Pre-Dental
The dental profession is the branch of health care devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other tissues in and around the mouth.
A dentist is a doctor, scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Dentists play a key role in the early detection of oral cancer and other systemic conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth. They often identify other health conditions, illnesses, and other problems that sometimes show up in the oral cavity before they are identified in other parts of the body. (Learn more from ADEA.org). Dental school is four years long. There is no residency required after graduation for general dentistry in most states, but specialty areas such as orthodontics, endodontics and oral and maxillofacial pathology require a residency.
It is recommended that you take specific pre-requisite courses.
Application Process:
Apply in the summer, about 14 months before intended entry.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is the required standardized test for entry. The DAT comprises four sections: Survey of Natural Sciences; Perceptual Ability; Reading Comprehension; and Quantitative Reasoning. Doing well on the DAT is a critical step in admissions. There are various DAT preparatory courses that will help you do well. Consult with your pre-dental advisor or fellow pre-dental students for more information.
Apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
Applications generally open June 1.
Most schools accept/prefer a committee letter of recommendation. At LCW please submit at least six letters by May 1 to johh.loike@touro.edu
It is quite helpful for students to have some experience working or shadowing dentists. Please speak to your advisor for guidelines.
Find a program: ADEA Dental School Map
In the NYC area there are at least five dental schools:
Consider reputation, specialization of the schools, religious student life, tuition and location in choosing the appropriate schools to apply.
PROFESSIONAL SITES
American Dental Education Association
Pre-Dental Advisement
- Meet with your pre-dental advisor every semester to keep him/her updates
- Fill out the Touro pre-dental advisement form
- In the spring before you apply you should:
- Meet in Feb to discuss your status and application procedure
- Meet in March to discuss your essay, DAT, and letters of recommendation
- Meet in May to follow up
- Meet in the Fall to prepare for interviews
