<p>Hi, I am right now going to CSUN and I am eager to be a dentist in the future.
However, I don't know what step should I take and where I should go. I just want to know the basic steps that I have to go through, such as graduate 4-5 years of college(get bachelor degree here?) and so and so.... I am just lost.
Please help me go right path.</p>
<p>best,</p>
<p>Chidane</p>
<p>Wrong forum. Try SDN perhaps?</p>
<p>Where's SDN??</p>
<p>student doctor network...google it</p>
<p>Let's frame it differently.</p>
<p>This is a very small board relative to much larger ones, like the studentdoctornetwork. As such, relatively smaller subfields (like dentistry) might require specialized knowledge that we here just don't have.</p>
<p>In my opinion, you should definitely try SDN's forums -- but I'm guessing you'll be unlikely to find anything helpful there, either. SDN's aim is really geared at students in the application process itself rather than the run-up to it.</p>
<p>Google might help; talking to dentists might help; talking to your school's career advising office might help as well. I'm sorry we can't be a better resource for you.</p>
<p>I do have some background as my cousin (who is one of my best friends and was a roommate with me for a year in college) was pre-dent.</p>
<p>1) Obviously you've realized you need to go to college.
2) You'll need to take the required pre-dent courses - these are very similar to the required pre-med courses: a year of bio, a year of general chemistry, a year of organic chem, a year of physics, all with lab. Make sure this is actually the case, but considering how many of those classed my cousin and I took at the same time, I'm pretty sure those are all necessary.
3) While a freshman and a sophomore, shadow a couple dentists (I'd try to cover at least two specialists along with a general dentist), work in a dental lab (ie making dentures), get involved on campus, volunteer your time and see if you can find some research to participate in, etc.
4) Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
5) Apply - most dental schools still allow students who only have completed 90 credit hours to be admitted so you can apply during your junior year. However, given the very competitive nature of dental school admissions, you must be an extremely qualified candidate to do this early application. Your DAT scores need to be in the 90+%ile and you need very close to a 4.0. If you're not that superstar, then it'll be better to gain another year under your belt and apply during your senior year.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that because it is so difficult to get in as a junior, it's very likely you'll complete your bachelor's degree so you do need an actual major (pre-dent is not a major). I don't know how much major matters in dental school admissions but I would guess it's like medical school where it doesn't. Be sure to check with a pre-dent advisor first though.</p>