Though in some cases, two-year pre-dental programs are allowed, most programs require four-year bachelor's degree programs. Contact the American Dental Association (ADA) for a list of schools that meet the accreditation requirements. After you are accepted to a pre-dental undergraduate program, work closely with advisers to ensure that you take the appropriate courses and maintain the grades needed for the specific dental school you plan to attend.
The courses required prior to dental school admission are heavy in the sciences. However, students are not required to obtain a major in a science field, as long as all the required courses are completed. Students must complete at least two semesters of general biology, general chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics and calculus and receive high grades in all of these in order to be considered for dental school.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required of all applicants to dental school and is administered by the ADA. The test is approximately four and a half hours long and consists of multiple-choice questions. It is taken electronically and can be scheduled at any time during the year. If a student wishes to retake the exam, a 90-day waiting period is required.
It is important to look into the residency requirements of the school you are interested in, as many programs are state-funded and give priority to state residents. Private dental schools do not prioritize state residents, but tuition is often higher for these programs. Additionally, your state may have specific requirements before administering a dental license.