Pre-dental studies: What's the best major to pick in college?

Hello all! I have plans to be a dentist in the future and I'm trying to set myself up the best way I can. Can anyone shed light on which major might be the best match for attending dental school later on?

Hello! The choice of major for future dental school students isn't typically as restrictive as you might think. Dental schools generally don't mandate a particular major for undergraduate studies. However, they do require that you complete the necessary prerequisite coursework - typically biology, chemistry (both inorganic and organic), physics, and biochemistry courses. There's also a required dental admissions test (DAT) which will cover a lot of material from these courses.

A major often chosen by pre-dental students is biology or biochemistry due to the overlap with these prerequisite classes. It often turns out to be more convenient to major in these disciplines because the required coursework for the major will simultaneously satisfy many of the prerequisites for dental school.

However, it's just as valid to major in something unrelated to science, like English or history, provided you also complete the required science coursework. In fact, choosing a non-science major can help you demonstrate a well-rounded academic background and a unique, interdisciplinary perspective on the field, which could benefit you when applying to dental schools.

Do be aware that if you major in something that doesn't have much overlap with dental school prerequisites, you'll need to be highly organized to get everything done and graduate on time. You may need to even take some summer classes, or be open to the possibility of graduating a term late.

One thing that could help you stay on track might be blending science and your other interests, by majoring in something standard for aspiring dentists and minoring in a subject that you're passionate about, or vice versa majoring in a non-science subject and minoring in science to ensure you meet the prerequisites.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that your grades matter significantly. Regardless of major, maintaining a strong GPA, particularly in science courses, is crucial for dental school admissions. And combining good grades with hands-on experiences, like internships or research projects, can make your application even more appealing.

So, the 'best' major for pre-dental studies really depends on what you're most interested in and where your academic strengths lie. That being said, biology or biochemistry are common choices due to the convenient overlap with prerequisite coursework.

Good luck with your journey to dental school!