Hi everyone! So I'm thinking about becoming an orthodontist, and I'm wondering what colleges and pre-dental programs I should be considering. Any recommendations or personal experiences to share when it comes to schools for orthodontics and related majors?
Orthodontics is a specialization within the field of dentistry, and typically, you would need to complete a Bachelor's degree, dental school (which results in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree), and then an orthodontics residency program. So, when looking for a college, you'll want to focus on undergraduate institutions with strong pre-dental programs and resources.
Some schools to consider include:
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC): UNC is known for its strong pre-dental program, which offers dedicated advising, research opportunities, and a pre-dental club for networking and support.
2. University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA): With a large and renowned School of Dentistry, UCLA provides great opportunities for undergraduates to access research, shadowing, and volunteering positions in the dental field.
3. University of Florida (UF): The UF has a comprehensive pre-dental program and a dental school on its campus. There are also opportunities for research, volunteering, and shadowing at the College of Dentistry or partnering dental clinics.
4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: Boasting a highly ranked dental school, undergraduates here have many opportunities for research, volunteering, and shadowing that can prove invaluable as they prepare for dental school applications.
5. University of Southern California (USC): USC has a great pre-health advising program and a dental school that offers undergraduates shadowing, research, and mentorship opportunities.
No matter where you go, focus on choosing a school where you can maintain a high GPA, gain relevant experiences, and build connections with professors who can write strong letters of recommendation – all of which will be crucial when applying to dental schools later.
Additionally, consider reaching out to pre-dental clubs or advisors at the schools you're interested in to learn more about the specific resources available to students interested in a career in orthodontics.
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