Dentistry colleges in Texas

I'm a junior in high school and I'm setting my sights on a career in dentistry. Can anyone suggest solid programs for pre-dental studies in Texas?

If you're interested in staying in Texas for your pre-dental and dentistry studies, there are a few key universities you should definitely consider for their pre-dental and dental programs.

First up is the University of Texas (UT) system. The UT system is vast and offers a multitude of resources for students aspiring to be dentists. Specifically, UT Austin and UT Dallas both have pre-health advising centers to guide you through the necessary coursework and experiences to prepare for dental school. They don’t have specific pre-dental majors, but most pre-dental students tend to major in Biology or Biochemistry due to the prerequisites required for dental schools.

Another option is Texas A&M University which has a similar setup. They offer various predental tracks under their "Science & Engineering" and "Agriculture & Life Sciences" colleges.

Now, once you've completed your undergraduate studies and pre-dental requirements, you can apply to dental schools in Texas. The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and the Texas A&M College of Dentistry are two of the more recognized programs in the state.

Before choosing a school, however, make sure you research their specific pre-dental requirements, including the necessary prerequisite classes and advised extracurricular activities like shadowing a dentist or participating in pre-health organizations. You might also want to look into whether these schools offer opportunities for research or community service, both of which can further enhance your application for dental schools.

Finally, remember to find a balance between focusing on your pre-dental studies and having a broad, well-rounded undergraduate experience. Courses in the humanities or social sciences, for instance, could improve your interpersonal skills and understanding of different cultures, which can be beneficial in your future dentistry practice.