Choosing a Major for Dentistry - What's Best?

Hello, my dream has always been to be a dentist and I'm wondering if there's a best college major for dentistry? I know most future dentists are biology or chemistry majors, but are there any other majors that could also provide a good preparation for a dentistry career?

While there's no specific major that dentistry schools require, most future dentists opt for science majors such as biology or chemistry as these give a solid foundation in the sciences, which is useful for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and the dentistry coursework. However, you're not limited to these majors. Other majors such as psychology, biochemistry, physics, or even art could be used to prepare for a career in dentistry.

Dentists need to have good understanding of biology and chemistry, true, but they also need good interpersonal skills, understanding of why people behave the way they do (which you could gain from a psychology major) and manual dexterity (which could be developed in an art major, believe it or not!). Dentistry is a blend of art and science, after all.

Biochemistry and physics could also be useful as they provide insight into the physical processes that affect our bodies and our oral health. However, do keep in mind that whichever major you choose, you'll still need to complete the prerequisite courses for dental school, which typically include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and possibly biochemistry and math. So, as long as you can complete those courses while pursuing your chosen major, you should be well-prepared for a future in dentistry.

However, perhaps the most important factor is to pick a major that genuinely interests you and in which you can perform exceptionally well. Being passionate about your major can help you maintain a strong GPA, which is a crucial factor in dental school admissions. Moreover, a unique major could even make you stand out during the application process!

Ultimately, the choice depends on your interests and career goals. You could consider speaking to a pre-health advisor at your school if you need more guidance. They could provide advice based on your specific circumstances and goals.