1. General Information
Most dental programs do not have specific course requirements for admission. If they do, they are fairly general. At most schools, you will have to have a Bachelor’s degree and you will also have to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Admissions committees look more at your GPA and DAT scores than at the individual courses on your transcript. You should check with specific medical schools to verify that they do not have any specific course requirements.
As a pre-dental student at FMU, it is recommended that you pursue a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. See your University Catalog for degree requirements. The only difference between you and a “normal” bio major is that you will have slightly less flexibility in your choices of electives. Courses you might want to consider are: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Developmental Biology and Biochemistry. You should also think about conducting an undergraduate research project. Other opportunities include Health Internships and participation in the ARCH program.
The only dental program in South Carolina is located at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC (MUSC). Please see their respective websites for specific details regarding these programs.
MUSC Dental – http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/dentistry/
2. Preparation
Ideally, you should start preparing for dental school in your freshman year. If you get your GPA in trouble it is nearly impossible to repair. That is not to say dental school is out of the question – it just means things will be much, much harder. Set up a visit and introduce yourself to the pre-health coordinator. It is important that you establish a relationship early. It is also up to you to maintain that relationship. during your undergraduate career.
3. The Application
Generally, the sooner you can complete each portion of the application process, the better your chances of admission will be. Do NOT let any of the deadlines pass. Most U.S. dental schools use the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). For more information, please refer to the AADSAS website:
http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Pages/default.aspx
The application process usually begins around June. The AADSAS application must be filed before February 1 of the year you wish to enter. For example, if you are seeking admission in Fall 2012, then your AADSAS application must be complete on Feb. 1, 2012. Please note that some individual schools may post deadlines that are earlier than AADSAS.
Around June, you need to open an AADSAS application and receive a DENTPIN. Then you will begin to enter/upload information. You will have to provide detailed biographical information including information about your work-related and extra-curricular activities. You will also have to enter your courses and grades from every college you have attended. You need to have ALL of your transcripts forwarded to AADSAS. You need to do this early so AADSAS has time to verify your grades. One of the most important parts of the AADSAS application is the “Personal Statement” section. You should put a lot of time and effort into the construction of this essay. Check the Internet for advice on the writing of a personal statement. The Writing Center is another good resource. Always remember to be honest.
When your AADSAS application is complete, it will be forwarded out to the dental schools of your choice. Each school will cost a fee. Once, they receive your AADSAS application most schools will contact you for a supplemental application. This is usually done online and will require a non-refundable processing fee. If an additional essay(s) is requested, do not copy the information that was in your AADSAS statement. Here is another chance to tell more about yourself. If they like the application, you may receive an invitation for an interview.
4. The DAT
It is very important that you take the DAT before you start applying (or as early in the application process as possible). This means you should plan to take the DAT between your junior and senior years. You should design your course-work to help you with those plans. Information about the DAT is found at:
The application process is done on the Internet. The registration and testing centers can be found at this website. The test is computerized and takes four to five hours. The DAT is offered year round at PROMETRIC testing centers all over the country. The nearest testing center to FMU is located at:
PROMETRIC TEST CENTER
Phone: 843-667-3227
Site Code: 5170
2141 C HOFFMEYER RD.
WEST GATE OFFICE PARK
FLORENCE, SC 29501
There are four multiple-choice sections – Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, Perceptual Ability and Natural Sciences. The natural sciences covered are biology and chemistry. It is suggested that you have taken cell biology, genetics, physiology, organic chemistry and biochemistry courses before you attempt the DAT. While there is no physics on the exam, it could help to have taken the course. No courses will prepare you for the DAT. You should make time to prepare specifically for the DAT. There are many study materials and resources available, ranging from study guides to full courses (like Kaplan). Do your homework and determine which system will be best for your situation.
A maximum of 30 points are available in each of the four sections. The total score is usually calculated as an average of the three academic sections. In order to be competitive, you need to achieve scores of at least 19 and above. People have gotten in with less, but it takes a very special package. Scores are released about 2-3 weeks after the testing date, but could take longer.
5. Recommendation Letters
You will need to obtain at least three recommendation letters. You should choose faculty that know you personally. Other good candidates are health professionals that you have shadowed or worked with, as well as an undergraduate research mentor. Experience in the dental field is a MUST!
Check to see if the dental school has a form that needs to be submitted with a letter. If they do, prepare copies of each for your writers and make sure you sign the form before you give it to them. Give the writers enough time to submit letters and check back periodically to remind them. Schools will usually not start to consider your application until it is complete – this includes Recommendation Letters! It is your responsibility to make sure that the letters do not delay the consideration of your application. If necessary, find a new person to write a letter.
6. The Interview
Once your supplemental application is complete (remember to return all materials to them as soon as possible), the Admissions Committee will review your application. Criteria will vary by school (and often among committee members), but will sometimes be listed on their websites. On the day of the interview, members of the faculty will interview you.
This will be a very important part of your application process. Dress professionally, but also dress to stand out. Prepare yourself to answer questions. Questions can cover anything, but will generally focus around your health-related experience, your volunteer work and current healthcare issues. Make sure you are very familiar with anything you have previously included in your written statements. The key here is to be comfortable, confident and honest. Some of the websites listed in the next section will give you examples of interview questions. The FMU career center provides great interview help.
Eventually, you will receive notification of the committee’s decision. Be patient.
7. Helpful Websites
NCSU HealthPAC Center
The Dental Site
http://www.dentalsite.com/dentists/dental-students.html
Study Guide Zone
http://www.studyguidezone.com/dat.htm
*if you know of any other websites that can be added to this list, please send an email to the Coordinator.