Pre-Health Dentistry

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

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 Pre-Dental Curriculum 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 Checklist 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.
• It is important to get to know faculty members so that they can write appropriate letters of recommendation. The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee at Alfred University can prepare a Pre-Medical Committee Letter for students.

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

Early Acceptance Program

LECOM has special Early Acceptance Programs with Alfred University that grants qualified students a provisional early acceptance to LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine. Application to the EAP is separate from the application to the undergraduate school.

A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. While current undergraduate students may apply, they should contact the prehealth advisor at their school to see if they qualify. Students must submit their inquiry form before the beginning of their third year at Alfred University.

Programs

4+4 Track - This program is only available in Bradenton, FL. The student must have a provisional letter of acceptance in the EAP before starting their third year at the undergraduate institution. Upon submitting an AADSAS application, completing four years of undergraduate study, taking the DAT and successfully meeting certain GPA and other requirements, the student enters LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine the following July. LECOM graduates receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Step 1

Students apply to enroll in the EAP by following the link “Early Acceptance Program Inquiry” found on the My LECOM Portal. LECOM will review the application. Student must meet the requirements to be successful.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (international students may apply to Pharmacy);
• Must not hold a bachelor’s degree or higher;
• Must have at least two years remaining as a full-time student at Alfred University;
• SAT Score (Math and Verbal Reasoning) greater than or equal to 1170 on a single exam taken before 3/1/16, a SAT score of 1240 or higher on a single exam taken after 3/1/16 or an ACT Composite score greater than or equal to 26 on a single exam;
• A high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher.
• Students already attending Alfred University must have at least a cumulative overall GPA of 3.2 and a science GPA of 3.1 or higher

Step 2

If the student meets the requirements, LECOM will offer the student a list of EAP interview dates to self-schedule an interview.

Step 3

Following a successful interview, LECOM will notify the student that they qualify for a provisional letter of acceptance from LECOM and they will be enrolled for participation in the EAP upon approval by Alfred University of their choice and submission of their school email address to LECOM. The student and Alfred will then be sent the provisional letter of acceptance.

Step 4

Additional requirements, including a final application to LECOM, must be met for final acceptance to LECOM, but another interview is not required.

Major

Dental schools do not select or give preference to any particular majors; therefore, you do not have to major in the sciences. Dental schools are looking for well-educated and well-rounded individuals.

The minimum course requirements for most U.S. dental schools are listed below with their AU equivalent courses. Please check ADEA.org and website of specific dental schools for any additional requirements.

Liberal Arts

Math/Statistics (requirements vary by school)

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Additional Required or Relevant Coursework

Some schools require or highly recommended that applicants have exposure to advanced science courses, particularly biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and microbiology.

Shadowing

Dental schools want to be sure that applicants have a genuine understanding of the dental profession and dedication to the dental field. As a result, you should develop a mentor relationship with a dental professional and establish a consistent record of volunteer work or service to dental health programs.

Entrance Exam (DAT: Dental Admission Test)

Most dental schools require that applicants take the DAT, which is administered on computer at Prometric Testing Centers and students can register through the American Dental Association’s (ADA) website. The test is usually taken spring semester of junior year and covers four areas of study: 1) a survey of natural sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry); 2) reading comprehension; 3) quantitative reasoning; and 4) perceptual ability.

Timeline

Primary applications begin the summer of the year before enrollment. The ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS®) is the centralized application service for U.S. dental schools and simplifies the application process, allowing you to save time and energy by completing just one application for multiple dental schools. Many schools have rolling admission policies, which mean that they will review applications on an ongoing basis, as submitted. Applicants who submit materials well before the deadlines may receive earlier interviews and consideration for admission! It is advisable to complete your application before the end of the summer.

Early Acceptance Program (EAP)

Alfred University has a special Early Acceptance Program that grants qualified students a provisional early acceptance to LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine. A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. Current undergraduate students must apply before the end of sophomore year for acceptance.

Leadership and Community Service

It is important that you are a well-rounded applicant that participates in meaningful activities on your college campus and within your community. Demonstrating leadership experience will make you stand out from other applicants and show you are actively preparing for your future as a dentist and a leader in your community.