You must have 90 semester hours at an accredited university in the United States or Canada, including a curriculum of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, two semesters of physics and one semester of English or a social science course. Most school prefer a Bachelor's degree, but it is not a requirement for admission if your college grades are above average.
Take the DAT before applying to dental school; dental schools require DAT scores in order to compare applicants. Higher scores increase the chances of admission. The DAT has to be taken before December 1 in order for the scores to be reported to schools for the admission of the following fall semester.
After all other requirements have been completed, start inquiring about applications for admission. Dental schools begin in the fall of every year, so it important to plan ahead and look into getting applications a year in advance. Be sure all the requirements are completed before applying in order for admissions committees to immediately consider your application. Unreported courses or DAT scores will generally not be considered until an applicant has finished and submitted all requirements for admission.
Along with essays and short answers, dental schools' applications require a personal statement. This is a one-page essay describing your individuality as a person entering dental school. Reasons for applying to dental school and extracurricular activities are a good thing to include in a personal statement.