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If I want to become a dentist in the future and I am just about to graduate high school should I choose Biology or Dental Hygiene as my major?
In 11th grade in high school
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CJ’s Answer
Both are great options! I would recommend biology with a pre-dental route because you will be sure to take all courses that are required for dental school applications. Some courses, like organic chemistry, will help you on the DAT, too. However, a bachelors degree in dental hygiene is very impressive and unique, so you'll stand out as an applicant among biology and science majors. If you take the dental hygiene route, be sure that all pre-requisite courses are included in your 4-year plan. You got this!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Ifra
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Teresa’s Answer
Both are great make sure you have all the required classes before applying to dental school. Also with dental Hygiene under your belt, you will have an advantage over your peers who have never had the opportunity as a dental hygienist. And you can earn money in your spare time as a dental hygienist.
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Steven’s Answer
Either will work, so long as you fulfill the requirements for admission. This usually requires 2 years of chemistry, 1 year of biology and 1 year of physics.
But you need not restrict yourself to these two majors. It IS easier to fulfill the entrance course requirements with a major in chemistry or biology, but you shouldn't rule out liberal arts--again, not forgetting the entrance course requirements.
I am out of school a very long time--I did not know until just looking that there are bachelors and even masters degrees in dental hygiene. It's hard to imagine a bachelors degree in dental hygiene would not be looked on very favorably by dental school admissions. But college is a time to explore different interests, and you should keep yourself open to exploring many fields. I did not myself decide to apply to dental school until halfway through my junior year.
But you need not restrict yourself to these two majors. It IS easier to fulfill the entrance course requirements with a major in chemistry or biology, but you shouldn't rule out liberal arts--again, not forgetting the entrance course requirements.
I am out of school a very long time--I did not know until just looking that there are bachelors and even masters degrees in dental hygiene. It's hard to imagine a bachelors degree in dental hygiene would not be looked on very favorably by dental school admissions. But college is a time to explore different interests, and you should keep yourself open to exploring many fields. I did not myself decide to apply to dental school until halfway through my junior year.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ifra,
Choosing a Major for Becoming a Dentist: Biology vs. Dental Hygiene
To become a dentist in the future, it is essential to choose the right major that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in dental school and ultimately in your career as a dentist. When deciding between majoring in Biology or Dental Hygiene as you are about to graduate from high school, there are several factors to consider.
Biology Major: Majoring in Biology can be a solid choice for aspiring dentists. Biology provides a strong foundation in the natural sciences, including courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and genetics. These courses are directly relevant to the field of dentistry as they help you understand the human body, its functions, and how diseases can affect oral health.
By majoring in Biology, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts that are fundamental to dentistry. Additionally, many dental schools require applicants to have completed specific science courses, and a Biology major can fulfill these prerequisites.
Moreover, a Biology major can also open up opportunities for research experiences and internships in related fields, which can enhance your understanding of scientific principles and provide valuable hands-on experience.
Dental Hygiene Major: On the other hand, majoring in Dental Hygiene is more specialized and focused specifically on oral health care. A Dental Hygiene program typically includes coursework on topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, periodontology, and preventive dental care.
Choosing Dental Hygiene as your major can provide you with practical skills and knowledge directly related to the practice of dental hygiene. You will learn about patient care techniques, oral hygiene procedures, and preventive measures that are crucial aspects of dental practice.
While a Dental Hygiene major may offer more direct exposure to clinical aspects of dentistry compared to a Biology major, it is important to note that most dental schools do not require applicants to have a degree in Dental Hygiene. Instead, they typically look for candidates who have completed specific prerequisite courses regardless of their undergraduate major.
Considerations for Choosing: When deciding between a Biology or Dental Hygiene major for pursuing a career in dentistry, it is important to consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. If you have a strong interest in the biological sciences and want a broader scientific foundation that can be applied across various healthcare fields, then Biology may be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are specifically interested in hands-on clinical work related to oral health care and prefer a more focused curriculum on dental hygiene practices, then pursuing a Dental Hygiene major could be beneficial.
Ultimately, both majors can provide valuable preparation for dental school if you fulfill the necessary prerequisite courses required by most dental programs. It is essential to research the specific requirements of the dental schools you are interested in applying to and ensure that your chosen major aligns with those requirements.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Association (ADA): The ADA is a leading source of information on dentistry education and career pathways. They provide guidance on academic preparation for aspiring dentists.
American Association of Colleges of Dentistry (ADEA): ADEA offers valuable insights into dental education requirements and admissions criteria for prospective students interested in pursuing dentistry.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job outlooks and salary information for various healthcare professions, including dentists. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths within the healthcare industry.
God Bless You,
JC.
Choosing a Major for Becoming a Dentist: Biology vs. Dental Hygiene
To become a dentist in the future, it is essential to choose the right major that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in dental school and ultimately in your career as a dentist. When deciding between majoring in Biology or Dental Hygiene as you are about to graduate from high school, there are several factors to consider.
Biology Major: Majoring in Biology can be a solid choice for aspiring dentists. Biology provides a strong foundation in the natural sciences, including courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and genetics. These courses are directly relevant to the field of dentistry as they help you understand the human body, its functions, and how diseases can affect oral health.
By majoring in Biology, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts that are fundamental to dentistry. Additionally, many dental schools require applicants to have completed specific science courses, and a Biology major can fulfill these prerequisites.
Moreover, a Biology major can also open up opportunities for research experiences and internships in related fields, which can enhance your understanding of scientific principles and provide valuable hands-on experience.
Dental Hygiene Major: On the other hand, majoring in Dental Hygiene is more specialized and focused specifically on oral health care. A Dental Hygiene program typically includes coursework on topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, periodontology, and preventive dental care.
Choosing Dental Hygiene as your major can provide you with practical skills and knowledge directly related to the practice of dental hygiene. You will learn about patient care techniques, oral hygiene procedures, and preventive measures that are crucial aspects of dental practice.
While a Dental Hygiene major may offer more direct exposure to clinical aspects of dentistry compared to a Biology major, it is important to note that most dental schools do not require applicants to have a degree in Dental Hygiene. Instead, they typically look for candidates who have completed specific prerequisite courses regardless of their undergraduate major.
Considerations for Choosing: When deciding between a Biology or Dental Hygiene major for pursuing a career in dentistry, it is important to consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. If you have a strong interest in the biological sciences and want a broader scientific foundation that can be applied across various healthcare fields, then Biology may be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are specifically interested in hands-on clinical work related to oral health care and prefer a more focused curriculum on dental hygiene practices, then pursuing a Dental Hygiene major could be beneficial.
Ultimately, both majors can provide valuable preparation for dental school if you fulfill the necessary prerequisite courses required by most dental programs. It is essential to research the specific requirements of the dental schools you are interested in applying to and ensure that your chosen major aligns with those requirements.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Association (ADA): The ADA is a leading source of information on dentistry education and career pathways. They provide guidance on academic preparation for aspiring dentists.
American Association of Colleges of Dentistry (ADEA): ADEA offers valuable insights into dental education requirements and admissions criteria for prospective students interested in pursuing dentistry.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job outlooks and salary information for various healthcare professions, including dentists. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths within the healthcare industry.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Akeira’s Answer
Hello Ifra!
Both Biology and Dental Hygiene are solid choices for your undergraduate major. Both paths can ultimately lead to a career in dentistry. Choosing Biology offers a comprehensive scientific foundation that aligns closely with dental school prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It also provides flexibility to explore other healthcare fields if your interests evolve. On the other hand, pursuing Dental Hygiene as a major provides valuable clinical experience and a deeper understanding of dental procedures, which can be beneficial if you plan to work as a dental hygienist before pursuing dentistry. Ultimately, the key is to choose a major that interests you the most and aligns with your career goals, as this will enhance your motivation and satisfaction throughout your academic journey.
Both Biology and Dental Hygiene are solid choices for your undergraduate major. Both paths can ultimately lead to a career in dentistry. Choosing Biology offers a comprehensive scientific foundation that aligns closely with dental school prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It also provides flexibility to explore other healthcare fields if your interests evolve. On the other hand, pursuing Dental Hygiene as a major provides valuable clinical experience and a deeper understanding of dental procedures, which can be beneficial if you plan to work as a dental hygienist before pursuing dentistry. Ultimately, the key is to choose a major that interests you the most and aligns with your career goals, as this will enhance your motivation and satisfaction throughout your academic journey.
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hi! You are not limited in what you major in to get into dental school. As long as you have taken all the prerequisite classes that are required (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry etc), your actual major doesn't really matter. That being said, it is much easier to get all the prerequisites when you major in something like biology, as they are the same courses. If you major in something else, you will have to take extra courses to fulfill all the prerequisite requirements.
Good luck!
Good luck!