Many people want to work in the field of dentistry. Oral health is essential, and a bright smile often plays a role in making a good first impression. Since there is always a demand for dental care, the field continues to thrive and grow. If you want to work in the dental field, knowing the best majors for dental school is an important first step.
If you want to get into dental school and eventually work in the dentistry field, this is the article for you. You’ll learn about the best college majors for dental school, how to choose a major for dental school, and the different types of jobs in the dental field. You’ll even learn about the educational requirements for each job. If you’re wondering what the best majors for dental school are, you’ve come to the right place to find some answers.
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What Major Is the Best for Dental School?
According to the American Dental Education Association, there are a variety of popular fields of undergraduate study for students interested in continuing their education by attending dental school. The natural and physical sciences are always popular choices, particularly biology and chemistry.
Other programs that help you prepare for a dental career include engineering and math. In addition, some schools even offer specific pre-dental majors for students that know they plan to attend a dental school program later on.
How to Choose a Major for Dental School
- Calculate possible salaries. Prospective college students need to know which majors can lead to high salaries. Having this knowledge will help them plan for their financial futures. It can also help them plan effectively for graduate school.
- Consider your career goals. A four-year degree might be sufficient for many other jobs, but a doctoral or professional degree is the basic requirement for dentistry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Consider your strengths. A college major can potentially shape your postgraduate life. It’s best to pick an interesting major that can also help you build on existing strengths and skills.
- Think about colleges when picking a major. Once you’ve picked a major, carefully consider different schools that offer this major, and compare programs. There is a lot of information available online, so make sure to research your options thoroughly.
- Consider career advice carefully. Make sure that you have well-rounded sources for the information you use to make this important decision. You can talk to dental professionals as well as dental school admission officers to learn about the best dental majors.
What Are the Best Majors for Dental School?
- Pre-dentistry | Average Salary: $97,000
- Physics | Average Salary: $90,000
- Chemistry | Average Salary: $78,000
- Biomedical engineering | Average Salary: $78,000
- Microbiology | Average Salary: $76,000
- Physiological sciences | Average Salary: $75,000
- Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
- Molecular biology | Average Salary: $74,000
- Biology | Average Salary: $74,000
- Neuroscience | Average Salary: $67,000
Best College Majors for Dental School: Explained
What Are the Best Careers in Dentistry?
With a major for dentistry, you can get jobs such as dental hygienist, dental specialist, or periodontist. You can also work as a dental ceramist, orthodontist, dental assistant, or dental nurse. These are all exciting fields and will give students fulfilling careers after they graduate with one of the best majors for dental school.
Top 10 Best Careers in Dentistry
Building a career in dentistry is possible for students who attend dental school and even for those who don’t. It’s especially doable for students who’ve earned one of the best college majors for dental school. Some of the best jobs in dentistry include working as a dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist.
If you don’t plan on attending dental school, but you’re still interested in building a career in dentistry, you can work as a medical receptionist or a medical biller. These jobs and more are explained in more detail below.
Is Physics a Good Dental School Major?
Yes, physics is a good dental school major. Physics includes the study of chemistry, biology, and several math disciplines that are relevant to dentistry. Many principles of physics, such as the lever and torsion concept, can also help in using oral surgery instruments, lasers, and x-rays.
Very complex aspects of dentistry will become easier to grasp if a dental student understands physics well, making it one of the best majors for dental school. Pre-dental students will be able to establish a solid base of knowledge by studying physics.
Best Majors for Dental School FAQ
Do I need to graduate from college to get into dental school?
Yes, you typically need to graduate from college to get into a dental school. Most students hold a bachelor’s degree, and some schools even require graduate degrees. You can check in with the school that interests you to learn about individual dental school prerequisites.
What majors are the most common for dental school?
According to the American Dental Association, the most common majors for dental school are biology and chemistry. However, they also stress that students do not necessarily have to come from scientific backgrounds to be accepted into dental school, and students from social science backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Do dental schools care about majors?
No, dental schools don’t care about what major you’re coming in with. Dental schools do not require a specific undergraduate major. However, a strong background in a scientific field is a common expectation. Thankfully, there are a variety of undergraduate degrees that provide a strong science foundation.
Is dental school hard?
Yes, dental school is hard. The admissions process for getting into dental school is very competitive, and dental school applications become more difficult every year. Although dental schools are increasing in number, the average GPAs and DAT scores of successful applicants are also on the rise. Dental school is very academically challenging, and you can expect a rigorous course load.
