Dentistry is a healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining oral health. The realization that oral care can have a serious impact on systemic health drives the expansion of new professional opportunities each year. Additional training in dentistry allows specialization in fields such as Endodontics, Periodontics, Orthodontics, and many more.
Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities
Repair cracked or fractured teeth and remove teeth
Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth
Administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures
Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
Examine x rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas in order to diagnose problems
Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures, to fit patients
Teach patients about diets, flossing, the use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care
Communication skills: Dentists must have excellent communication skills. They must be able to communicate effectively with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists.
Detail oriented: Dentists must be detail oriented so that patients receive appropriate treatments and medications. They also must pay attention to the shape and color of teeth and to the space between them. For example, they may need to closely match a false tooth with a patient’s other teeth.
Dexterity: Dentists must be good at working with their hands. They work with tools in a limited area.
Leadership skills: Most dentists work in their own practice. This requires them to manage and lead a staff.
Organizational skills: Strong organizational skills, including the ability to keep accurate records of patient care, are critical in both medical and business settings.
Patience: Dentists may work for long periods of time with patients who need special attention. Children and patients with a fear of dental work may require a lot of patience.
Physical stamina: Dentists should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as bending over patients for long periods.
Problem-solving skills: Dentists need strong problem-solving skills. They must evaluate patients’ symptoms and choose the appropriate treatments.
| Subject | Emory Courses | Prerequisite for dental schools? | Needed for DAT Prep? |
Chemistry (General and Organic - 2 semesters each) | CHEM 150, 202, 203, and 204 with labs | Yes | Yes |
| Introductory Biology (2 semesters) | BIOL 141 and 142 with labs | Yes | Yes |
| Physics (2 semesters) | PHYS 141 and 142 with labs or PHYS 151 and 152 with labs | Yes | No |
| Biochemistry (1 semester) | BIOL 301 or CHEM 340 | Yes | Recommended |
| Microbiology (1 semester) | BIOL 370 (lab recommended) | Many | No |
| Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters) | BIOL 285 (Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 with lab) | Some | No |
| Math** (1-2 semesters) | QTM 100 or QTM 110 or ECON 220 and/or MATH 111 (or higher level) | Many | Statistics Recommended |
| Psychology (1 semester) | Any course with PSYC prefix | Few | No |
| English/Writing (2 semesters) | Any course with ENG prefix or Any Continued Communication (CC) course or Any course ending in W taught in the English language | Yes | No |
**Please confirm if your major course of study plan requires a specific course
This chart is a list of common pre-dental requirements and the Emory course equivalents. The course prerequisites vary across programs. This list does not include all courses that may be required by dental schools. Additionally, schools have differing policies for accepting AP/IB credits to fulfill prerequisites. Students are responsible for verifying the prerequisite coursework and policies of the schools to which they plan to apply.
Helpful resources include ASDA’s Guide for Pre-dental Students, ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools, and individual school websites.
Students are required to the read the DAT Guide before submitting an application to test.
Length: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Sections: There are four sections - Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning
Cost: The registration fee is $445 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 $36 each. Requests for ADA Partial Fee Waivers can be made starting on January 1 and applicants should apply ASAP.
Scores: Scores range from 1-30.
DAT Prep Resources: There are a variety of DAT prep resources, each differing in both cost and teaching style. PHA does not endorse any specific test prep resource, but we encourage you to explore each of the different options to determine which will best fit your needs.
PHA does not endorse any specific preparation program or company.
Number of schools: Students typically apply to between 8-12 dental schools.
Factors to consider:
Additional resources for school selection:
Applications for both AADSAS and TMDSAS are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend applying as early in the cycle as possible. For additional information on Centralized Application Services, see the "Apply" section of the PHA website.
Centralized Application Service: AADSAS - Associated American Dental School Application Service
Number of Participating Schools: 67 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico
Cost: $245 which includes one dental school designation. Each additional school is $99.
Fee Assistance? Yes, through the AADSAS Fee Assistance Program, which includes a waiver for all AADSAS fees for the first 3 dental school designations on your application.
Personal Statement Prompt: “In your personal statement, you will explain why you want to pursue a dental career.” 4,500 character limit
Application Timing: Students will apply in the summer of the year preceding their planned matriculation. The AADSAS application opens in early June.
Texas residents must apply to public Texas dental schools through the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). Non-Texas residents may apply to Texas public schools through AADSAS. TMDSAS opens in May and costs a flat fee of $150. For additional information on TMDSAS see the TMDSAS Website and the TMDSAS Applicant Manual.
Dental schools typically require between 3-4 recommendation letters. The PHA typically recommends at least one of your letters be from a science faculty member and one be from a PI or research supervisor (if you participated in research). The other letters should be made up of professional references who can write compellingly about your personal qualities that will contribute to a successful career in dentistry. Some schools may require a letter of recommendation from a dentist. Students should check each school's requirements to ensure you have the required letters.
AADSAS allows you to submit up to four letters. Individual dental schools also sometimes ask for additional letters of evaluation separate from the AADSAS application. A Composite Letter counts as 3 recommendation letters in AADSAS, regardless of the number of individual letters attached to the Composite Letter.
If you are applying to dental school and you are a current Emory student or an alumni who graduated from Emory within the last two years, you may be eligible to apply for a Composite Letter. Composite Letters are strongly recommended, although not required, for dental schools.
After submitting the primary application, and secondary applications where required, students may receive interview offers any time between August-April in the year preceding matriculation. The interview is one of the most important elements in the healthcare professions application process. When a school invites you to an interview, they are indicating an interest in selecting you. The interview gives both of you the opportunity to exchange information to determine if you are a good “fit” for each other.
Dental schools require personal interviews with applicants to assess qualities such as self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and ability to overcome challenges. Be prepared to discuss why you wish to pursue a career in dentistry and the experiences that have motivated you.
Resources: