Pre-Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining oral health. It is a dynamic health profession, offering opportunities to become a successful, highly respected member of the community.
Dental specialties:
- Endodontists diagnose and treat injuries that are specific to the dental nerves and pulp (matter inside the tooth)
- Oral and maxillofacial pathologists study and research the causes, processes and effects of diseases with oral manifestations
- Oral and maxillofacial radiologists take and interpret conventional, digital, CT, MRI and allied imaging modalities of oral-facial structures and disease
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide diagnostic services and treatment for injuries, diseases and defects of the neck, head, jaw and associated structures
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedists diagnose and treat problems related to irregular dental development, missing teeth and other abnormalities.
- Pediatric dentists treat children from birth to adolescence
- Periodontists provide corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum disease
- Prosthodontists restore and replace teeth damaged by decay or lost from trauma or disease, with fixed or removable appliances constructed with newly developed dental material
- Dental public health specialists develop policies and programs, such as health care reform, that affect the community at large
- Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide preventative oral care and perform a wide range of duties depending on state licensure
(source: Explore Health Careers - Dentist)
- Join the Pre-Health Professions Program and request to be added to the Pre-Dentistry Email List
- Meet with the Pre-Health Professions Advisor each semester to make a professional and academic development plan and review your progress
- Choose a degree major that you enjoy and that provides a good “back-up plan” and career path in case you change your mind about dentistry; common majors include biology, chemistry, and microbiology, but all majors will be considered if a student completes the prerequisite courses and other admissions standards established by individual dental programs
- Carefully check admission requirements at dental schools of most interest and take the required coursework (visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation website for more details). Here is suggested U of I coursework for students interested in Dentistry.
- Consider purchasing the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools which includes each school's entrance requirements (GPA, Dental Admissions Test scores, and pre-dental education), application and selection processes, dental curriculum, special programs and services, costs, and financial aid
- For students interested in dental hygiene, visit the ADHA website.
- Get significant shadowing and clinical experience and maintain a formal log (Professional Development Activities Log); be sure to meet clinical experience requirements of your preferred schools, as they can vary widely
- Get involved in extracurricular, leadership, and volunteer activities
- Develop strong relationships with faculty mentors, dental professionals, and others who will be writing letters of reference
- Attend Pre-Health Professions Program workshops and networking events
The application process consists of taking the Dental Admission Test (DAT), applying through the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service, submitting college transcripts and letters of reference, and participating in invited interviews.
Your Pre-Health Advisor can assist you with preparing these materials and conducting mock interviews prior to meeting with admissions personnel.
The Pre-Health Professions Program office has several study materials to help students prepare for the DAT. Please contact pre-health@uidaho.edu for more information about the Pre-Health Lending Library. Those intending to take the DAT should also carefully review this DAT Test Prep Guide.
- Center for Volunteerism & Social Action
- Volunteering Guide for Healthcare Students
- Education Abroad Program
- Lending Library pdf
- Professional Development Activities Log docx
- Self Assessment and Planning Worksheet docx
- U of I Course Catalog
- U of I Research Opportunities
- U of I Scholarships
- Virtual Pre-Health Shadowing