Which colleges are best for dentistry majors?

Hi there! I'm a rising junior trying to decide on potential colleges, and I'm interested in dentistry. Does anybody know which colleges have strong programs or resources for dentistry majors?

Hey, glad to see you planning ahead! If you're interested in dentistry, you'd likely be majoring in something like Biology or Biochemistry in college, since most schools don't offer a specific "dentistry" undergraduate major.

That said, some schools do have specialized "pre-dentistry" tracks that can provide you with the courses and resources necessary to apply to dental school, which is ultimately where you would train to become a dentist. "Pre-dentistry" isn't a major, but instead a pathway that recommends certain classes and extracurriculars that are beneficial for dental school admissions.

Schools like the University of Florida and Baylor University have well-regarded pre-dentistry tracks that provide resources such as advising, opportunities for shadowing or internships, and support navigating the dental school application process.

Also, schools with well-established dental schools, such as the University of Pennsylvania or New York University, could provide opportunities for undergraduate research within the dental school, or perhaps mentoring or networking opportunities.

Remember that you should also consider factors such as class size, location, tuition, financial aid, and culture when deciding where to go. Also, given the competitiveness of dental school admissions, you want to choose a school where you feel you can keep up a strong GPA.

Last but not least, don't forget to gain clinical experience and volunteering hours as these are vital for your dental school application. So wherever you decide to go, make sure they support these opportunities as well!

Keep these points in mind as you research schools and best of luck on your college journey!