Yo, I'm a junior right now, and I'm really interested in becoming an orthodontist! Are there any particularly well-respected colleges with a pre-dentistry or similar program that could set me up for this track? Thanks so much!
Hello there! It's admirable that you have such clear career goals. To become an orthodontist, you'll need first to complete a bachelor's degree, usually in a science-related field like Biology or Chemistry, and then proceed to dental school.
While you can study virtually any field in your undergraduate education, some colleges do offer pre-dental tracks that may be a good fit. For example, Nova Southeastern University offers a pre-dental program. This program includes all the required prerequisites for dental schools and guides students through the dental school application process.
The University of Florida is another institution that offers a pre-dental program, which includes educational activities like seminars and engagement with dental professionals.
Major research universities such as the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and UCLA have robust tracks for students interested in pursuing health-related graduate programs, including dentistry.
Success in these programs typically depends on your performance in coursework, your DAT (Dental Admission Test) score, and your involvement with relevant extracurricular activities. Most dental schools will look for hands-on experience, so opportunities such as research, internships, or shadowing a dentist (especially an orthodontist since that's your interest) can be valuable.
However, do keep in mind that pre-dentistry is not a major, but rather a track or a series of courses that are recommended for students who plan to apply to dental school. The schools that I mentioned are well-known for their science programs, and offer the necessary guidance and resources for pre-dental students to thrive.
Lastly, you'll want to check out the American Dental Education Association's website, which provides valuable resources for prospective dental students.
Good luck with your journey to becoming an orthodontist!
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