Dentistry
"Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. A dentist is a scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions." (American Dental Education Association)
Dentists can practice in several clinical fields including general dentistry, dental public health, endodontics (dental nerves and pulp), orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics (tissue and bone supporting teeth), prosthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial pathology, radiology, and surgery.
Programs
· There are 69 Dental programs in the US and Canada
· A list of accredited programs can be found online
· The dental programs in Florida are:
Admission Requirements
·Most programs look for a minimum undergraduate GPA 3.0 but the average GPA for matriculants is around 3.5 ·The required courses typically include: oGeneral Biology or Zoology with lab - 2 semesters oGeneral or inorganic chemistry with lab - 2 semesters oOrganic chemistry with lab - 2 semesters oPhysics with lab - 2 semesters oBiochemistry - 1 semester oMicrobiology 1 semester oCell Biology, Molecular Biology, or Genetics - 1 semester oEnglish - 2 semesters oOther courses that some programs require include General Psychology, Histology, Human Anatomy and Physiology. ·A minimum DAT score of 16 is typical with the average for matriculants about 19 ·3 letters of evaluation or a committee letter ·Experience in dentistry ·Some schools require applicants to use the centralized application service
Timeline
·The AADSAS application becomes available in June and the deadline for submission for the two Florida programs is December 1 ·DAT should be taken in time for scores to be reported before the application deadline
Resources
· American Dental Education Association
· Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)