More Information for Pre-Dental Track

Do I need to shadow or know the dental profession?

The dental school admission committees want to see that a student has learned about the dental profession through first-hand experience. This experience could include a job or volunteer work in a dental clinic or dentist office. It should also include job shadowing one or more dentists. Some schools now require a minimum number of hours you have to work in a dental setting. Dental school admission committees also look at a student's experiences for evidence that the student is committed to serving others and that the student is able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

How do I learn more about US Dental Schools?

ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools Book contains specific admissions requirements for each dental school. This book can be ordered on-line from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). It is also available on closed reserve in VanWylen Library at the reserves desk under Health Professions. Most dental schools use the Associated American Dental School Application Service (AADSAS) for their primary application.

• American Dental Association
• American Dental Education Association gives links to all accredited dental schools in the United States and Canada
• Associated American Dental School Application Service (AADSAS)–Application service used by 55 dental schools
• University of Michigan Dental School
• University of Detroit-Mercy Dental School
• Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Where do I learn more about the Dental Profession?

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for all types of careers.
• Explore Health Careers-a large data base of links to other resources including information on many different careers, internships, and interviews.

For academic advising related to the Pre-Dental Track at Hope College, please contact Professor T Prokopow.