Best major for aspiring dentists?

Hey, everyone! I'm a high school junior, and my goal is to become a dentist. What major should I choose in college to best prepare myself for dental school? Are there any preferred majors or is it more about the classes I take?

Hi there! It's great to hear that you're already thinking about dental school. When it comes to majors for aspiring dentists, there isn't one "best" major that colleges or dental schools prefer. In fact, dental schools typically accept students from a wide variety of majors as long as they've completed the necessary prerequisite courses, which include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and sometimes, math.

That being said, many aspiring dentists choose to major in science-related fields like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry due to the overlap between their major coursework and the required prerequisites for dental school. These majors can help you build a strong foundation in the sciences, which will prove useful during your dental education. Additionally, admission to dental schools often requires taking the DAT (Dental Admission Test), and having a strong science background can help you perform well on this exam.

However, it is not mandatory to major in the sciences. Dental schools value diverse backgrounds, so if you have a passion for another subject, such as psychology, history, or business, you may choose to major in that and still be a competitive dental school applicant as long as you complete the required prerequisites and maintain a strong academic record.

Ultimately, choose a major in which you have genuine interest and can excel academically. Dental schools will consider your overall academic performance (GPA), commitment to personal growth and development, and DAT scores during the application process. Pursuing an area you're passionate about can help you stay engaged and achieve better grades, leading to a stronger application.

Good luck!