Our pre-dentistry program will prepare you for early (after three years of undergraduate work; you must have outstanding qualifications to be eligible) or regular entry (after four years of undergraduate work). Pre-dental education emphasizes course work in science, and many applicants to dental school major in a science such as biology or chemistry, while other applicants major in another subject and take many science courses as well.

About dental school

Dental schools require a minimum of two years of college-level pre-dental education, regardless of major. Most dental students have at least a bachelor's degree. Some applicants are accepted to dental school after two or three years of college and complete their bachelor's degree while attending dental school.

Dental school usually lasts four academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, also are provided at this time. During the last two years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists.

Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The rest award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

About dentists

Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth or mouth tissue. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine X-rays, place protective plastic sealants on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases.

Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Most dentists are general practitioners, handling a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas.

To practice dentistry in the U.S. you must be licensed. To qualify for a license in most states, you must graduate from one of the 55 dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association's (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation and also must pass written and practical examinations. You may fulfill the written part of the state licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Individual states or regional testing agencies administer the written or practical examinations.