Microsoft Word - Pre Dental SP17 by BTL

Last Updated SP17 by BTL

Pre‐Dentistry

Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth or mouth tissue. They remove

decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth,

straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums

and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and

measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They provide instruction on diet,

brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They also administer

anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications. Dentists perform

research directed to improving oral health and developing new treatment methods

The following employment information taken from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor

Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072.htm

JobOutlook

Employment of dentists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the

average for all occupations. Demand for dental services will increase as the population ages,

cosmetic dental services become increasingly popular, and access to health insurance continues

to grow.

Earnings

The median annual wage for dentists was $158,310 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage

at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,400, and the highest 10 percent earned more than

$187,200.

Pre-Dentistry

EducationalRequirements

Dental candidates must graduate from 1 of the 56 dental schools accredited by the

American Dental Association’s ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and then must

pass written and practical examinations. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the

State licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. A full

list of the requirements is available from http://www.ada.org/

All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When

selecting students, schools consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants’ grade point

averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews.

Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction

and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry,

and physiology. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery

(DDS). The rest award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Educational Programs

Georgia educational campus offering a DMD:

The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University

1120 15th Street Rm AD 1119

Augusta, Georgia 30912-0200

phone: 706-721-2117

website: http://www.augusta.edu/dentalmedicine/

BachelorofScienceinBiologyatValdostaStateUniversity

Requirements for entry to the dental program include biology, chemistry, physics, and

math, which are required for a biology degree at V.S.U. Your pre-dental advisor at

V.S.U. will keep you apprised of the latest developments and advise you of the

necessary extracurricular activities needed for your application to the dentistry

program. Certain elective courses may also be recommended by your advisor.

Formoreinformation,visitourwebsiteatwww.valdosta.edu/biology/advise.htm



Pre-Dentistry

Admission sRequirementsfortheDentalCollegeofGeorgiaatAugustaUniversity

Minimum Requirements information taken from

http://www.augusta.edu/dentalmedicine/admit/requirementsandprerequisites.php

Residency Georgia residents only.

Minimum hours required 90 semester hours (135 quarter hours) at an accredited American

college or university (preference given to students who earn a baccalaureate

degree)

Academic Criteria Minimum overall GPA: 2.8 (average is 3.49)

Dental Admission Test: minimum 14/13

Academic Average/Perceptual Ability average 19.0/19.1

Biology with lab With lab; One academic year

Chemistry With lab, general or inorganic; One academic year

Advanced Chemistry With lab; One academic year of advanced chemistry

Semester requirements: two semester of organic chemistry with lab or one

semester of organic chemistry with lab followed by a second semester of

biochemistry (lab not required)

Physics With lab; one semester or two quarters

English One academic year or the portion of an academic year required for the

baccalaureate degree at an accredited American college or university

Dental Admissions Test Must have taken the Dental Admission Test (DAT) within two years

of applying. The DAT must be taken by the September 30 deadline, 11 months

before those accepted are due to enroll.

Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) Required if not born in the United States and

native language is not English; Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 100,

with 26 in the speaking component.

Recommendations Three required: pre-dental advisor, dentist, and a third personal reference.

Composite recommendations and colleges are counted as one recommendation

(pre-dental advisor). Forms can be found at: www.mcg.edu/SOD/admit/admissions.htm

Interviews Required; By invitation only; Normally held from September to December; Are

with members of the School of Dentistry faculty who help assess the applicant's

personality, motivation and ability; After an applicant has been granted an

interview, a 2x2 photo and official copies of transcripts of all colleges and

universities attended are to be sent to the dental school admissions office.

Other Factors The Committee considers other factors such as health care and research

experiences, leadership, community services or programs, family responsibilities,

national recognition, ethnic or cultural backgrounds and commitment to practice

in Georgia or health shortage areas.

Application Deadline The application for entering class will be available beginning June 2 until

the September 30 deadline.

Application Fee $30 (non-refundable)