What’s Dentistry?
The dental profession is the branch of health care devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other tissues in and around the mouth. A dentist is a doctor, scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.
Dentists play a key role in the early detection of oral cancer and other systemic conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth. They often identify other health conditions, illnesses, and other problems that sometimes show up in the oral cavity before they are identified in other parts of the body.

What jobs can you get as a Dentistry graduate?
A dental education opens up a world of professional opportunities. In addition to private practice, today’s dental school graduates can choose other dental career options including working in hospital emergency rooms, conducting advanced laboratory research, teaching future dentists or even traveling the world with international health and relief organizations.

What degrees can you study?
B.S. Dental Hygiene
B.S. Public Health Dental Hygiene
M.S. Dentistry (M.S.D.)
M.S. Dental Materials
D.D.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery
D.M.D Doctor of Dental Medicine

The majority of dental students possess a bachelor’s degree before they enter dental school. Some have graduate degrees. A few dental schools will admit a few students through early admissions programs with two to three years of undergraduate preparation. However, you should plan to earn your bachelor’s degree before starting dental school. Many programs encourage students to take courses in social sciences, as it just as important to be able to relate to patients and deal with many different personalities and perspectives as it is to have a good background in biology. The majority of dental students, however, still majored in biology and chemistry. Dental schools look for students who demonstrate a strong ability to handle a rigorous course load, which will hopefully translate to their success with the academic curriculum of dental school. All U.S. dental schools require the Dental Admission Test (DAT), it is recommended that you take the test at least one year before you want to go to dental school.

Sample course curriculum
Introduction to Critical Thinking and Professional Behavior
Introduction to Patient Care
Molecular Cell Biology
Tooth Morphology Lab
Single Tooth Indirect Restorations Lecture
Developmental, Structural and Functional Craniofacial Biology
Introduction to Operative Dentistry
Dental Radiography
Applied Clinical Dentistry
Removable Prosthodontics Lecture
Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine
Comprehensive Care and Patient Management
Complete Denture Clinic