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wooohooo · 09-26-2010, 02:52 PM

So you want to enter into the wonderful world of Dentistry eh? Let me tell you, it's not gonna be easy.

If you can use AP credits, I would think for sure use them. I believe they count as an A- for university level credits. Use them if you can, it's really worth it. Unless you are super super smart and know you can get an A/A+ then don't risk it. Plus if your goal is to get in after 2 years, you will for sure need to take higher level courses to get in.

I got in and received acceptance to Dentistry after my fourth year but decided to reject it and take a whole new career path. But I'll try to give you some tips I've learnt on the process.

I had a few good friends (not Dentists) who got in after 2nd year and knew a few people on the admissions committee at U of A. So if you need more information let me know and I'll ask them for you.

You will need to basically take all the prerequisites so that means 2x physics, bio, chemistry, biochemistry, math etc. Your first two years will be a living hell as physics, bio, chemistry all have labs. Essentially you won't have a life. Getting into a graduate program is not easy. The hardest thing to do is maintain exceptional marks. Now I'm not talking about a 3.5, that won't get you anywhere these days. You will need at least a 3.8+. On top of that you have to write your Dental Aptitude Test. There's the canadian DAT and American DAT. The Canadian one has different sections (minus organic chemistry) but you have carving. You should start working/studying your DATs pretty soon. US DAT has no carving but has organic and math or something like that. To apply to Canadian schools I think you have to write the canadian dat, and not american. But for American, you can use both (but exceptions to some schools).

My marks were only in the 3.6 range but my carving I hit a perfect 30. So either you need phenomenal marks and a decently good DAT or Okay (3.5+) and a exceptional DAT. But different schools weigh it differently so might want to look into that. If I remember, UA is more GPA whereas UBC and Waterloo are more DAT.

Next you will want to have some extracurricular activities, and lab/work experience. I worked at a Dental clinic and did laboratory work. If you are granted an interview, they will most likely ask you about what you did. This is pretty important so start asking Dentists now. Also get in shadowing hours if you can. It's not looked as much in Canada but if you apply to the states, it's about a minimum of 40+ hrs.

You will also need a Letter of intent explaining why you want to do Dentistry, what made you interested. I heard this can be almost as important as your marks.

Get to know your professors very well and get a solid recommendation written up. A mediocre one won't do you much good so start talking to them and tell them you want a letter early.

If you can achieve a 3.8+ (which is ridiculously hard) and a solid DAT mark, and do all what I said above, you will surely be granted an interview. Getting into Dentistry is as competitive as Medicine now so don't think it's very easy. 10+ years ago you only really needed a 3.3 or so but times have changed. Even pharmacy you need like a 3.5.

In the interview, it'll be pretty daunting so prepare prepare prepare. Very intimidating depending on the style... MMI etc.

Well good luck, and if you have further questions let me know!

09-26-2010, 02:52 PM	#8
wooohooo #1 Goaltender Join Date: Apr 2006 Exp:	So you want to enter into the wonderful world of Dentistry eh? Let me tell you, it's not gonna be easy. If you can use AP credits, I would think for sure use them. I believe they count as an A- for university level credits. Use them if you can, it's really worth it. Unless you are super super smart and know you can get an A/A+ then don't risk it. Plus if your goal is to get in after 2 years, you will for sure need to take higher level courses to get in. I got in and received acceptance to Dentistry after my fourth year but decided to reject it and take a whole new career path. But I'll try to give you some tips I've learnt on the process. I had a few good friends (not Dentists) who got in after 2nd year and knew a few people on the admissions committee at U of A. So if you need more information let me know and I'll ask them for you. You will need to basically take all the prerequisites so that means 2x physics, bio, chemistry, biochemistry, math etc. Your first two years will be a living hell as physics, bio, chemistry all have labs. Essentially you won't have a life. Getting into a graduate program is not easy. The hardest thing to do is maintain exceptional marks. Now I'm not talking about a 3.5, that won't get you anywhere these days. You will need at least a 3.8+. On top of that you have to write your Dental Aptitude Test. There's the canadian DAT and American DAT. The Canadian one has different sections (minus organic chemistry) but you have carving. You should start working/studying your DATs pretty soon. US DAT has no carving but has organic and math or something like that. To apply to Canadian schools I think you have to write the canadian dat, and not american. But for American, you can use both (but exceptions to some schools). My marks were only in the 3.6 range but my carving I hit a perfect 30. So either you need phenomenal marks and a decently good DAT or Okay (3.5+) and a exceptional DAT. But different schools weigh it differently so might want to look into that. If I remember, UA is more GPA whereas UBC and Waterloo are more DAT. Next you will want to have some extracurricular activities, and lab/work experience. I worked at a Dental clinic and did laboratory work. If you are granted an interview, they will most likely ask you about what you did. This is pretty important so start asking Dentists now. Also get in shadowing hours if you can. It's not looked as much in Canada but if you apply to the states, it's about a minimum of 40+ hrs. You will also need a Letter of intent explaining why you want to do Dentistry, what made you interested. I heard this can be almost as important as your marks. Get to know your professors very well and get a solid recommendation written up. A mediocre one won't do you much good so start talking to them and tell them you want a letter early. If you can achieve a 3.8+ (which is ridiculously hard) and a solid DAT mark, and do all what I said above, you will surely be granted an interview. Getting into Dentistry is as competitive as Medicine now so don't think it's very easy. 10+ years ago you only really needed a 3.3 or so but times have changed. Even pharmacy you need like a 3.5. In the interview, it'll be pretty daunting so prepare prepare prepare. Very intimidating depending on the style... MMI etc. Well good luck, and if you have further questions let me know!