APPLICATION TO DENTAL SCHOOL

A candidate must take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) generally in the summer before the year of prospective dental school admission. The DAT covers one's knowledge of biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Therefore, these courses must be completed before the senior year. Quantitative reasoning ability and two- and three-dimensional spatial perception are also included on the DAT. Applications to dental school should be submitted during the summer before the senior year and should be in by early fall. The student should see the preprofessional advisor and other appropriate individuals early in the fall semester of the senior year to arrange letters of recommendation. Highly competitive students may seek to act sooner to take advantage of an early admissions process at MCG. In this case, is advisable that preparation for letters of recommendation be underway before the spring term ends. Additionally, most dental schools require prospective students to apply using a standardized application service known as the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Additionally, candidates who have some acquaintance with the dental profession are preferred for acceptance. This may be accomplished through shadowing or internship with a community dentist or specialist. Undergraduates should seek opportunities to cultivate such experience and knowledge before applying as over 200 hours of volunteer time is now the norm. At Georgia College we have an active predental student club that works to provide some of these opportunities.