NursingTop 6 Tips for Applying to Dental Schools

Nothing is carved in stone when it comes to applying to a dental school. Where and how you apply is contingent upon your grades and how you present yourself.

If you want to make the most impact, you need to have an excellent scholastic standing, including impressive Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores and also show that you’re a well-rounded candidate.

The Cost Factor: Applying for Dental School Scholarships

In addition, you can use your good grades and commitment to a dental career to apply for dental school scholarships. Therefore, you also have to consider the affordability of going to school and what you can do to cut some of the costs.

Requirements for Applying

To ensure your application is accepted, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.

1. Graduate from a College Bachelor’s Degree Program with a High GPA

You need to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree first before you apply for four years of dental training. To get into a dental program, you also need to have a GPA of at least 3.2. This score relates to a letter grade of B or a percentage grade in a range of 83% to 86%.

2. Shadow Different Dentists in the Field

Most dental schools require applicants to job shadow dentists.You should have around 100 hours of experience in this activity.

3. Participate in Extracurricular Activities

To show that you’re well-rounded, it helps to get involved in dental-related activities and organizations as well as community volunteer work.

4. Have Your DAT Scores Ready

To earn a spot in dental school, you should have already taken the dental admission test (DAT). An average score for the test is 17, which places you in the 50th percentile. To compete and stand out, you should place in the 70th percentile or above.

While students will get accepted with a lower score, a score of 19 to 22, which ranks in the 85th percentile, will greatly boost your chances for acceptance.

5. Gather All the Information for a Stand Out Application

To get into a dental college, your application should also stand out – or grab the attention of the admissions department. Therefore, all the following materials should be included when you apply:

• Your dental college application – neatly filled out
• Your college transcript
• Four recommendation letters
• A written essay
• Your resume or CV
• The DAT scores
• Proof of your job shadowing experiences
• The application fee or other supplemental fees, as required

6. Prepare for an Interview

Once a dental college has received your application, it may request an interview. To ensure you make a good impression, prepare for the appointment by thinking of some of the questions the interviewer may ask.

Typically, interviewers will want to know more about your strengths. Do you have the characteristics that fit well in the dental field? Some of these attributes include the wish to help others, artistic qualities, and a strong background in science.

Stand Out and Shine

You have it in your power to succeed as a dentist. As long as you know what it takes to make a good impression, you’ll be able to showcase your skills and stand out and shine.

This post has been sponsored by HUG CONFECTIONS INC