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What major is best for future dentists?

I'm looking into becoming a dentist after college, but I'm not sure what major during college is best. Google has given me a bunch of mixed reviews and lots of different answers. Do any dentists have any advice?

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Lirio’s Answer

To become a dentist, you typically don’t need a specific major, but certain subjects can be particularly beneficial. Many aspiring dentists choose majors in biology, chemistry, or a related health science field, as these areas cover essential coursework like anatomy, physiology, and organic chemistry, which are crucial for dental school.

Other useful majors can include biochemistry or even health sciences. The key is to ensure you complete the prerequisite courses required for dental school admissions, which often include biology, chemistry, physics, and sometimes specific dental-related courses.

It’s also a good idea to maintain a strong GPA, gain experience through volunteering or shadowing dentists, and get involved in relevant extracurricular activities. Ultimately, choose a major that interests you and aligns with your strengths, as passion for your studies can lead to better academic performance.
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Steven’s Answer

Most dental students will have a bachelors degree. Some may however admit students without a degree, so long as required courses have been taken. This will generally be easier if you are a science major. However, non-science majors are not at a disadvantage so long as required courses have been completed successfully. Generally this includes 2 years of chemistry, 1 year of biology and 1 year of physics. Physics courses generally will require you also take calculus.
My alma mater, NYU College of Dentistry has representative requirements listed here:

https://dental.nyu.edu/education/dds-program/admission-requirements.html
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Hadley’s Answer

Hi Hailey! Dentistry is such an interesting field, I am so happy you found something that sparks your interest as such! Most universities will have a pre-dental track that a college counselor will most likely recommend. If not, many of my pre-health care friends are kinesiology majors - they get lots of experience with the entire human body.
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Lucy’s Answer

Hey....the tip when choosing a major is to usually choose the one's that are required in order to complete your course in college. No Matter which desired career being it dentistry or medicine in general these are all still part of the health-care field which means usually science related majors should become your best friend. Once, you select all those then you can choose other optional majors. Just make sure to choose the majors that your college says are mandatory for you to actually become a dentist.
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Joseph’s Answer

It seems research indicates a bachelor's in biology is among the most popular choices for pre-dental students. Biology programs go in-depth on subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry, giving students a truly comprehensive understanding of the human body—essential for a successful career in dentistry
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