Most dental school entrants average from 3.4 to 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. Dental schools look not only at GPA, but also at the course load a student carries while earning those grades. High marks with light loads don't translate well as a predictor of dental academic success, because dental students must do well while carrying heavy coursework.
While a science-oriented undergraduate major isn't a requirement for dental school acceptance, successful completion of predental coursework is. Most dental schools require two semesters each of biology, general and organic chemistry and physics. Some impose further requirements, such as biochemistry, advanced math or coursework in the social sciences.
The dental admission test is a timed, computerized, standardized multiple choice test that covers four areas: natural sciences, including biology, general and organic chemistry; perceptual ability, which measures visual acuity and hand-eye coordination; reading comprehension, which includes organizational and analytical skills along with the ability to retain information; and quantitative reasoning, which covers various areas of mathematics, statistics and calculations. Scores range from 1 to 30, and average 15. Many successful dental school applicants score in the 20s.
Dental school applications ask for a personal narrative. This is not a "why-I-want-to-be-a-dentist" essay: it should highlight all your strengths and accomplishments in telling the story of your academic and professional intentions. Don't just dash this off and send it in. Show it to others who will look at it from a wide range of viewpoints, including fluency and flow.
Your best sources of letters of recommendation are professors who know you well and can speak specifically about your intellectual prowess and capabilities, determination to succeed and commitment to accomplishments. You also can establish rapport with your dentist and request a letter attesting to your interest in, commitment to and suitability to the profession. References from employers or other professional or community leaders with whom you have involvement can speak to your dedication and professionalism.
Grades and scores aren't everything. Dentistry requires interpersonal skills and a well-rounded outlook on life. Dental schools look for community involvement, especially in health-related programs or positions, and a sense that you place a high priority on being a well-developed as well as an academically accomplished individual.
If your other credentials pass muster, you'll be expected to visit the dental school campus for a personal interview. That meeting itself may last less than an hour during a day of facility and campus tours and introductions to dental students and faculty. You'll get chance to ask questions and get a firsthand look at whether the school is a good match for you.
Apply to dental school early: at least a year before you want to attend. Invest in good DAT preparation materials and ready yourself to score as high as possible. Make room in your undergraduate schedule for extracurricular activities that relate to dental education and reflect well on your commitment to others. Consider volunteering in a health clinic, shadowing your personal dentist or otherwise demonstrating community involvement. State-run schools give preference to in-state students. Apply to your state dental school as well as other choices. If you're interested in an out-of-state school, check its student-body statistics for geographic diversity.