described as a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, the Ray and Tye Noorda Oral Health Sciences Building. This facility is home to the school’s main dental clinic, which has 80 patient chairs. 

The dentistry program falls under University of Utah Health, which covers not just that state but also several surrounding ones. Licensed dentists and faculty members of the dental college supervise dental school students during their hands-on clinical training, where they provide services such as teeth cleanings and fillings on actual patients. 

In return, patients get discounted care, a plus for those who have to pay out of pocket or who don’t dental insurance.

Dentistry students also have opportunities to participate in research projects, as the university encourages interdisciplinary research.

It hosts two research labs, one of which zeroes in on dental materials, among other areas. Past students have even shared their research results at national and international conferences.

Utah residents are also at a significant advantage when it comes to paying for the DDS program. For the 2019-20 school year, in-state tuition and fees came to just over $50,000 compared to more than $86,000 for out-of-state students.

Beyond the DDS degree, the dental school offers continuing education courses and a General Practice Residency (GPR) program. In addition to the dental clinic in Salt Lake City, the university has training clinics for GPR program participants in two other Utah towns, Midvale and Montezuma Creek.

How to Get Accepted into Dental Schools in Utah 

Admission requirements are relatively similar at both Utah universities.

The University of Utah and Roseman University both accept applications using a centralized program, the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service. This service makes applying easier for candidates who are applying to multiple schools since they only have to submit one application. 

The application includes students’ undergraduate transcripts along with standardized test scores and a personal statement.

In order to ensure prospective students understand what a career in dentistry would involve, some universities require them to do job shadowing prior to applying. University of Utah applicants must complete 80 hours of shadowing experience.

Anyone wishing to pursue a doctorate from a dental school must first take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which they can do at specific test centers throughout the year. 

Roseman requires applicants to score at least 17 on four areas, including total science and reading comprehension.

Roseman looks at an applicant’s entire educational background, including undergraduate and certificate programs, when deciding about admissions. It also requires its dental students to come armed with academic knowledge in the sciences; they must have completed 13 courses in areas such as biochemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. Interested students also must take two communications-related classes before they can be admitted. Candidates need to have earned a GPA of at least 3.0 in science courses, too.

Roseman applicants also will need to collect two “letters of evaluation” from a health professions advisory committee at their undergraduate schools, if the school has one. If not, students will need three letters, two of which must come from science instructors.

The University of Utah looks at applicants’ GPAs, DAT scores, and grades in science classes, but it also considers their whole person. 

It takes into account how committed they are to the university’s values and mission as well as the dental profession and the idea of inclusion.

The university even takes this a step further, requiring applicants to take CASPer, a “situational judgment test” that looks at applicants’ people skills.

After the applications window closes, Roseman invites select candidates to interview, a process that takes several months. The University of Utah’s applicant interviews also are by invitation only and start each fall.

Some admission requirements remain in flux because of COVID-19, which has affected some applicants’ abilities to take the DAT or job shadow, so interested students will want to keep checking with each school to find the latest requirements.

The post Dental Schools in Utah – List, How to Get Accepted, and More appeared first on collegegazette.com.

More than 139,000 people worked as dentists in the United States in 2020, earning a median pay of over $164,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In that same year, 5,040 people in the U.S. worked as orthodontists, earning a mean annual wage of nearly $238,000.

And the field is expected to grow, too. The bureau estimates that the country will add more than 11,000 dentists between 2020 and 2030, an 8% increase. 

Georgia has seen its number of dentists grow, too, adding 450 more dentists from 2017 to 2019, according to a 2020 report by Georgia’s Board of Health Care Workforce. That’s a positive step for the state, which needs more dentists since 21 of its 159 counties had none.

Students who want to stay in Georgia for their studies have a few options for learning the basics that will prepare them for a career in dentistry and one long-running program for advanced dental study.

Here we’ll break down options for dental education in Georgia, how to get accepted into the programs, and much more.

Augusta University Dental College of Georgia (Augusta, GA)

For more than 50 years, the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University has educated thousands of future dentists. 

Originally known as the College of Dental Me­di­cine at Augusta University, the school was renamed the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (DCG) in 2015. It is actually the only dental school in the state, and it has grown and thrived since welcoming its first dental doctoral students in 1969.

Within the last decade, the college began using state-of-the-art facilities, including a 269,000-square-foot Silver LEED-certified clinical building that reflects the university’s focus on environmentalism. At the J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons, which opened in 2015, students learn in classrooms and a simulation laboratory. It also offers a cafe and student lounge, making it a true hub of the campus.

DCG even has an art gallery, Transcendental: Works of Impression, where students and visitors can check over 175 pieces of art that dentists and college alumni from around Georgia donated. Artwork ranges from paintings and glasswork to metal sculptures and photography.

The college isn’t just a center for students, either. Each year, almost 50,000 patients come to the college for treatment at the hands of faculty members, residents, and students, who get valuable hands-on experience. The clinical building has more than 300 dental chairs to treat children and adults, as well as simulation and practice labs for students.

Augusta has several dental degree programs, including the Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) and a combined DMD/Master of Business Administration program. The college also offers another combined program (the Doctorate in Philosophy with a major in oral biology and maxillofacial pathology) as well as continuing education courses. 

Students in the DMD program take courses over 11 semesters spread across four calendar years. In addition to their classwork and hands-on training, students also can conduct faculty-supervised research projects. Those in the DMD/MBA program also take courses through the university’s Hull College of Business.

Dental students can carry on traditions, too, at the college, which has several. They include the white coat ceremony, during which rising second-year students get the white garment that symbolizes their role in as dentists. 

Students also can enjoy some less serious traditions, including the winter talent show and Family Day, when first-year students’ loved ones can visit campus during their first semester and see all the college has to offer.

Once they complete their degree, DMD alumni will be ready to sit for any of the United States’ dental licensing board examinations.

How to Get Accepted to Augusta University for Dentistry 

DCG considers a wide range of factors when evaluating applicants, including academic elements such as undergraduate GPA and test scores. But it also wants to get to know its candidates on a more personal level and also considers details such as community involvement, research, and unusual experiences.

While the college doesn’t emphasize what candidates studied as undergraduates, it does note that applicants should do well in whatever they studied, especially in their science classes. Additionally, all prospective students must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Previously admitted students at DCG have averaged a 20 on the academic part and a 21 on the PAT part of the DAT.

Other than test scores, applicants must submit letters of recommendation. Prospective students have different options here, as the university accepts letters from a combination of sources, including academic advisers and dentists the applicant shadowed. 

DCG does not require its candidates to shadow any dentists at work before applying, but it does recommend that they do (and the admission committee looks favorably on such experience).

The college also conducts interviews with applicants by invitation only to get a better feel for their personalities, interests, and potential as dentists. Those chosen for this step then interview one-on-one with two members of the college’s admissions committee.

Students who live outside Georgia may be at a bit of a disadvantage when applying, however, because DCG is state-funded. The college only accepts up to 10% of the applications it receives from out-of-state and international candidates. 

Applicants are considered Georgia residents if they’ve lived in the state for at least one year before entering the college.

Pre-Dentistry Schools in Georgia

The following schools offer pre-dentistry programs in Georgia.

Andrew College (Cuthbert, GA)

This small college in rural western Georgia sets up students for a potential career in dentistry through its Associate of Science degree in health science. Students get exposed to a wide range of career options in the health care field before focusing on the area that appeals to them. These potential careers can include pre-dentistry as well as dental hygiene.

Students can expect an intimate experience at Andrew, which has a total enrollment just shy of 300 students and a student-faculty ratio of 9-to-1. 

Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, this private college was founded in 1854 and today offers mostly associate degrees with some certificates also available. Health professions are one of the college’s most popular degree programs. Niche gave Andrew College ratings of B+ for diversity and safety and B- for academics.

Prospective students need to submit their high school transcripts and should have a high school GPA of at least 2.0, earned through classes on a college preparatory track. The college does not require applicants to include SAT or the ACT scores. 

However, students can include them since the college can then use them to help them place students in the proper math and English courses. Admission requirements differ slightly for homeschooled students, who will need to submit additional paperwork.

Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA)

Pre-dentistry is one of five concentrations students at this university in south-central Georgia can choose from while earning a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Valdosta State University’s biology program aims to set up students for biology-related careers or to move on to graduate school. 

The pre-dentistry track prepares students to take the DAT with the goal of entering dental school and one day becoming a dentist or orthodontist. The department goes one step further, too, advising students about job shadowing and helping them with their dental school applications and recommendation letters. Students also can meet up with their peers through the pre-dentistry student club.

The university is on the larger side, with a total undergraduate enrollment of more than 10,000. It is not among the more selective schools, either, with an acceptance rate of 58%.

Anyone interested in attending Valdosta needs to have earned a minimum score of 480 on the evidence-based reading and writing section of the SAT and a 440 on the math section. 

If they take the ACT, prospective students need a math subscore of at least 17 and an English or reading subscore of at least 17. 
When deciding admission, the university also uses a special formula that takes into account a student’s high school GPA from required courses as well as their ACT or SAT scores.

The post Dental Schools in Georgia – List, How to Get Accepted, and More appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Although they may not be as famous as their MD counterparts, there’s no denying that orthodontists are important to our everyday life. Not only do they help give us shiny smiles and clean teeth, but they also help us make better diet choices and even diagnose serious problems, including forms of cancer. 

Like every other medical professional, dentists must undergo rigorous educational training. Combining academic excellence and practical expertise, all dentists must have knowledge and skill to succeed in their careers. 

That’s particularly true for orthodontists, who specialize in addressing problems in patient’s teeth and jaws. Because the field is always changing as we learn more about the human body, orthodontists need to continue building on their existing knowledge. 

For that reason, future orthodontists must be diligent when choosing the school where they’ll learn their trade. And because great dentistry schools don’t get as much public attention, it can be hard to pick. 

Today, we discuss the 10 best orthodontist schools in the US, according to universities.com. 

Using this list, you’ll be able to make the right decision for your education and your career, finding the right school to give you the training and experience you need to help us care for our teeth.  

10. Marquette University School of Dentistry (Milwaukee, WI)

At the Marquette University School of Dentistry, future orthodontists learn their trade-in Wisconsin’s only dental school and clinic. 

The 120,000 square foot facility is filled with advanced clinical resources, including state-of-the-art technologies. The facility not only gives students a chance to practice on medical mannequins and with high-tech equipment but to also work with real patients, under the eyes of their mentors. 

The facility is just one example of the school’s commitment to keeping pace with the latest trends, a quality that has defined the School of Dentistry since its founding in 1894. 

Knowing that orthodontists need to enter the field familiar with new equipment, the school ensures that their students have expertise in all the tools of the trade. 

But the Marquette School of Dentistry knows that their field is not all technology. To that end, the school remains committed to teaching based on evidence-based research. It’s students not only learn, but participate in, the evolving body of dental knowledge, confident that they have a full understanding of their craft. 

9. Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education (St. Louis, MO) 

Where every school on this list trains students in impressive facilities, the Center for Advanced Dental Education at Saint Louis University has four state-of-the-art treatment clinics. For those going into orthodontics, these clinics mean that students do not need to share with periodontic or pediatric dentistry students. They have a space all to their own. 

However, that does not mean that Saint Louis University trains its practitioners in a vacuum. Rather, the school emphasizes collaboration between departments, so their students can take a holistic approach to dental care. Looking at the entire human body, students learn how to become caring orthodontists, as caring as they are intelligent. 

This focus on the whole person is an extension of Saint Louis University’s Catholic heritage in the Jesuit tradition. Following their religious values, the school prepares students to solve problems and increase the health and happiness of all people. 

8.  University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry (Chicago, IL)

The University of Illinois at Chicago is renowned as one of the nation’s best research institutions, and the College of Dentistry continues that proud tradition. Founded in 1891, the College of Dentistry offers several degrees, including six advanced education and residency certificate programs. 

Like its parent school, the UIC College of Dentistry puts research at the forefront. In addition to treatment centers of every specialty, including oral biology and orthodontics, the College houses the Center for Wound Healing and the Brodie Lab for Craniofacial Genetics.

Of equal importance is the school’s community oral health outreach service. In addition to giving students the opportunity to practice their skills on real patients, the service provides over $1 million in free care to underserved people in the community. Members of the program apply their trade-in health fairs, elementary schools, churches, and other community events. 

7. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (Cleveland, OH)

For decades, the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (CSDM) has been a leader in the field of dentistry. Its graduates include the father and son team Holly Broadbent Sr. and Jr., forerunners of dental surgery, and the current graduate director at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Hom-Lay Wang.

Even today, the school is committed to advancing the study of dentistry. A recent project to study links between HIV and cancer won a $3.7 million grant. Another important study has led to the construction of a device to instantly detect oral cancer. 

Unsurprisingly, CSDM is a tough school to enter. The school has a highly exclusive 2.9% acceptance rate. For the best chance to make it in, applicants need several years of experience and strong letters of recommendation. 

6. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

“The place where beautiful smiles are created!” With such a cheery slogan, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the University of Washington isn’t a serious school. But make no mistake, the school’s Department of Orthodontics trains some of the best academics and clinicians in the nation and remains on the cutting edge of research. 

Washington’s highly selective graduate program admits only five students each year. Those students participate in an intensive 33-month program, during which they earn a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry. Focusing on evidence-based research, the program gives students the knowledge and technical expertise needed to be an outstanding orthodontist. 

Those lucky few who enter the program benefit from the knowledge and experience of a first-rate faculty, ready to share the wisdom they’ve gained in the clinic. Masters of their profession, U Washington’s faculty serve as mentors and guides for the orthodontists of tomorrow. 

5. Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

As one of Texas A&M University’s six clinical departments in the College of Dentistry, the Orthodontics Department can trace its roots back to 1905, when orthodontics was a regular part of the school’s undergraduate curriculum. 

Since then, the subject has become the focus of the entire department, allowing the school to explore every corner of the profession. It’s all part of the school’s objective to provide a balanced educational experience, with a foundation in science and a focus on clinical practice. 

The department balances that clinical approach with a commitment to research, as demonstrated by its primary coordinating base, the Clinical Research Center in Orthodontics. 

In addition to a clinical treatment facility and a functional analysis laboratory, the Clinical Research Center also features a data processing laboratory and facilities dedicated to cephalometric tracing and scanning. 

Students and faculty diagnose and treat patients with orthopedic problems, working together with a network of clinicians and scientists to advance research in the field. 

4. Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine (Stony Brook, NY)

While all of the schools on this list train students in special aspects of orthodontics, the School of Dental Medicine at New York’s Stony Brook University takes a wide approach, ensuring that future practitioners receive a well-rounded education. 

That diverse approach begins in the second year of the program, in which future orthodontists learn the fundamentals of oral health for children. Covering both preventative care and restorative care, students gain knowledge of techniques for helping our youngest citizens care for their teeth and gums. 

Those looking for highly specialized knowledge can participate in the school’s advanced education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The highly intensive three-year, full-time program not only prepares students to pass the certification exam from the American Board of Orthodontics, but it also gives them unique, hands-on experience. Emphasizing diagnostic procedures and treatment plans, students learn how to apply clinical methods to help patients meet their treatment objectives. 

3. University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor, MI)

Established in 1875, the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan is one of the oldest and most respected schools in the nation. As the second university in the world to offer dental education, after only Harvard University, the U of Michigan has a long history of excellence in the field. 

The school commemorates that history in the Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry, which features more than 15,000 items. With artifacts dating all the way to the 18^th century, Sindecuse shows orthodontists of the future the technologies that defined their field. 

Today, orthodontists study a unique and flexible curriculum, which emphasizes student’s individual interests and abilities. 

During their third year, orthodontics students can pick an area of interest, such as clinical practice, teaching, or research. No matter which track they choose, students are supported by a faculty of dedicated professionals, who continue to make U of Michigan a leader in the field.

2. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)

As the only Ivy League institution on this list, it’s no surprise that the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine sits near the top. Part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Penn Dental enjoys first-class resources and a dedicated research team – everything future orthodontists need to become experts. 

At the center of the school is the Robert Schattner Center. At the center, students can find a surgery center, which covers everything from oral surgery to maxillofacial surgery, as well as an emergency clinic and faculty practice. In these areas, students gain hands-on experience working with faculty members and performing some of the most difficult parts of their craft. 

For those more interested in research, Penn Dental has the Levy Center for Oral Health Research. The Center houses the school’s basic science faculty, as well as everything necessary for research. With a library and connections to a large network of professionals, the Levy Center ensures that students can continue working toward the future. 

1. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Rochester, NY)

Coming in at number one on our list is the School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester, an institution renowned for its excellent residency program and advanced dental education. The School regularly receives accolades from observers such as U.S. News & World Report, often falling within the top 35 of all graduate schools in the United States. 

For future orthodontists, the University of Rochester offers an orthodontics residency program through the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. 

Through this program, students gain clinical expertise in orthodontics, with an emphasis on the ability to diagnose complex problems and apply expertise to fix them. With a strong background in biology and basic sciences, students learn how to not only engage with but also critically evaluate current research, often adding to it themselves. 

With courses covering everything from theory to sciences to application, the University of Rochester gives orthodontists everything they need to succeed.

The post The 10 Best Orthodontist Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

But you don’t have to come to the U.S. to get a great medical and dental education. There are programs all around the world, who not only give their students everything they need to become excellent practitioners, but also the skills to care for their communities. 

It should come as no surprise that Canada has several excellent dental schools. These programs take seriously their mission to train future dentists and their commitment to the community. 

To help those who want to do their dental training in Canada, we’ve prepared this list of the ten best schools. 

Each of these schools feature everything you’d expect from a first-rate program, including state-of-the-art resources, skilled and experienced teachers, and clinical partnerships with local hospitals. 

With that in mind, how do they distinguish themselves from one another? 

Following the U.S. News & World Report rankings for the schools’ parent universities, we have added additional information about alumni, important programs, and research agendas. 

With this list, future dentists of Canada can make their schooling choices with confidence. 

10. University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry (Saskatoon, SK)

Since 1965, the College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan has been educating dentists and researchers in western Canada. The province’s first fully accredited dental program, the College of Dentistry is devoted to improving the quality of dentistry and serving the community. 

The school’s commitment to the community can be seen in its building location in Saskatoon, on Treaty Six territory on the traditional homeland of the Métis. The building houses the Student Dental Clinic. In addition to giving students hands-on training, the dental clinic serves over 10,000 clients each year. 

9. University of Manitoba Niznick College of Dentistry (Winnipeg, MB)

At the University of Manitoba, the Niznick College of Dentistry emphasizes oral health promotion, disease prevention, and therapeutic means. To that end, the school is devoted to advancing research in dentistry. 

Dentists in the Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group works with other experts to study the human chemical senses. By interacting with these other experts, dental researchers find new avenues of oral care. 

At the International Centre for Oral-Systemic Health (ICOSH), scientists approach gum disease and tooth decay as symptoms of more significant problems. Designed to address a knowledge gap in dental science, the ICOSH is an academic center that provides significant training in tools for professionals from every healthcare field. 

With these excellent resources, the Niznick College of Dentistry is pushing the field further into the 21^st century and improving health for all of Canada. 

8. Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire (Quebec City, QC)

As a first-class graduate institution, Quebec’s Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire works to integrate progressive research into the teaching and training of doctoral students. 

Since the school’s establishment in 1971, it has expanded to offer a doctorate program in the general practice of dentistry, as well as graduate programs in multidisciplinary dentistry, oral and maxillary surgery. facial, gerodontology, and periodontics. 

The school’s major research initiatives advance these goals. Since 1989, the Oral Ecology Research Group has studied oral microbiology-immunology and the control of infection and industrial fermentation. 

The Center of Excellence for Oral Health and Aging studies oral care among seniors, researching the relationship between aging and oral health. 

These initiatives provide the basis for the school’s curriculum, allowing students to participate in the programs while learning their trade. 

7. Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry (Halifax, NS)

Among the oldest universities in Canada, the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry boasts direct interaction between students and teachers. With small class sizes, faculty can devote more time and attention to their students, ensuring their comprehension of core ideas. 

Students gain this training in Dalhousie’s first-class dental clinics. At the undergraduate clinic, students practice on state-of-the-art phantom/mannequin heads in student dental chairs. Through these programs, students learn several treatments, such as root canals, crowns, fillings, and more. 

For more focused training, students can work in one of the school’s specialty clinics. The university operates three outreach clinics, including two in public elementary schools. At these clinics, students gain hands-on experience while caring for underprivileged communities.

 At the school’s emergency clinic, residents treat medically compromised patients and those in need of immediate care. 

Working under the supervision of senior faculty, students in these clinics gain real-world experience to prepare them for their own practice. 

6. Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (London, ON)

Established in 1964 and merged with the medical school in 1997, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University takes a patient-centered approach. 

With small class sizes, students work closely with faculty members to immediately apply the concepts that they learn in lecture and theory courses. 

Schulich Dentistry gives future dentists multiple opportunities to apply their trade, but two of the most important are the Dental Outreach Community Services (DOCS) and Oral Health Total Health (OHTH) programs.

Through DOCS, community members without dental coverage receive treatment. Since 2012, DOCS has been integrated into the dental curriculum, requiring all students to spend time working in the program.

The Oral Health, Total Health is an entirely student-run outreach program. Students do all of the fundraising for the program and provide oral hygiene instruction to patients with special needs.

5. Université de Montréal Faculty of Dental Medicine (Montreal, QC)

In addition to improving the oral health of Quebec’s population, the Dental Clinic of Université de Montréal emphasizes the training of future dentists. 

To this end, Montréal Dental provides multiple opportunities for students to gain hands-on training. 

That hands-on training begins in a student’s first year of study, during which students work on practice mannequins in a preclinical simulation laboratory. Preclinical simulation laboratory work emphasizes providing excellent care under time restraints, keeping in mind the effects of anesthesia. 

According to the university, the preclinical laboratory forces students to learn how to operate in a distracting environment. Exposing future dentists to the loud noises of instruments and the odors of chemicals, the lab gives them a look at real-world working conditions. 

Advanced students work with actual patients in the Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry, which serves more than 40,000 each year. 

With these resources in place, future dentists are sufficiently prepared to go into the profession. 

4. University of Alberta School of Dentistry (Edmonton, AB)

For over 100 years, the School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta has been leading the way in dental excellence and research. 

The school’s success can be measured by the work done by its students and alumni. 2021 graduates Reid Boulet and Walter Junikiewicz established Access for All, a non-profit program to provide dental care to secluded populations in Northern Alberta. 

DDS student Tasha Hou was one of 10 winners of the 2021 3M National Student Fellowship Award. The award recognizes student leaders who see and address needs in higher education. 

As these examples demonstrate, Alberta Dentistry not only gives future dentists the knowledge and skills they need, but also instills in them a sense of responsibility. These professionals take their training into the world to improve the oral health of others. 

3. McGill University Faculty of Dentistry (Montreal, QC)

As one of the world’s most impressive universities, it’s no surprise that McGill University’s Faculty of Dentistry nears the top of this list. Since its founding in 1904, McGill Dentistry works closely with some of the best hospitals in the province, including Montreal General Hospital, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal Children’s Hospital, and McGill University Faculty of Medicine.

Thanks to its reputation and excellent work, McGill Dentistry is extremely competitive. In 2018, the school had an acceptance rate of 4.6%, accepting only 37-38 students each year. Those who do make it in have excellent credentials, including an average GPA of 3.90. 

Despite the difficulties of joining the program, McGill Dentistry gives future dentists remarkable opportunities. Students get to learn under groundbreaking teachers such as Dr. Jocelyn Feine. Thanks to her pioneering work on dental implants, Dr. Feine has become a senior fellow in the International Team of Implantology. 

2. University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry (Vancouver, BC)

The University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry offers several undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as postgraduate programs.

But one of the most compelling elements is the school’s continuing education program. Since the early 1970s, the Division of Continuing Dental Education has been helping dental professionals remain up-to-date on the latest movements and technologies. With online offerings, study groups, and advanced modules to serve professionals. 

The school also boasts an excellent and accomplished faculty. Faculty member Dr. Riki Gottlieb recently became a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. Her appointment reflects her success in dentistry and academics. 

In other breakthroughs, Dr. Chris Overall joined a research team to map the human proteome. Dr. Overall’s work helps future dentists understand the nature of human life, information that will prepare them to better care for oral health. 

1. University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry (Toronto, ON)

Coming in at the top spot is the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Toronto. That shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, given that the school is the largest dental school in Canada and one of the country’s oldest. 

Located among the hospitals and research institutes of Downtown Toronto’s Discovery District, Toronto Dentistry offers internationally recognized Doctor of Dental Surgery and International Dentist Advanced Placement Program degrees. In addition, the school has several notable degrees, including a program in Dental Public Health. 

Advanced students receive practical training in one of the 13 yearly residencies in some of the best teaching hospitals in the city, such as the Hospital for Sick Children, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Mount Sinai Hospital.

In addition, Toronto Dentistry is a leader in dental research. The Collaborative Advanced Microscopy Laboratories of Dentistry provides advanced technology to help study the human body. The Faculty of Dentistry is also a key collaborator in establishing the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, a world leader in the field of biomedical engineering.

The post The 10 Best Dental Schools in Canada appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Dentists serve an equally important role in society, as caring for our teeth often includes drawing attention to the food we consume and potentially terminal diseases that can form in our mouths. Accordingly, those who want to study dentistry must spend years in school, in programs as rigorous as those experienced by their MD counterparts. 

Like its fellow medical fields, dentistry is a highly lucrative career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dentistry will only grow over the next few years, raising their already impressive $164,010 annual salary. With such an incredible career ahead of them, future dentists should be diligent in preparing to study their trade.  

As we’ve discussed here at College Gazette, there are plenty of great dental schools available. While they all have their individual standards, there are some fundamental requirements from nearly every program. If you know these requirements, you can start preparing yourself now and give yourself the best chances of acceptance. 

Because of their importance in society, dental schools have extremely high standards. To get into the best school, you’ll need to have solid standardized test scores, a high GPA, a convincing personal statement essay, and more. 

It will require years of hard work and dedication to acquire these things, but it’s not impossible. 

This overview will give you direction, which will not only help you plan your education, but also provide hints for crafting a strong application, even if some aspects don’t meet the normal standards. 

As you work on your applications, keep this overview nearby to help your process. Keep these points in mind and you’ll have the best possible chance to enter the school of your choice. 

Think of this as the next necessary step on your journey to becoming a dentist!

DAT (Dental Admission Test) Requirements

Nearly every dental program requires applicants to submit their scores on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). 

The DAT is a computer-based, multiple-choice standardized exam that measures a potential student’s aptitude for the profession. Tests can be taken on any day of the year, but they are administered only at Prometric testing centers. 

Before taking the test, students must submit a preliminary application to the American Dental Association and pay a non-refundable $475 fee. Students are allowed to take the DAT up to three times. After that, they must apply for special permission for a fourth try.  

The DAT consists of four sections. 

In the first, students have 90 minutes to answer questions about the natural sciences. 

The second section takes 60 minutes to assess the test taker’s perceptual ability. 

The next 60-minute section features reading comprehension abilities. 

In the final 45-minute section, students answer math questions to demonstrate their quantitative reasoning skills. 

In the perceptual ability section, students address six different problem sets, related to three-dimensional manipulation and spatial reasoning. The reading comprehension section presents test-takers with three academic essays and asks them questions about their content. The math questions in the last section focus on algebra, critical thinking, fractions, roots, and trigonometric identities. 

Test-takers receive their scores immediately after they complete the test. The scoring comes from eight standardized scores, which are then calculated on a scale of 1 – 30. 

The first six scores are derived from the test, determined according to perceptual ability, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. The final two scores summarize the first six, including an academic average weighted according to all scores and a total science score that focuses on the science questions. 

With these scores, dental schools can determine the level of scientific knowledge and logical reasoning a student will bring to their program. 

Completing the GRE Exam for Dental Schools

Nearly every school requires the DAT, while some dental programs also require GRE scores from applicants, particularly Ph.D. programs. 

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test designed for graduate school applications. It consists of a general section, which all test-takers must complete, and several specialized tests, for those entering specific fields. GRE scores are a standard requirement on most graduate school applications. 

The general GRE exists to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. This exam consists of six sections, which feature questions concerning algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and vocabulary.

In the analytical writing section, students have a limited amount of time to write two essays. One essay involves an issue task, which asks the writer to explain a complex topic. 

In the verbal and quantitative sections, test takers answer sets of 20 questions, timed for 30-35 minutes. The verbal section consists of questions about sentence completion, analogies, and critical reading. In the quantitative section, test takers make comparisons, complete problems, and interpret data. 

The exact score varies according to the program, but most programs expect a score of around 150 on the verbal sections of the exam. While the GRE should not replace your DAT results, a strong score can ensure admissions counselors that you’ll be a great student. 

Passing the NBDE (National Board Dental Exam) 

Of course, the goal of any student in dental school is to become a dentist. To be licensed to practice dentistry, students must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE). 

However, some dental schools also require NBDE scores for admission into some of their programs, particularly those emphasizing clinical practice over research. 

The exam is broken into two parts, labeled NBDE I and NBDE II. 

The first part consists of 400 multiple choice questions, which cover basic sciences, including human anatomy, embryology, histology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology, dental anatomy, and occlusion. 

The second part covers clinical dental topics and requires two days to finish. Questions cover topics such as endodontics, operative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery/pain control, oral diagnosis, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, patient management, periodontics, pharmacology, and prosthodontics. Overall, the exams cover 56 areas of fundamental dentistry knowledge.

The NBDE exams are scored only according to pass or fail. If a student fails, they are given details about the questions they answered incorrectly to prepare for a retake. Students who pass cannot retake the exam unless required to do so by a regulating body. 

The NBDE is a tough exam that all dentists will have to take at some point in their careers, so it’s important to begin preparing for it right away. 

Essays

Even though admissions emphasize standardized test scores, dental schools care just as much about the personal statement essay can be just as important, as it provides key information that isn’t always expressed in an exam.  

A personal statement essay is exactly what it sounds like: a short (no more than 1-2 pages) essay in which you tell the school why they should accept you. 

The essay should give the admission committee a clear picture of the type of person you are and what you’ll bring to the school’s learning community. 

The personal essay can be the scariest part of a dental school application, simply because it asks for so much in so little time.

However, it need not be so scary. 

Structurally, the personal essay follows the same five-paragraph form you learned in high school. The essay should have an introductory paragraph, complete with a hook and a thesis, several body paragraphs that develop the main point, and a conclusion that sums everything up. 

That familiarity should give you some basic steps when writing the essay. You should, of course, brainstorm, outline, and write multiple drafts, just as you learned in high school. But because your reader will be the admissions committee at dental school, you must include excellent content. 

While this prospect may be scary, it doesn’t need to be stressful. After all, you are the content of the essay. Your life should be the focus of the essay. 

Avoid the temptation to talk about even people who influenced you, such as important teachers or family members. 

Instead, identify your strengths, personal characteristics, and values. Tell your reader who you are as a person, so they can see what you’ll bring to the school. 

Although you’re training to be a dentist, it helps to think of the essay as an argument. You want to convince your reader that you will be a good student at the school. 

So you need to make claims about your abilities and characteristics, and then provide evidence to back up the claims. Engaging anecdotes and compelling facts will help your argument stand out. 

With the right focus, the personal statement can be your best chance to make a case for yourself and the dentist you will become. Don’t let it scare you. 

Instead, revel in the opportunity to introduce yourself to your future dental school. 

GPA Requirements

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that exam scores and a strong personal statement essay are essential parts of an application. 

But elements should serve to advance the quality of work you did throughout your undergraduate studies. 

The grade point average you earn while earning your bachelor’s degree demonstrates to admissions counselors your abilities as a student. What type of GPA do you need to get into dental school? 

The good news is, there is no one standard GPA. Few dental schools have a stated minimum GPA, as most use the average as a general guideline. For that reason, no one GPA will make or break your application. 

That said, the more your GPA fits along with those of students admitted into the school, the more likely you are to succeed in dental school. A high GPA shows admissions committees that you can work hard and are a strong student. 

Furthermore, GPAs play into rankings on outlets such as U.S. News & World Report, so schools like to see students will help them retain their positions. 

Whatever the reason, dental schools tend to expect high GPAs from candidates. In 2019, dental students had an average GPA of 3.57 (3.48 in science classes). The following year, the average GPA was 3.35 (3.25 in sciences).

These numbers reveal that students entering dental school should strive to have a GPA over 3.25, especially in their science classes. These numbers will show committees that take your studies seriously and can work hard. 

All of that said, it’s important to remember that GPA is just one of the elements that a school looks at when making admissions decisions. If your grades don’t speak to your ability to work hard and take your studies seriously, then you should make sure that other parts of your application reflect those qualities. 

Letters of Recommendation

While a high GPA and good test scores are crucial, schools often emphasize other elements, such as letters of recommendation. A letter of recommendation is exactly what it sounds like: a letter written by an expert to recommend a student for inclusion in a program. 

Letters of recommendation allow students to be introduced to important people by someone the committee respects. 

Most know that a strong letter of recommendation should come from a professor who is respected in their field, but that’s not all of it. The recommender should not only be able to speak to your strengths and abilities (in other words, don’t ask for a letter from a professor who gave you a B in their class) but also should be someone who knows you well. 

To secure a good letter of recommendation, future dentists should start early. Figure out which professors have strong reputations in the field you plan to enter and take steps to work with them. 

Take several classes with them and volunteer with them to establish a working relationship. And of course, be sure to earn good grades in their classes. 

With a strong letter of recommendation, a student can offset weaker parts of an application, including a lower GPA. A good letter will assure the committee that you’re a quality student, even if the numbers don’t back it up. 

Required Classes for Dental School

Every dental school requires that applicants have a bachelor’s degree before entering their program. While a pre-dental degree is the ideal undergraduate course of study, that’s not available to everyone. Some people decide to become dentists after earning an unrelated degree, and others attend a school that does not offer a pre-dental concentration. 

If you’re in one of those situations, take heart. A pre-dental degree is not a requirement for dental school. There are classes you can take in any program to give you the best chance for admission into a dental program. 

Most programs require that students take certain science courses at an accredited four-year school (community college classes often are not accepted, nor are high school advanced placement classes). These courses should include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics courses, all with lab elements. 

Dental schools also like to see credits in advanced math courses, such as math and statistics. 

Finally, because dental schools value clear communication, applicants must have passed an English composition class. The more diversity that you can demonstrate in your undergraduate studies, the stronger your application will be. Dental schools want well-rounded students entering their program. 

As that last sentence suggests, dental schools aren’t only concerned about math and science classes. Rather, admissions committees look at the classes you take for the same reason they look at your GPA. They want to get a sense of you as a student, to be able to assess your chances of success in their school. 

For that reason, the specific classes don’t always carry as much rate as your GPA itself. Sure, some courses won’t show committees what they want to see, but schools are interested in the skills you demonstrate more than they are the specific information you acquire. 

Standing Out in a Dental School Application

Unsurprisingly, most students applying to dental school have strong DAT, GRE, and/or NBDE scores, a solid GPA, and a compelling personal essay. How can you make yourself stand out among the other good students competing for one of those limited spots? 

To make yourself more distinctive, you need to take advantage of opportunities to personalize your application. The more you can develop the skills and experience for dental school and tell the committees about them, the more you’ll differentiate yourself from other applicants.

For most applicants, there are four main ways that they can stand out on applications: internships, school tours and other connections, meeting professors, and having employment. 

Let’s look at each of those in detail. 

Internships

In an internship, students get a short-term, part-time job within a field to learn the ropes. While no dental school requires applicants to have an internship, they can differentiate between a mediocre applicant and a shoo-in. 

Of course, the best possible internship for dental school would be in a dental practice. Even running the books for a private practice can expose you to standards within the dental field. 

Fortunately, the American Dental Association offers resources to help future dentists find internships that will look good on an application. 

After that, an internship in a traditional medical office will be good preparation. The more you can learn about working with patients, following legal standards, and aiding medical professionals, the more you will stand out. 

All of that said, every internship can teach you the skills that dental schools expect to see in their applicants. Future dentists can gain leadership abilities, time management skills, and customer service skills in nearly every job. 

Regardless of the type of internship you have, you must be able to communicate the value of that experience to the admissions committee. For that reason, the internship should receive attention in your personal essay and your interviews. 

A strong applicant will explain the skills that one developed in an internship and how that experience is another step in the process that leads to going to dental school. 

With solid details, an applicant can prove to admissions committees that an internship gave you the necessary skills and experience for dental school. 

Demonstrated Interest

Demonstrating interest in a school is another effective way to stand out in an application.

That sounds obvious. Of course, no one would take the time to apply to a school in which they have no interest. 

But everyone you’re competing against will have done that, so you need to show the committee that you’re more interested than the others. Those who have a greater interest in a school will have connections with it long before sending their application. 

Almost every dental school offers several ways for you to make yourself known to them and to familiarize yourself with them. Most schools will set up formal tours of the department, often hosted by students in the course. 

These tours will not only let you see the actual grounds and buildings in which the studies occur but will also give you inside information about the program. You’ll learn how others were accepted into the program and about the expectations of the faculty. 

Dental schools often regularly host online webinars and information sessions for students and community members. While these are not as in-depth as a tour, they will give you basic information about the program and let you make contacts. 

Any of these aspects will give you an advantage over other applicants. Work them into your essay and interviews, and you’ll surely be a more distinctive candidate. 

Meeting Faculty

If you only saw professors in movies and tv shows, you’d think that they were just inaccessible boors who cannot be bothered with the needs of little people. But in real life, most professors are just people who love the subject they teach. 

Many will answer emails sent to them, even from people who aren’t their students and will be glad to meet with people who share their passions. 

A one-on-one meeting with faculty can provide you with much of the same information from a tour, only better. Even if the faculty member isn’t on the admissions committee, they likely are familiar with the process and know what the school wants in a candidate. 

They can not only give you the inside information for your application, but they can also tell you how to develop the skills admissions committees want to see. 

That said, it is true that professors are extremely busy and are inundated with requests. It is imperative that you be professional and accommodating with them, as they have no obligation to spend time with you. It’s always best to initiate the conversation with a brief, friendly, and well-written email. 

Spend no more than 5-7 sentences introducing yourself, telling them you’d like to meet, and asking them to respond. If you don’t hear back in a week, then send a gentle follow-up response. 

For all of these reasons, faculty are an invaluable resource, and most professors are willing to spend time with you. If you respect their time and communicate your expectations, you’ll likely find someone willing to help you. 

Having Been Employed

No dental school requires applicants to have a job in the field before their applications. But it certainly doesn’t hurt, especially if you want to stand out in a sea of potential students. 

As with internships, a job in the dental field is the best possible option. If you can get a job as a dental assistant, or even just working menial work in the office, you’ll be more distinctive than most other applicants. 

Many dentists will let students shadow them during a day, and while that practice does give you experience, employment is rarer and therefore preferred. 

All of that said, the fact of the matter is that any employment is better than no employment at all. A job at McDonald’s can teach you to be a hard worker, a good communicator, and a critical thinker. 

Wherever your former place of employment, you must explain the relevance of your work history to your journey toward dental school. 

In your personal statement essay, your interview, and other materials, clearly identify how the skills you developed relate to your process of going to study dentistry. The story you tell should take the reader from your previous jobs, into dental school, and toward your future career.

The post Understanding Dental School Requirements – The Complete Guide appeared first on collegegazette.com.

A dental assistant is exactly what it sounds like: a person who assists the dentist in every part of their job, from setting x-rays and handling equipment to running the office and scheduling appointments. 

For many, a dentist’s office is an excellent place to work. Not only do they help people improve their health, but dentist offices are vibrant places, offering workers a chance to form long relationships with generations of patients. 

Additionally, dental assisting has a remarkable family-friendly schedule. Unlike many other medical professionals, dental assistants do not have to be on call. Instead, they have a set schedule, making it easy to play for other parts of their lives. 

Just as importantly, dental assistants enjoy excellent pay rates and job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants make on average $41,180 per year. The industry is estimated to grow by 7% over the next few years, faster than average. 

As you would expect with any job with such benefits, not just anybody can become a dental assistant. Instead, the job requires specific training, which you can get only from a certified program. Fortunately, there are lots of schools available to provide that training. 

Following the rankings compiled on the Best Community Colleges with dental assistant degrees list at Niche.com, here’s some more information about the best dental assistant schools in the United States. 

10. Minnesota State Community and Technical College (Fergus Falls, MN)

As a community college with campuses throughout the state, Minnesota State and Community College exist to provide exemplary training to students in a variety of fields. The school came to be in 2003 when Fergus Falls Community College and three campuses of Northwest Technical College merged to create a comprehensive community college that provides technical education.

The school’s dental assisting program equips students with the knowledge they need to support dentists in general clinical needs, intraoral clinical procedures, business office procedures, and laboratory tasks. 

In addition to general studies, the MSCTC curriculum covers key parts of the dental assistant profession, including biomedical, dental and clinical sciences, as well as clinical practice and functions. At the end of the program, students leave ready to take the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam and the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Registration Exam.

9. San Jacinto College (Pasadena, TX)

Although it was only established in 2016, the dental assistant program at San Jacinto College has already trained hundreds of professionals. The three-semester Dental Assisting Certificate of Technology program emphasizes science and skill development, incorporating lecture, laboratory, and clinical practice. From basic courses in dental science, dental radiography, and dental office management to advanced classes in communication and behavior, the program covers the full range of the dental assistant experience. 

The San Jacinto College dental assisting program emphasizes the connection between dental hygiene and good health. Students learn that neglecting dental hygiene contributes to health problems and how to care for the whole patient. By showing patients links between oral health and overall health, students can better inform patients about ways that infections can close the airway and can become life-threatening or that periodontal disease can lead to cardiovascular problems. 

8. Mountainland Technical College (Lehi, UT)

Mountainland Technical College prepares students for every part of the dental assistant experience, from the dentist’s chair to the administration office. In classrooms, students take coursework in the basics of dental science, and field trips expose them to actual clinics. During labs, students can work with classmates and bring in patients for learning non-invasive procedures, such as suctioning and taking impressions.

The school’s dental assisting externship lets students work on-site at a dental office and observe and assist in daily tasks. With the hands-on experience they gain, students not only increase their understanding of the profession but also develop necessary skills for success. 

In addition to clinical chairside instruction in topics such as charting and medical emergency skills, students gain skills in office administration, such as patient record entry, health privacy information, and basic software knowledge. 

 7. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (Shell Lake, WI)

At Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, future dental assistants receive skills to perform all necessary tasks in their profession, including laboratory, clinical, and office duties. Whether their career involves managing the office or working alongside dentists on patients, WITC has all the tools needed for success. 

The dental assistant program teaches students how to perform various supportive dental procedures and manage infection. Classes guide students in producing diagnostic intraoral and extraoral radiographs, performing advanced dental laboratory procedures, and completing dental office business procedures. 

The program achieves its goals thanks to experienced instructors with proven success in the field, as well as a cutting-edge curriculum designed in partnership with industry professionals. But the best indication of the class’s quality is its 100% placement rate. Everyone who graduates from the program finds work in the dental field within six months. 

 6. Western Technical College (La Crosse, WI)

With a technical diploma in dental assisting from Western Technical College, students can achieve a satisfying career. WTC’s program emphasizes the vital role dental assistants play in the healthcare profession, as they guide patients toward good oral health practices. 

With a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on demonstration, and externship experience, students learn how to assist dentists as they treat patients. Additionally, the program prepares students for every task they may be asked to perform, including working in a dental lab, taking x-rays, scheduling appointments, and managing the office. Courses emphasize necessary aspects of the profession, such as chairside skills, dental anatomy, dental radiography, oral hygiene, OSHA standards, and communication skills. 

At the end of the program, students are ready to become certified by completing an examination by the Dental Assisting National Board.

5. Manatee Technical Institute (Bradenton, FL)

At Manatee Technical Institute, become a dental assistant isn’t just a matter of finding a financially satisfying career; it’s all about becoming an essential worker. That distinction indicates how MTI views dental assistants: as crucial parts of our entire health. 

To that end, the program equips students with entry-level skills for every aspect of the job, including general chairside functions, dental laboratory activity, and business office administration. At the end of the 11-month program, graduates leave with a state certificate in radiography and dental assisting expanded functions, ready to pass the national board exam to earn Certified Dental Assistant credentials. 

So strong is the program that 96% of students finish it within the intended 11 months. More impressively, 100% of students who graduate from MIT’s program find employment as dental assistants within six months. 

4. Charlotte Technical Center (Port Charlotte, FL)

Located in the center of Charlotte County in Florida, Charlotte Technical Center exists to create a culture of positive learning that ensures success and inspires purpose for all. The school strives to provide students with an effective and innovative technical education, which prepares them to succeed in the workplace.

For those in the dental assistant program, these goals are achieved with the construction of the curriculum. Combining didactic, academic, and clinical instruction, the program covers all aspects of the profession, from chairside clinical work to office administration to lab activities. In coursework demonstration and lab practice, students perform various invasive procedures, such as placing retraction cords and dental dams, as well as non-invasive procedures, including impression taking and patient education. 

At the end of the program, students participate in clinical rotations through partnerships with local dental offices, bringing with them CTC’s commitment to inspiration and positivity. 

3. Fox Valley Technical College (Grand Chute, WI)

From the outset of the program, Fox Valley Technical College affirms dental assistants as integral members of the dental health team. To that end, every aspect of the program takes seriously the importance of the career, not just to oral health but also to general well-being. 

FVTC prepares students to provide chairside assistance and conduct lab procedures in connection with the dentist. The program equips students with practical skills such as disinfecting and sterilizing dental instruments, recording dental histories and vital signs, and managing dental and medical emergencies. Thanks to the school’s excellent resources, students gain familiarity with tools central to the trade. 

With the technical diploma they earn, students are ready to take the national certification examination. With this experience, they’re prepared to hold essential jobs such as dental office manager, dental insurance claim representative, laboratory assistant, and more. 

2. Western Iowa Tech Community College (Sioux City, IA)

At Western Iowa Tech Community College, dental assistants don’t simply sit back and follow the dentist’s leads. Rather, they are active and engaged participants, responsibly for providing quality dental services. 

To that end, the school teaches students a range of skills, including infection control management, chairside assisting procedures in general and specialty dentistry, management of medical and dental emergencies, intra- and extra-oral radiographic procedures, patient education, fabrication of oral appliances, and basic business office procedures. 

The program offers instruction in both face-to-face and a hybrid online format. Although both options adhere to the same requirements, the options give students more opportunities for earning their diplomas according to their own schedule. In the hybrid version, teachers focus on meeting the employment needs outside the school’s immediate area. To that end, WITCC works to find partners in the student’s area for clinical assignments. 

1. Lake Area Technical College (Watertown, SD)

At Lake Area Technical College, students in the dental assistant program learn how to be more than a dentist’s extra set of hands. They become vital members of the dental health care team.

Over the course of LATC’s 11-month program, students receive both basic science instruction in coursework and hands-on experience in labs and clinical rotations. The program trains future dental assistants to perform highly technical tasks, such as assisting general and specialty dentists during procedures, recording patient medical histories and taking vital signs, and administering nitrous oxide and oxygen to patients. In addition to a standard face-to-face technical diploma, students can also earn a certified e-degree in dental assistantship. Without sacrificing any of the rigor of its face-to-face degree, the e-degree program includes 300 hours of clinical experience in a dental office approved by the Lake Area Tech dental department.

The post Here Are the 10 Best Dental Assistant Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

A variety of equipment including x-ray machines, drills, scalpels, and scanners are used to promote good oral health for patients. Each dentist practices differently, with some working at established offices while others start their own practice. Anesthesia, head and neck diseases, braces, and surgical operations are just some of the specialties these professionals can focus on. Outside of practicing dentistry, dental school graduates can go into research or teach students.

Before they start practicing, dentists must be licensed in the state where they work. This requires a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from an accredited program. Along with awarding degrees, dental schools prepare graduates to pass written and clinical exams.

Dental students study coursework in anesthesia, anatomy, periodontics, and radiology. Dental programs also provide clinical experience to work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed professional. Through a variety of activities, students learn essential skills such as communication, attention to detail, dexterity, leadership, and problem-solving. 

As a result of the extensive education and training required to practice dentistry, these professionals earn a median annual salary of $164,000. The demand for dentists will continue to increase as the population ages and research links oral health to overall health. In Tennessee, there are over 2,500 dental practices and around 6,800 practitioners. Students hoping to study in the state have their choice of two dental schools, including UT and Meharry.

Here are the best dental schools in Tennessee, as ranked by their acceptance rates according to BeMo.

2. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry (Memphis, TN)

Founded in 1878, the UT College of Dentistry is the oldest dental college in the southern US and one of the first nationwide. Since its inception, the school has been dedicated to providing a top-tier professional, graduate, and post-graduate education. UT is also known for its state-of-the-art dental research and public service that contributes to the overall health of the Memphis-area community.

Dental students study various basic sciences, including biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, histology, and anatomy. In the later years, they learn more advanced topics from pain control to oral radiology. The final two years in the dentistry program are spent in clinical courses. After technical courses that relate the basic sciences to clinical practice, students can provide dental services to patients under faculty supervision. Clinics cover a wide range of oral healthcare services that provide essential technical and interpersonal skills. Then, using approved teaching courses, students learn how to provide care.

UT utilizes the latest technology to provide the best education for dental students. DentSim, an advanced dental simulator, was added to the preclinical curriculum to enhance learning. The group of 40 workstations contains high-speed handpieces, suction tips, and patient manikins. While students practice their technique, the technology monitors their actions and can provide feedback. This allows for individualized, quicker, and hands-on learning of critical dentistry skills. 

Outside of lectures and clinical courses, research is an integral part of the academic experience at UT. The university receives nearly $100 million in research funding, with support from NIH grants and other sponsors. In addition, the school has collaborative relationships with well-known healthcare partners from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. 

These industry relationships pave the way for innovative patient-focused research with a clinical focus. For example, UT conducts clinical product trials in partnership with dental product development companies for eventual use on patients. The dental research conducted at the University of Tennessee seeks to improve the quality of life for patients.

Innovations from both faculty and students are used to improve oral health around the globe. Their work is supported by federal, local, and industrial grants. In addition, students in the College of Dentistry are active in research and focus on topics from appliance sealants to stem cell biology. The Hinman Student Research Symposium, an annual presentation, highlights the research projects of dental students throughout the department. Along with recognizing student achievement, the event promotes careers in dental research and education.

The numerous student organizations at the University of Tennessee allow students to build relationships with other dental students and mentors. Honor societies, research groups, fraternities, governing bodies, and other student associations provide opportunities for students to develop personally and professionally. 

The Student National Dental Association strives to promote minority enrollment in dental schools across the nation. In addition, they encourage the delivery of dental health to everyone, especially the underserved. Dental students organize programs in the community to educate and involve the public. Along with exploring their passion for community service, the Student National Dental Association helps students develop critical interpersonal skills.

Students studying at the UT College of Dentistry have access to a wide range of financial resources. Over 75 student awards, need-based and otherwise, are available for incoming and continuing students. These scholarships are based on applicant background, interest, and achievement. 

The Doris Costello Bowyer Memorial Leadership Award is given each year to a dental student with demonstrated leadership. Whether this is participation in student organizations or campus activities, the recognized individual has proven their outstanding ability. In addition, the scholarship recognizes students who have a positive influence on classmates and faculty along with demonstrated professionalism.

1. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry (Nashville, TN)

The Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry aims to serve their community as dental professionals. Dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, Meharry is at the forefront of the quest for quality healthcare for everyone. 

To fulfill the goal of global health equity, the college admits a diverse body of students who demonstrate their commitment to service. After graduating, many alumni focus on providing care for the underserved, whether they work in the military or private practice. Thus, Meharry achieves founder Dr. Hubbard’s vision as one of two historically Black dental schools in the nation and a beacon for underserved populations.

Meharry has grown in reputation and ability to keep up with the latest innovations and the community that it is dedicated to serving. Each year, the dental program receives nearly 2,000 applications and admits approximately 60 students. 

Every Meharry student knows that they are expected to expand upon the achievements of those before them. Therefore, the school provides plenty of opportunities and an encouraging environment, faculty, and campus who are dedicated to their success. The curriculum’s strategy has remained the same, requiring first-year students to learn basic science requirements through the School of Medicine. This practical approach, used for nearly a century, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and an exchange of ideas between professionals.

Dental students have their choice from over 40 student organizations. Including the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, American Association of Women Dentists, American Dental Education Association, and many more, these groups encourage camaraderie and personal growth. The Ewell-Neil Dental Research Society seeks to foster an academic appreciation for oral health research among both dental students and faculty. The group provides for research opportunities and careers within the dental school and nearby institutions. With a guarantee of lifetime membership, the society’s 300+ members continue to grow professionally even after graduation. Along with career opportunities, student organizations allow students to develop and participate in community involvement, social events, and cultural activities. From special interest groups to service organizations, there is something for every dental student.

Meharry’s Nashville campus was designed with both students and community members in mind. Housing patient clinics, research laboratories, teaching facilities, and educational programs, the school has no shortage of space for learning. In addition, each module contains waiting rooms, offices, and x-ray facilities to educate students. Seminar rooms are available for instruction and consultation. The campus design enables the school to provide oral health care for many Tennessee residents.

Meharry receives millions in research funding each year from the NIH, federal agencies, and other sponsors to support its goal of increasing health span along with lifespan. Endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral diagnostic sciences are the department’s main research focuses. 

By encouraging students to engage in research, the school ensures that research training is fully integrated with its academic programs. The Dentistry Center of Excellence, a nationally recognized resource, is known for its strong clinical curriculum and research ability. The facility focuses on important research topics from oral biology to diabetes. In addition, the center provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged students through educational programs, service delivery, and outreach programs.
As a result of the impressive resources and opportunities for students, the School of Dentistry has placed 100% of graduates in the past 5 years. This includes the pursuit of further education, post-doc programs, and employment.

Furthermore, the school’s dedication to increasing diversity in the dental field can be seen by the alumni. For example, 40% of active African American dentists graduated from Meharry, with the vast majority practicing in underserved communities. The National Board of Dental Examiners certification examinations, a measure of student learning and achievement, allows dentists to practice professionally. An average of 82% of Meharry graduates taking the exam pass on their first try.

The post The Best Dental Schools in Tennessee appeared first on collegegazette.com.