Pre-Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining oral health. It is a dynamic health profession, offering opportunities to become a successful, highly respected member of the community.
Dental specialties:
- Endodontists diagnose and treat injuries that are specific to the dental nerves and pulp (matter inside the tooth)
- Oral and maxillofacial pathologists study and research the causes, processes and effects of diseases with oral manifestations
- Oral and maxillofacial radiologists take and interpret conventional, digital, CT, MRI and allied imaging modalities of oral-facial structures and disease
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide diagnostic services and treatment for injuries, diseases and defects of the neck, head, jaw and associated structures
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedists diagnose and treat problems related to irregular dental development, missing teeth and other abnormalities.
- Pediatric dentists treat children from birth to adolescence
- Periodontists provide corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum disease
- Prosthodontists restore and replace teeth damaged by decay or lost from trauma or disease, with fixed or removable appliances constructed with newly developed dental material
- Dental public health specialists develop policies and programs, such as health care reform, that affect the community at large
- Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide preventative oral care and perform a wide range of duties depending on state licensure
(source: )
- Join the Pre-Health Professions Program and request to be added to the
- Meet with the Pre-Health Professions Advisor each semester to make a professional and academic development plan and review your progress
- Choose a degree major that you enjoy and that provides a good “back-up plan” and career path in case you change your mind about dentistry; common majors include biology, chemistry, and microbiology, but all majors will be considered if a student completes the prerequisite courses and other admissions standards established by individual dental programs
- Carefully check admission requirements at dental schools of most interest and take the required coursework (visit the website for more details). Here is suggested U of I coursework for students interested in Dentistry.
- Consider purchasing the which includes each school's entrance requirements (GPA, Dental Admissions Test scores, and pre-dental education), application and selection processes, dental curriculum, special programs and services, costs, and financial aid
- For students interested in dental hygiene,
- Get significant shadowing and clinical experience and maintain a formal log (Professional Development Activities Log); be sure to meet clinical experience requirements of your preferred schools, as they can vary widely
- Get involved in extracurricular, leadership, and volunteer activities
- Develop strong relationships with faculty mentors, dental professionals, and others who will be writing letters of reference
- Attend Pre-Health Professions Program workshops and networking events
The application process consists of taking the , applying through the , submitting college transcripts and letters of reference, and participating in invited interviews.
Your Pre-Health Advisor can assist you with preparing these materials and conducting mock interviews prior to meeting with admissions personnel.
The Pre-Health Professions Program office has several study materials to help students prepare for the DAT. Please contact pre-health@uidaho.edu for more information about the Pre-Health Lending Library. Those intending to take the DAT should also carefully review this .
- Center for Volunteerism & Social Action
- Education Abroad Program
- Lending Library pdf
- Professional Development Activities Log docx
- Self Assessment and Planning Worksheet docx
- U of I Research Opportunities
- U of I Scholarships