Introduction

 

           Individuals preparing for dental school are encouraged to successfully complete a regular four-year curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Although it is by no means necessary for an applicant to pursue a major in one of the Natural Sciences, certain core courses are required by each dental school. On average, it is necessary for predental students to complete courses in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Physics, and English. However, applicants should check with each dental school individually to determine what its own set of admission requirements may be.
    Students interested in Dentistry should be aware of the characteristics that each school looks for in all of its applicants. Typically, dental schools accept individuals with the following criteria:

· Those who have satisfactory academic abilities as shown by their undergraduate grade point average (GPA), difficulty of course load, completion of the required predental courses, and scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

· Those who demonstrate a commitment to service and a desire to help others. This is shown by their participation in extracurricular and volunteer activities that involve interaction with others.

· Those who have psychomotor skills sufficient to perform the necessary tasks required in dentistry. These skills are shown by their performance on the perceptual ability portion of the DAT and by participation in hobbies and other experiences outside of the normal college curriculum that require the use of one’s psychomotor abilities.

Those who have thoroughly investigated and demonstrated knowledge of the dental profession. Information can be obtained by talking with and observing dentists in their own practice, and by reading dental-related literature.

 

In addition, most dental schools require at least three letters of recommendation from faculty who are familiar with your academic abilities. These letters are important because they other insight into your abilities as a student as well as your personality and character. It will benefit you to get to know some faculty members well enough to ask them for letters when needed.

 

This booklet concentrates mostly on the specific information regarding UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Although it is a good standard, if you are interested in applying to other schools, you should consult them individually.

 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Albert Guckes
Interim Assistant Dean, Predoctoral Education and Admissions
Associate Professor Department of Prosthodontics
UNC School of Dentistry
CB# 7450, 170A Old Dental School
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7450

Phone: 966-4565
Email: AD_Guckes@dentistry.unc.edu

                          Or

At UNCW

Dr. Timothy Ballard

Pre-Health Professions Advisor

Dobo 115, (910) 962-7263