How to Get Into Dental School: 5 Things to Do

Getting into dental school requires planning, academic preparation, and relevant experience. The dental school admissions process is competitive, and understanding the dental school application process is crucial. Most dental schools have strict education requirements, and applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, high DAT scores, hands-on dental experience, and a commitment to the dental profession.

This guide breaks down five key steps to help with getting into dental school. Following these steps will improve your chances of acceptance and help you build a strong application.

Read: How to Become a Dentist: Application, Degree Programs, FAQs

What Is Dental School?

Dental school is a professional graduate program that trains students to become licensed dentists. Programs typically last four years and include both classroom instruction and clinical training. Upon graduation, students earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The curriculum covers basic and clinical sciences, hands-on patient care, and specialized dental procedures.

Note: The dental school application process shares many similarities with the medical school application process, including application cycles, prerequisites, and the importance of personal statements.

What Do Dental Students Learn?

The curriculum in a dental education program is rigorous and requires a strong foundation in science courses.

Note: After completing dental school, graduates must pass licensing exams before practicing as general dentists or pursuing further training in a dental specialty.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Dental School?

Admission to most dental schools is competitive. Completing a bachelor's degree, along with specific prerequisite courses in fields such as biology and chemistry, is essential for strengthening your application. Schools evaluate applicants based on DAT scores, GPA, experience, and personal qualities. The average acceptance rate for U.S. dental programs is around 40%, meaning fewer than half of all applicants gain admission each year.

What Are the Admission Requirements?

Note: Completing dental school prerequisites is crucial for both traditional and nontraditional applicants. Applicants who fall below these benchmarks may consider a master’s program or additional coursework to strengthen their credentials before applying to dental school.

How to Get Into Dental School: 5 Things to Do

1. Complete the Required Education and Prerequisite Courses

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Most programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree before submitting a dental school application. While there is no required major, selecting a science-heavy curriculum can strengthen an application.

Recommended majors:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Health Sciences

Some applicants choose a non-science major but still complete the prerequisite courses required by most dental schools.

Complete the Required Prerequisite Courses

Each dental school admissions process requires specific science courses to prepare students for the rigorous dental education program.

Expert Tip: Some programs may have additional requirements, so it's best to check directly with the schools before applying to dental school.

Consider a Master's Program If Needed

If a high GPA isn’t achieved during undergraduate studies, completing a master’s program in a related field can strengthen an application. Some predental students also take post-baccalaureate courses to meet requirements and boost their academic profile.

2. Prepare for and Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Understanding the DAT

The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is a standardized exam required for all applicants. Schools use DAT scores to assess an applicant’s academic abilities and problem-solving skills.

Expert Tip: A high DAT score can significantly improve chances of acceptance, even if an applicant has an average GPA.

Study and Test Prep Tips

• Start preparing at least 3-6 months before the test.
• Use practice tests from the American Dental Association.
• Consider summer medical programs or prep courses for additional guidance.

3. Gain Dental Experience and Strengthen Your Application

Shadow Dentists and Gain Hands-on Experience

Most dental schools look for applicants who have significant dental experience. Shadowing a general dentist or working in a dental office can provide valuable insight into the profession. Understanding the requirements and processes of dental school applications, including involvement in organizations like the Student National Dental Association, can significantly strengthen your application.

Recommended Hours of Experience:

• 100–150 hours of shadowing a general dentist or dental specialties.
• Work as a dental assistant to gain hands-on experience.
• Observe different roles in a dental practice, including front office operations.

Volunteer and Community Service

Admissions committees look for applicants who engage in community service. Volunteering in health professions settings demonstrates a commitment to patient care.

Research and Leadership Roles

Participating in research experience or leadership roles in pre-dental organizations can strengthen an application. Schools appreciate applicants who go beyond minimum requirements.

4. Submit a Strong Dental School Application

Apply Through AADSAS

The AADSAS application (managed by the American Dental Education Association) is the centralized portal for most dental schools.

Application Components:

• Transcripts
• DAT scores
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Application fee
• Supplemental application (if required)

Write a Strong Personal Statement

The personal statement should focus on why an applicant wants to join the dental field, past experiences in dentistry, and career goals.

Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation

Most schools require three letters of recommendation. This usually includes:

• Two from science professors.
• One from a general dentist or a committee letter from a pre-dental advisor.
• Some schools allow individual letters instead of a one-committee letter.

Submit Early for Rolling Admissions

Many programs use rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive. Applying early increases the chances of receiving interview invitations.

5. Prepare for Dental School Interviews

Understand the Interview Format

Once applications are reviewed, selected candidates receive invitations for a dental school interview.

Common Interview Questions

• Why do you want to join the dental profession?
• What challenges do you expect to face in dental medicine?
• How have you prepared for the demands of dental education programs?

Develop Manual Dexterity

Some schools assess hand skills, which are important for general dentistry. Activities such as:

• Painting or sculpting
• Playing an instrument
• Working with small tools

These can help improve manual dexterity before beginning a DMD program.

Consider a Gap Year If Needed

If an application is unsuccessful, a gap year can be used to:

• Gain additional dental experience.
• Retake the DAT to achieve a higher DAT score.
• Improve grades or complete additional science courses.

What to Do if You're Not Accepted into Dental School on Your First Try

1. Review Your Application: Take a look at your application and identify areas that may need improvement, such as your GPA, DAT score, personal statement, or extracurricular activities.
2. Gain More Experience: Consider gaining more hands-on experience in dentistry. Shadowing dentists, volunteering, or working in a dental office can strengthen your application.
3. Retake the DAT: If your DAT score is low, consider retaking it after more preparation. A higher score can improve your chances of acceptance.
4. Improve Your GPA: If your GPA is a concern, consider taking additional courses to raise it. Post-baccalaureate programs are a great way to boost your academic record.
5. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from admissions counselors or mentors who can provide advice on how to strengthen your application.
6. Stay Positive: It’s normal to feel disappointed, but remember that many students succeed after reapplying. Use the time to improve your qualifications and make your next application stronger.
7. Consider Alternative Paths: Look into post-baccalaureate programs or master’s degrees in related fields, which can provide additional qualifications and experience for your next application.

Final Thoughts

Getting into dental school requires strong academics, a competitive DAT score, relevant dental experience, and a well-prepared application. The dental school admissions process is competitive, but with the right preparation, applicants can improve their chances of acceptance. Success starts with good grades, completing prerequisite courses, and excelling in science classes like general chemistry and organic chemistry. A strong DAT score and well-rounded experience in the dental field, such as shadowing general dentists or working as a dental assistant, help demonstrate commitment to the profession. The application process requires careful planning, from writing a strong personal statement to securing three letters of recommendation from science professors and professionals in the dental profession. Applying early is important, as most dental schools use rolling admissions.

If an application is not successful, a gap year can be used to strengthen credentials, gain more dental experience, or complete a master’s program to improve academic standing. With careful preparation and persistence, applicants can successfully gain admission to a dental education program and take the first step toward a career in dentistry.

The dental school admissions process can be difficult. A coach can help you understand the requirements, improve your application, and prepare for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Dental School Admissions Coaches can help you with application strategies and give you tips on what top dental schools look for in applicants

Read Next:

• Writing a Winning Dental School Personal Statement
• UMKC School of Dentistry: A Comprehensive Guide to the Programs and Admissions Process
• How to Ace the Dental Admission Test (DAT): 5 Tips for Success
• What Do You Learn in Dental School?
• The Complete Guide to the Dental School Application

FAQs

Is it hard to get into dental school?

• Yes, dental school is highly competitive. Admissions are based on factors like GPA, DAT scores, extracurricular activities, and experience in the dental field. Most dental schools look for well-rounded applicants who not only excel academically but also show a commitment to the field of dentistry.

How to get into dental school on the first try?

• To increase your chances of getting into dental school on your first try, focus on maintaining a strong GPA, performing well on the DAT, gaining hands-on experience (such as shadowing dentists), and crafting a compelling personal statement. It’s also important to stay organized, meet all deadlines, and demonstrate a genuine passion for dentistry.

What does my GPA need to be to get into dental school?

• While each dental school has its own requirements, a competitive GPA for dental school is typically around 3.5 or higher. However, most successful applicants have a GPA closer to 3.7 or above. Additionally, strong grades in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics are especially important.

What is the easiest major to get into dental school?

• There is no "easy" major for dental school, as all majors require hard work. However, biological sciences or health-related majors are common among dental applicants because they cover the prerequisites for dental school. That said, dental schools accept applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds, so what’s most important is excelling in your chosen major and completing the required courses.