Pre-Dentistry

Steps you should be taking in your first year at Boise State:

1. Attend Orientation
2. Required Advising Appointment
3. Start Major Exploration
4. Start Exploring Schools
5. Consider taking the courses listed to the right in your first year

Students should consult the Admission Requirements of U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools handbook for requirements specific to their professional schools of interest. For additional information, visit http://www.adea.org/.

Information is available from advisors concerning the Idaho Dental Education Program (IDEP), a state-supported tuition program for qualified Idaho residents to professional schools outside the state of Idaho.

Steps you should consider taking during your second year at Boise State:

1. Find Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities
2. Start Networking
3. Student Involvement and getting to know your advisors and instructors (especially science)

Steps you should consider taking during your third year at Boise State:

1. Find Shadowing and Observation Opportunities
2. Attend Upperclassmen and Application Cohort Meetings
3. Start Reflecting and Writing Your Experiences

Steps you should consider taking during your fourth year at Boise State:

1.  Start Practicing for Interviews
2. Continue Gaining Experiences
3. Start the Application

Web Resources

• American Dental Association (ADA)
• ADA School Listing
• Dental Admission Test (DAT)
• American Dental Education Association
• GoDental
• Pre-Dental Club
• Exploring Health Careers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics  – Occupational Outlook Handbook

Is a bachelor’s degree required for a Pre-Dental Studies pathway?

A: Yes! A bachelor’s degree is required, and while subjects dedicated to the sciences may make tying in the coursework required for dental school easier, students are not required to choose a science major. We recommend that students select a major they are passionate about and enjoy. As Pre-Health Advisors, we can tie the requirements for dental school with the requirements for a student’s major. It is also essential to maintain a relationship with your major advisor.

Is there an admissions test for Dental School?

A: Most schools require the DAT (Dental Admissions Test)

What are other non-academic requirements for Dental School?

A: Dental students must complete shadowing and observation hours. Look at the suggested direct patient care experience for each program. Dental programs also like to see community service, volunteer work hours, letters of recommendation, and that you have good manual dexterity skills. This last one can be proven by participating in various art forms (drawing, painting, crochet, etc.).