Dental school applicants should have a bachelor's degree, usually in the natural sciences. Applicants can have a degree in any field, however. According to D'Youville College, most successful students have at least a B+ grade point average. Dental schools usually require students to have taken two courses each in general and organic chemistry, general physics and general biology or zoology, including lab courses, as well as two basic English courses. Students may also take math, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, psychology and other natural and social science courses.
All dental students in the United States must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a day-long multiple choice test composed of four parts. The DAT covers biology, chemistry and two- and three-dimensional problem-solving ability. Students must pay a fee to take this test and schedule their testing date in advance. Dental schools accept primarily students who have scored a 16 to 18 or better on this test.
Applicants to dental school should have some previous experience in a clinical setting, either as a volunteer or an assistant. Predental students may arrange to shadow practicing dentists to get experience. Some dental schools also make arrangements with interested students to allow them to get their clinical experience before making a formal application.
All prospective dental students must have letters of recommendation from professors and other faculty members, or other professionals with knowledge of the student's academic record and commitment to the field. These letters should be written only by people who know the student well and can make an appropriate judgment about the applicant's abilities and education.