91破解版

Pre-dental is not a major at the 91破解版. We recommend that you choose a major based on your interests that reflects what you are interested in learning; there is no "best" or preferred major for pre-dent students. Many pre-dent students select a STEM major, such as Biology, because many of the required courses for admission into dental school are already included as a part of the degree program. However, dental school admissions committees do not care which major you choose, as any major can lead to a career in dentistry; there isn鈥檛 a major that will make you 鈥渟tand out鈥�. When choosing a major, you should be looking for a field that you are interested in, would enjoy working in if your dental school plans don鈥檛 work out, and one that will challenge you academically.

While GPA is important, dental school admissions committees can easily identify when an applicant has selected coursework or a pathway that is not challenging.

Texas Dental Schools (all public):

To apply to Texas Dental Schools, you will complete the .

To apply to out-of-state Dental Schools, you will complete the .

The requirements outlined below will complete the prerequisites for most dental schools; however, it is important that you review the specific requirements for each school you are interested in applying to using both the dental school webpage and the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools.  Some schools may have minimum grade requirement for each prerequisite as well (typically a C, but sometimes as high as a B- or better). 

The basic course requirements for admission into dental school include:

• Anatomy & Physiology: BIOL 3324/3224 (Human Physiology with Lab) and BIOL 4326 (Comparative Anatomy)

• • Note: BIOL 2301/2101 and BIOL 2302/2102 have been accepted by Texas A&M in previous admission cycles, but are not preferred. Our office recommends completing the advanced level A&P courses ().

• Biology: BIOL 1306/1106 & BIOL 1307/1107
• General Chemistry: CHEM 1311/1111 & CHEM 1312/1112
• Organic Chemistry:CHEM 2323/2123 & CHEM 2325/2125
• Biochemistry: BCHS 3304
• Microbiology: BIOL 2321 (lab not required)
• Physics: PHYS 1301/1101 and PHYS 1302/1102 or PHYS 2325/2125 & PHYS 2326/2126
• English: ENGL 1301 & ENGL 1302
• Statistics: MATH 1342 or MATH 3339 or PSYC 2317
• Additional Advanced Biology Courses (at least 2): BIOL 3301 (Genetics), BCHS 3305 (Biochemistry II),  BIOL 4323 (Immunology), BIOL 4374 (Cell Biology), etc.

The above requirements are true for the dental schools in Texas; however, it is important you review the specific requirements for each school you are interested in applying using both the dental school webpage and the .

You do not need to complete all prerequisite courses to apply to dental school, but should have completed most of the required courses; admissions committees can only assess you based on what you have completed. All prerequisites (and your bachelor's degree) will need to be completed by July of the year you plan to start dental school. 

Can I use AP/IB credit?

Generally speaking, it is recommended you do not use AP credit to satisfy pre-requisites for dental school. While AP/IB credit can prepare students for the rigor of courses at the 91破解版, they may not always provide an equivalent foundation for advanced courses. If you are unsure of your overall mastery in a particular area (e.g., Biology or Chemistry), we encourage you to consider beginning with the introductory courses to better prepare for advanced courses (e.g., Genetics, Biochemistry) and be on equal footing to your peers.

That said, most TMDSAS participating institutions accept AP credit as long as the credit hours and course for which AP credit is used is clearly outlined in your transcript (which it is at ). Non-TX dental schools are varied with regards to AP policy. It is important you review the specific admissions policies of all programs in which you to hope to apply.

Can I take prerequisite courses at another institution, such as a community college?

Yes, to a certain extent, you may complete pre-requisite courses outside of the University of Houston. However, our general advice is that if you are already enrolled at the 91破解版, you should only take courses that fulfill science prerequisites or coursework for your major at the 91破解版. Taking 1-2 courses at an institution other than (e.g., community college) is not a big deal, but avoid making it a habit. 

That said, if you are a transfer student bringing in credits from another institution (or dual-enrollment), then you do not need to retake prerequisites for your professional school application at . That includes transfer students who are transferring from community college as well as four-year institutions.

The various applications for dental school (TMDSAS and AADSAS) calculate GPA in several different ways:

• Overall (Undergraduate (including Postbacc) + Graduate, BCPM)
• Undergraduate (overall, Postbacc, Science, non-Science)
• Graduate (overall, Science, non-Science)

Your Overall GPA includes all coursework completed at the college-level. This includes all courses taken at the 91破解版, but also any coursework completed at other institutions (e.g., HCC, Lonestar, etc.). Additionally, all attempts are included in the GPA calculation, even if you retook a course and received a better grade. You must submit a transcript from every institution attended to each application service.

Science GPA

The TMDSAS application calculates science GPA as BCPM: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

The AADSAS application calculates science GPA as only BCP (and excludes mathematics courses).

Coursework in other fields, even those in STEM (e.g., Engineering, Kinesiology, etc.), are often excluded from the BCPM GPA. Some non-BCPM courses can still be factored into the BCPM GPA if they include >50% Biology content. If you received an A and are unsure, include it as BCPM. Each course will be evaluated during the verification process and you will be allowed to appeal specific course decisions.

• GPA Calculator

The is the standardized, multiple-choice exam that dental school admissions use as a standardized metric to measure student preparation for dental school.

Students are required to the read the DAT Guide before submitting an application to test.

Classes needed to prepare for the DAT: Biology I and II; Chemistry I and II; Organic Chemistry I and II; Human Physiology.  Also Recommended: Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics.

Length: 4 hours and 15 minutes, excluding tutorial, scheduled break, and post-test survey. 

Sections: 

• Survey of the Natural Sciences (includes Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry)
• Perceptual Ability
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Reasoning (includes Algebra, Statistics, and Data Analysis/Interpretation)

Cost: The registration fee is $560 which includes the exam and scores sent to the dental schools listed during registration. Sending scores to additional schools after the initial DAT application costs $50 each. Requests for ADA Partial Fee Waivers are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with fee waivers granted on January 1, April 1 and July 1. 

Scores: Scores range from 200-600 in 10 point increments. As of 2024, the average accepted applicant in Texas scored 20 (AA)/21 (PAT) using the old scoring system. This translates to roughly a 420/460 (PAT). The ADA has provided a for old and new scores. 

High DAT scores do not guarantee admission and should not be expected to outweigh a low GPA. Further, you should only take the DAT once you are adequately prepared for the exam. The idea is to take the real exam only once, though many applicants do attempt the test twice. The key is you must improve on your second attempt; therefore, retakes should not be taken lightly.

DAT Preparation: Preparation for the DAT can take many forms, whether through self-study or a formal test-preparation course. Most applicants dedicate at least 3-4 months to preparing for the DAT. This includes content review and practice tests. It is recommend you complete at least 5-6 full-length practice tests before sitting for the real exam. Doing so will allow you to build endurance for the exam as well as give you a better idea of where you "true score" lies. There are a variety of DAT prep resources, each differing in both cost and teaching style.

Health Professions Advising does not endorse any specific test prep resource. We encourage you to explore each of the different options to determine which will best fit your needs.

• (Free/Low Cost)
• (free for ASDA members)
• (Low Cost)
• (Scholarships Available)
• (Scholarships Available)

Beyond completion of the pre-requisite coursework, dental schools also expect applicants to use their time outside of class engaged in extracurricular activity. These activities can typically be categorized as: Shadowing, Volunteering, Research, Leadership, Employment, and Hobbies.

Activities & Experiences Log Template 

It's important to understand that building a competitive application to dental school is not about checking boxes off of a list. It is not necessary that you participate in an activity within each category. Instead, consider your interests. What do you want or need to do? If you have to work a part-time job and can only shadow a few hours a month, that is fine. If you would rather volunteer in a local clinic than participate in research, that is fine.

Dental schools do not want robots! The strongest applicants are those that seek out opportunities, not because they feel obligated or because they believe the activity will make them "look good", but because they are sincerely interested and feel they will gain a new skill or learn more about an aspect of healthcare or their community. It is also ok to participate in activities simply because they are fun and a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Houston community or on campus.

Shadowing

Shadowing involves observing healthcare professionals (i.e., dentists) in action. Shadowing should be viewed as your opportunity to "test drive" the profession you hope to dedicate your life to and gain more insight into the the day-to-day life of a dentist and patient care. It is merely a means to an end, not the end itself. Shadowing should help you confirm whether this is the career path you wish to pursue or if another career would be more suitable. It is recommended that you try to shadow two to three dentists in order to gain multiple perspectives of the field of dentistry. Additionally, most dental schools will require a letter from a general dentist with whom you have shadowed.

It is generally recommend that you shadowing for at least 50 hours, but there is no minimum or maximum (many applicants will have significantly more than the recommended 50, though). Often, your time is better spent volunteering or participating in other, more engaging, activities than shadowing, so do not feel compelled to shadow indefinitely (or at least, it should not be the only thing you are doing outside of class).

Importantly, shadowing means hands-off observation only. Please refrain from participating in activities that could be construed as practicing dentistry (especially abroad). You are not yet licensed nor trained as a healthcare professional, therefore, use ethical decision-making in the choosing the activities you observe and participate in. (Of course, if you are trained as an registered dental assistant (RDA), you can participate in acitivities! The RDA hours will not count as shadowing, but they will count as dental experience.) Finally, while medical experiences abroad can be fruitful, it is expected that the bulk of your clinical experience is gained in the United States, especially if you plan to complete medical school/residency and practice in the US.

See here for our guidelines to get started shadowing.

Volunteer

Why do you want to become a dentist? Most predents would answer that they want to help people. Volunteering is how applicants can show admissions committees that they genuinely want to help others. Just like shadowing, volunteering is not just a box to check with no minimum number of hours.  Approach volunteering from the view that this is just something that you do for its intrinsic value, rather than because you are obligated.

You do not need to volunteer in ten different settings and no amount of volunteer work will ever substitute for a poor GPA or DAT score. Think about how you'd like to serve others. What kind of environment or what population of people do you think needs your attention and help? Find an organization that works in that area and try to dedicate a few hours every week. If you grow tired of a particular setting, find a different one and commit your time and effort in the same way. Dental schools can sense when an applicant is participating in activities only to pad their resume versus someone who is investing in opportunities in which they are most interested.

See here for more information on volunteering in Houston.

Research

Research is not required for admission into dental school, nor is it valued as highly as compared with medical school admission. That said, participating in a research project can strengthen your application as well as offer another opportunity to receive a strong letter of recommendation.

If you are not interested in research, you are better off engaging in other activities that you are more passionate about. Remember that admissions committees appreciate you following your interests, rather than simply checking off a box of activities you feel are necessary for admission.

If you are interested in research, you should not feel limited to wet-lab/bench or life-science research. Indeed, feel free to explore research projects outside of medicine, healthcare, or translational science if you are interested in other areas. It is more about being passionate and productive in a project, than the specific content or research topic. You are also not required to do research as part of a formal program (though those options exist!), but can simply be an undergraduate volunteer in an on-campus research lab.

• Tips on finding research experiences
• More information on Summer research programs
• Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards

Leadership

The strongest applicants are those that not only participate in activities such as shadowing or volunteering, but show a propensity for leadership as well. Leadership opportunities can be gained both on- and off-campus, such as serving as a supervisor or manager at your job, or team captain of a sports team, or as an officer in a student organization. The type of activity that you are engaged in is often less important than the experience and skills you gain from serving in a leadership capacity.

The most common form of leadership for many applicants comes from serving in officer roles within student organizations. Consider joining a club within your Freshman/Sophomore year, gradually becoming more involved over time, and applying for any available officer positions in your Junior/Senior years. There is no requirement that you serve as President, as other roles may offer ample opportunity to develop leadership, organization, and teamwork skills.

• Health Professions Student Organizations at

Employment

An often overlooked activity is simply working a full- or part-time job. Indeed, our office is often asked by pre-Dental students whether admissions committees will care that they worked while in school. The answer is YES!. Dental schools value applicants that have shown a clear ability to balance their academic responsibilities with other activities, including a job.

It is also not that important that your job may not be directly healthcare related. Certainly, there is merit in working as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or medical scribe, but a lot can be gained from working "regular" jobs as well. Serving as a cashier at HEB offers an opprotunity to showcase a number of qualities sought after by dental schools: Teamwork, Reliabiliity/Dependability, Social Skills, Ethical Responsibility, etc.

If you are interested in completing a certification training program, such as dental assisting or dental hygiene, you may review the options available at local community colleges and through online programs:

Hobbies

As mentioned above, dental schools are not interested in robots. Therefore, it is perfectly fine to participate in activities that are not directly related to dentistry or healthcare. Sports, music, dancing, etc. can all fall into this category. Admissions committees recognize applicants are individuals whose lives do not revolve fully around dental medicine (this is true for dentists too!) and appreciate those that participate in activities that help foster a healthier, more well-balanced lifestyle. Indeed, engaging in hobbies is a useful strategy for managing stress in dental school as well.

Short answer is yes!

That said, which organization(s) to join is completely up to you. One misconception that students make is that you must join all pre-dental or pre-health clubs. Instead, consider what hobbies and interests you have and seek out like-minded people. General advice for any student is to join at least one academic club and one social club. Academic clubs include professional clubs like pre-dent clubs but also clubs for a major of an academic discipline. Social clubs include Greek life, hobbyist clubs, and other clubs that allow you to explore a variety of extra-curricular activities.

Generally speaking, the impact of joining an student organization (besides gaining friends and learning about a particular area) on your application will depend on your level of involvement. Dental school admissions committees strongly value leadership in applicants. Therefore, it is not enough to simply attend organizational meetings, but you should look for ways to further the mission or cause of the organization. This could mean becoming an officer, but may also mean engaging in activities organized by the club, such as fundraisers, food-drives, volunteer activities, etc. If you are more involved, you will have more to included on your application and discuss during an interview.

Admission can never be guaranteed, but a competitive dental school applicant has:

• Strong GPA (>3.5). Average GPA for admission in 2024 was 3.80 overall/3.74 science. 
• Strong DAT (>19 AA/19 PAT). Average DAT for admission in 2024 was 20 AA/21 PAT).
• Pattern of taking challenging coursework and credit-load (>12/semester)
• Extra-curricular involvement (leadership in student organizations, research, employment, etc.)
• Consistent volunteer experience [Tips for clinical/community experience]
• Experience in or exposure to the dental field (shadowing, volunteering, or employment)
• Engagement in activities or hobbies involving use of hands and manual dexterity
• Personal essay that conveys clear interest in dentistry and specific reasons for pursuing a career as a dentist [Tips for writing personal statements]
• Three letters of evaluation (from faculty, dentists, supervisors) that detail strengths and overall suitability for a career in patient-care and medicine [Tips for requesting letters]

The key is to perform well in your science classes, do well on the DAT, and pursue activities and opportunities that introduce you to the field of dentistry. It also important that you follow your interests as well, even if they are not directly related to dentistry or healthcare. Admissions committees value applicants that well-rounded and have interests outside of dentistry and medicine. 

If you do not feel that you are competitive, you may consider taking a gap-year to address any weaknesses in your application. [Tips for planning a gap-year]

If a student wants to start dental school directly after graduation, they will apply to dental school during the summer term between your final year of your undergrad degree. That said, one of the most important decisions you will make in the application process is deciding when to apply. There is no one timeline that fits all students. It all depends on when you can submit your strongest possible application. Admissions committees don't care if you apply at a certain time; they care that you are a competitive, prepared applicant.

A lot of planning must go into preparing a competitive application, so it's important to carefully consider your timeline. ur office emphasizes the importance of applying when you are the most competitive applicant you can be; do NOT rush your application timeline. Being competitive relies on both academic AND extracurricular experiences. You will need to assess when you will be the most competitive applicant.

Things to consider when determining your application timeline:

Academic Accomplishment

• Have you finished ALL prerequisites? When will these be completed? All prerequisites must be completed by July of the year you hope to start dental school.
• How have you performed in those courses? Do you need more time to improve? Did you receive lower than a B- or opted for a Satisfactory in any prerequisites? Do you need to retake any courses?
• When will you be ready to take the DAT? You should not plan to take the DAT multiple times. Will your score arrive on time to have a complete application turned in before the end of June?  Applying after the end of June could negatively impact your application. 

Experience

• Community Service should be substantial and consistent. If you just started, you are likely not ready.
• Have you gained clinical experience? Can you clearly explain why you are interested in being a dentist? Can you list specific reasons and provide "proof" that you understand what you are getting into?  Your personal statement will be all about why you want to be a dentist, so you need to be able to explain your why. 

Support

• Do you have at least three people who can write strong letters of support? Letters should come from those who can speak highly of your qualifications and suitability for success in medical school. These may include faculty, dentists, volunteer coordinators, research mentors, job supervisors, etc. (Dental schools require one letter from a dentist.)
• Are your family/friends are supportive of your goals? Are they open to you applying to a broad range of dental schools, not just those close to home?
• Have you utilized Health Professions Advising services? Are you familiar with the Health Professions Advisory Committee evaluation process to receive a committee letter?

Your Professional and Personal Goals

• Are you sure of your professional goal? Have you sufficiently investigated the field of dentistry such that you are confident that the career of a dentist is one you wish to pursue, at the exclusion of other careers in healthcare?
• Do you need/want some time for other experiences between undergrad and dental school? Are you burned out? Dental schools are looking for mature students read to accept the challenge. If you need more time to prepare yourself, take it!
• Do you need time to save for/pay for dental school?

School Selection
students typically apply to between 3-10 dental schools. Our office recommends applying to at least all Texas-based schools (4 total).

Factors to consider:

• Location I: Students have the best chance of admission at the public dental schools in their state of residency. Outside of your in-state school(s), consider private schools and other state public schools that accept a reasonable number of out-of-state residents.
• Location II: Urban vs. rural setting, proximity to family, recreational opportunities, cost of living, weather, etc.
• Mission Statements: You should look for schools with mission statements that fit with your own goals.You will do your best work in a place that makes you feel comfortable.
• Curriculum: Seek out information about the curriculum and consider how it fits with your learning style. Pass/fail courses? Recorded lectures? Problem-based learning? Small-groups?
• Cost: Consider tuition and type of financial aid available

Do not focus on 鈥渞ankings鈥�. In fact, the primary governing body of the dental schools (ADEA) does not rank or endorse any ranking of the accredited schools and programs within their organizations. There are no "safety" dental schools. Each and every dental school in the U.S. has rigorous admission standards.

Once you have decided to apply, you will need to review the various application services used by the different dental schools:

• Centralized Application Service: Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS)
• Number of Participating Schools: All public Texas dental schools (4 total)
• Cost: $230 flat fee, which includes all TMDSAS participating medical schools. 
• Fee Assistance? No fee waivers available
• Personal Statement: Two required, One optional. Additional essay required for DDS/PhD applicants.
• Application Timing: Students will apply in the summer of the year preceding their planned matriculation. TMDSAS opens in early May. Submission is allowed in mid-May. Students should wait until their spring grades are posted and enter those into their application before applying.

• Centralized Application Service: AADSAS - Associated American Dental School Application Service
• Number of Participating Schools: 77 in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada
• Cost: $264 which includes one dental school designation. Each additional school is $115.
• Fee Assistance? Yes, through the , which includes a waiver for all AADSAS fees for the first 3 dental school designations on your application.
• Personal Statement Prompt: 1 required.
• Application Timing: Students will apply in the summer of the year preceding their planned matriculation. The AADSAS application opens in early June.

International students in the US on a Visa without permanent U.S. resident status ("Green Card") often find  that it is much more difficult to enter a U.S. dental school than it is to enter a U.S. university or graduate school to study for a Ph.D. or M.S. degree.

Many U.S. dental schools give preference to legal residents of the geographic state in which the school is located. Eligibility for many U.S. Federal Government sponsored financial loans may require being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

That said, international students are still eligible to many dental schools in the United States and Canada.

International students should review the admissions requirements and policies of the specific dental schools in which they hope to apply.

NOTE: At this time, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry is the only Texas dental school that accepts International or DACA applicants.

How do I apply as an international applicant?

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and/or who have earned degrees at foreign institutions can be eligible for admission provided that they have completed:

• At least 90 credit hours of college course work including the prerequisites for dental school in a fully accredited college or university in the United States,

or

• Earned a baccalaureate degree in a fully accredited college or university in the United States.

Texas dental schools give preference to Texas residents, who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents or who are in the process of gaining U.S. permanent residency by the time of dental school enrollment.  (Official documentation will be required at the time of dental school application and before matriculation.)

Additional Resources:

• ADEA Guide to Financial Aid for International Students
• Graduate Scholarship Resources for Undocumented or International Applicants

• Financing A Dental Education

Application Services

Professional Associations

• (ADEA)