Are There Good Colleges for Aspiring Dentists?

I'm thinking about a career in dentistry and want to make sure I pick a college with a strong pre-dental program. Are there certain colleges that people recommend for students heading toward dental school? What should I be looking for in these programs in terms of curriculum or advising? If anyone has suggestions or personal experiences, I'd love to hear them as I start compiling my college list.

Choosing a college with a strong pre-dental program can set you up with a strong foundation for dental school. Some colleges do have specific pre-dental tracks, but remember, you can achieve your pre-dental prerequisites from any university by taking the required courses (like biology, chemistry, physics, and more) — there's no single "pre-dental" major.

Here are a few key things to look for:

- Robust Coursework: Look for schools with strong science departments, particularly in areas like biology, chemistry, and physics, since these will be the core of your prep for dental school.

- Advising: A dedicated pre-dental or pre-health advisor can be a huge help in navigating your college path. They can help you pick classes, get involved in extracurriculars, and prepare for dental school applications.

- Research and Clinical Opportunities: Schools located in cities with large hospitals or near dental schools are often great choices because they offer opportunities for shadowing, internships, research experiences, and volunteering.

- Dental School Success: If you can find data, consider how successful pre-dental students are at getting into dental school from the colleges you are considering.

Here are few well-regarded universities known for having strong pre-dental tracks:

- University of Florida: The university has a thriving pre-health advising team, and a good track record of students gaining entrance into dental programs, including their own College of Dentistry.

- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: As one of the top dental schools in the nation, a pre-dental track here offers excellent resources and exposure.

- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): This school has a strong life sciences department in addition to a dedicated pre-health advising system that many students find extremely helpful.

I hope this gives you a bit more clarity. As you make your college list, remember to also consider factors like location, size, cost, culture, and more—all of these can significantly impact your college experience!