Which colleges have good programs for future orthodontists?

Hey friends, I want to become an orthodontist and I'm in search of colleges that offer strong dental-related programs. Which schools are known for this? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's fantastic that you've already identified your passion for orthodontics. When it comes to undergraduate programs, there aren't specific "pre-orthodontics" majors. Instead, you'll want to focus on a strong pre-dental program or major in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, which will prepare you for dental school.

For your undergraduate studies, you should consider universities that offer excellent pre-health advising and opportunities for research and shadowing in the dental field.

Some well-known schools with strong pre-dental support and a solid reputation in the sciences include:

1. University of Pennsylvania — Home to the highly ranked Penn Dental Medicine school, UPenn has a fantastic pre-dental program, and the proximity to the dental school allows for research and shadowing opportunities.

2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) — Known for its strong life sciences programs and its College of Letters and Science, which offers pre-health advising for aspiring dental students.

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) — They have an excellent pre-dental program with a dedicated pre-dental advising office and a dental school on campus.

4. University of Florida — Strong in the sciences and offers a pre-dental advising program for students interested in pursuing a dental career.

5. University of Michigan — Known for its robust pre-health advising programs and strong programs in biology and chemistry, it also has a highly ranked dental school on campus.

Remember, the most important factor is completing the prerequisite courses for dental school and gaining relevant experience, such as research, shadowing, and volunteering. Look for colleges that provide these resources and have a proven track record of sending students to dental school. Also, keep extracurricular activities relevant to dental professions in mind, such as pre-dental clubs or organizations.

Once you complete your bachelor's degree, you'll need to apply to dental school, where you'll spend an additional four years earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After that, you'll pursue an orthodontic residency program for further specialization.

Best of luck on your journey to becoming an orthodontist!