Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take the DAT?
We advise that you take the DAT after you complete all of the intro biology courses (and biochemistry if possible) and all of the organic chemistry courses and before, not during, the time you wish to apply to dental school. Studying for the DAT can be extremely draining and take anywhere from 1-3 months to study for, so we recommend studying during a school break, ideally in the summertime. For example, if you finished your intro biology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry courses by the end of your 2nd year, you can spend the following summer between your 2nd & 3rd year (while the information is still fresh) to study for the DAT and schedule it for September before school starts; this is ideal for those who are not planning on taking a gap year and who will be applying to dental school at the end of their 3rd year. Taking the DAT during the summer between your 3rd & 4th years is also ideal for the gap-year path, where you apply at the end of your 4th year. Remember, DAT scores expire after 2 years!
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When should I apply?
You may technically apply whenever. There is no specific one timeline-fits-all to when someone should go to dental school. If you do not want to take a gap year, you must apply in the cycle that begins in the summer right after your Junior year. Dental school apps are rolling - so you can apply anytime from when it opens, in June, to whenever each individual school’s deadline is (December - Spring the next year). Although you have a large window of time to apply, it is highly highly highly recommended that you apply as early as possible in the cycle, because it can definitely make or break your chances of getting an interview at more competitive schools. Apply on June 1st if you can :)
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Does my major matter?
Nope! Your major does not matter, as long as you complete the required courses as outlined by each individual dental school (check websites for specific requirements). However, majoring in something like biology does make it easier to complete these requirements without taking extra units and to get into the required classes, but your degree can be of any subject. Applicants who have less common majors tend to stand out, as long as they get a good grade in their science courses.
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Do I need research experience?
Research experience looks great on any application, but it is not required. However, it is a considerable factor when applying to schools that are more research-heavy, such as UCSF. If you do decide to do research, it does not have to be dentistry nor science-related. Find something you are passionate about and can talk about confidently in interviews.
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What are the standard extracurriculars needed for being a competitive applicant? Do they need to be dental-related?
Extracurriculars that show passion and commitment are necessary for being a competitive applicant, but they do not need to be dental-related. Your extracurriculars are a great way to supplement your hobbies and interests mentioned in your application, and they are also a great way to get more involved in and to take on leadership roles in activities you love. It is best to pick a few activities and to stay involved in them throughout your entire college career than to spread yourself out amongst numerous activities and be slightly involved for short periods of time.
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Do work or internships count as shadowing?
They don’t. It is ideal for you to have at least 100 hours of shadowing mostly general dentists (but some specialty shadowing hours are great) on top of any work or internship experience that you have. Work experience as a dental assistant doesn’t count as shadowing because your attention is not 100% focused on the dentist and their job.
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Do I need to take Chem 6CL?
Chem 6CL is NOT REQUIRED. Although dental schools require a complete year of organic chemistry lab, the curriculum for Chem 6AL-BL at UCSB is so dense that it counts as a year.
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Should I take the MCDB 108 series or MCDB 110?
Depends on what schools you want to apply to! If your major doesn’t already require you to take the MCDB 108 series, then MCDB 110 is an easier option that fulfills a single quarter of biochemistry. However, if a school you want to apply to requires 2 quarters of biochemistry (ie. University of Washington), then you must take the MCDB 108 series.