Career Options
Careers in dentistry range from family dentistry, dental surgery, and orthodontics to dental medicine, oral biology and pathology, and dental anesthesiology.

Curriculum and Career Planning
Students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry must acquire a strong foundation in the sciences during their undergraduate careers and have a proven track record of academic success.

• Timeline - Students should refer to Alfred University's Pre-health Timeline and Checklist to assist them in career planning.
• Coursework - Applicants to dental school must demonstrate competence in biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Additional courses such as biochemistry, physiology, and upper level courses in biology and chemistry obtained with a major or minor will strengthen the credentials for undergraduates applying to dental schools; furthermore, applicants typically have a liberal arts background. Each school has its own requirements but students should refer to the Pre-Dental Curriculum Worksheet to assist them in developing their program of study.
• Grades - Applicants should have a grade point average above a 3.0 as well as a general interest in the field of dentistry.
• Testing - Performance on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is another crucial factor in the dental school admissions process. Students should take the DAT no later than the fall of the academic year before they plan to matriculate.
• Official transcripts - Transcripts from all previous academic institutions must be submitted.
• Interview - Applicants must go through an interview process.
• Credential File/Dossier - Alfred University's Career Development Center provides detailed instructions on preparing your credential file/dossier. In addition, there is a pre-health dossier checklist to make sure your credential file/dossier is complete.

Application
Candidates should apply through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).