2 answers
Kristina
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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I am trying to become a orthodontist or dentist in the future, i am a sophomore in high school and wondering if there’s anything i can start doing now to help me be successful in achieving my goal. ?
I love science and heard that it is relevant in the dentistry industry
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2 answers
Amal Lattouf
Dentist
2
Answers
Wilton, Connecticut
Updated
Amal’s Answer
Hello there,
Dental schools are on the lookout for well-rounded applicants, so here are some steps you can take right away to bolster your application and pave the way for a thriving career in dentistry or orthodontics:
Excel in Your Studies: Strive for high grades, particularly in science and math subjects. Dental schools value academic excellence, so enrolling in advanced or AP classes in biology, chemistry, and physics will provide a robust foundation.
Be Active: Schools value applicants who show dynamism in various fields. Think about joining or initiating a nonprofit project, engaging in sports, or venturing into entrepreneurial activities. These pursuits reflect leadership, teamwork, and dedication.
Hone Your Manual Skills: Dentistry calls for exceptional manual dexterity. Engaging in activities like playing musical instruments, crafting art, or even mastering precision-demanding games (like Guitar Hero!) can display this skill. Highlighting these during interviews can make you stand out.
Dive into Dentistry Early:
Shadow a Dentist: Connect with local dentists or orthodontists to observe their daily operations and gain a deeper understanding of the profession.
Work as a Dental Assistant: If feasible, obtain certification and work part-time in a dental office. This experience exhibits proactiveness and provides you with practical exposure.
Volunteer at a Dental Lab or Clinic: Offering your help in a lab or community dental clinic can give you a grasp of the technical aspects of the field.
Extracurricular Activities:
Join a health sciences or pre-dental club if your school has one. If not, think about establishing one!
Offer your time to organizations that focus on community health or oral hygiene education.
Build Relationships: Begin forging relationships with mentors, teachers, or dentists. Their guidance and recommendation letters can prove to be priceless in the long run.
Plan Ahead: Investigate undergraduate programs with robust pre-dental tracks and familiarize yourself with the Dental Admission Test (DAT) requirements. Early groundwork can make this step less intimidating.
Remember, the key is to remain academically driven while exploring extracurricular activities that nurture your skills and interests. Striking a balance between the two will make you an exceptional candidate!
Dental schools are on the lookout for well-rounded applicants, so here are some steps you can take right away to bolster your application and pave the way for a thriving career in dentistry or orthodontics:
Excel in Your Studies: Strive for high grades, particularly in science and math subjects. Dental schools value academic excellence, so enrolling in advanced or AP classes in biology, chemistry, and physics will provide a robust foundation.
Be Active: Schools value applicants who show dynamism in various fields. Think about joining or initiating a nonprofit project, engaging in sports, or venturing into entrepreneurial activities. These pursuits reflect leadership, teamwork, and dedication.
Hone Your Manual Skills: Dentistry calls for exceptional manual dexterity. Engaging in activities like playing musical instruments, crafting art, or even mastering precision-demanding games (like Guitar Hero!) can display this skill. Highlighting these during interviews can make you stand out.
Dive into Dentistry Early:
Shadow a Dentist: Connect with local dentists or orthodontists to observe their daily operations and gain a deeper understanding of the profession.
Work as a Dental Assistant: If feasible, obtain certification and work part-time in a dental office. This experience exhibits proactiveness and provides you with practical exposure.
Volunteer at a Dental Lab or Clinic: Offering your help in a lab or community dental clinic can give you a grasp of the technical aspects of the field.
Extracurricular Activities:
Join a health sciences or pre-dental club if your school has one. If not, think about establishing one!
Offer your time to organizations that focus on community health or oral hygiene education.
Build Relationships: Begin forging relationships with mentors, teachers, or dentists. Their guidance and recommendation letters can prove to be priceless in the long run.
Plan Ahead: Investigate undergraduate programs with robust pre-dental tracks and familiarize yourself with the Dental Admission Test (DAT) requirements. Early groundwork can make this step less intimidating.
Remember, the key is to remain academically driven while exploring extracurricular activities that nurture your skills and interests. Striking a balance between the two will make you an exceptional candidate!
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
29
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hello Christina!
Becoming an orthodontist or dentist is a rewarding path that requires a strong academic background, dedication, and preparation throughout your high school and college years. As a sophomore in high school, there are several proactive steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success in achieving your goal. Here’s a guide to help you along the way:
1. Focus on Your Education
Curriculum Choices:
Advanced Science Courses: Take as many science classes as possible, especially biology, chemistry, and physics. AP or honors classes can strengthen your knowledge and college applications.
Mathematics: Strong math skills are also essential, so consider taking courses in algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Health and Anatomy: If your school offers courses in health sciences or anatomy, take them to gain foundational knowledge relevant to dentistry.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Aim for a high GPA to make your college applications competitive. Strong academic performance is crucial for dental school admission.
2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Join Science Clubs: Participate in biology or chemistry clubs, science fairs, or health-related organizations to deepen your interest in science and health.
Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or dental offices. This experience can provide valuable insights into the profession and strengthen your resume.
3. Build Your Skills
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Work on developing strong communication skills. Dentists and orthodontists need to interact effectively with patients and explain treatment options. Participate in public speaking or debate clubs to enhance these skills.
Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills are essential in dentistry. Engage in activities that develop your hand-eye coordination, such as drawing, crafting, or playing musical instruments.
4. Research and Explore the Dental Field
Job Shadowing: Reach out to local dentists or orthodontists to inquire if you can shadow them for a day. This will give you a firsthand look at the daily responsibilities of dental professionals.
Informational Interviews: Conduct interviews with healthcare professionals to gain insights into their career paths and the demands of their work.
5. Prepare for College
Research Colleges and Dental Schools: Investigate colleges with strong pre-dental or biology programs. Understand the prerequisites needed for dental school admission.
Plan for the Dental Admission Test (DAT): Familiarize yourself with the DAT, which is required for dental school admission. Focus on building the skills tested, such as natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
6. Consider Pre-Dental Programs
Pre-Dental Courses: Once you start college, consider majorming in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry) while completing pre-dental requirements. This foundation will help you in dental school:
Courses typically needed include general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.
7. Network and Seek Mentors
Connect with Professionals: Build relationships with local dentists and orthodontists. They can provide valuable advice, mentorship, and potentially opportunities for mentorship or shadowing.
Join Relevant Organizations: Consider becoming a member of pre-dental clubs at your school or at local universities. Many associations provide resources, networking opportunities, and guidance for aspiring dental professionals.
8. Stay Informed
Keep Up with Trends in Dentistry: Follow dental news and advancements in the field. This will help you stay informed about new technologies and treatments that are changing the landscape of dentistry.
By following these steps as a sophomore in high school, you can effectively prepare for a successful career as an orthodontist or dentist. Your passion for science is a great asset, and combining it with proactive education, skill-building, and networking will set you on the right path toward achieving your goal. Stay focused, work hard, and take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Good luck!
Becoming an orthodontist or dentist is a rewarding path that requires a strong academic background, dedication, and preparation throughout your high school and college years. As a sophomore in high school, there are several proactive steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success in achieving your goal. Here’s a guide to help you along the way:
1. Focus on Your Education
Curriculum Choices:
Advanced Science Courses: Take as many science classes as possible, especially biology, chemistry, and physics. AP or honors classes can strengthen your knowledge and college applications.
Mathematics: Strong math skills are also essential, so consider taking courses in algebra, geometry, and calculus.
Health and Anatomy: If your school offers courses in health sciences or anatomy, take them to gain foundational knowledge relevant to dentistry.
Maintain a Strong GPA: Aim for a high GPA to make your college applications competitive. Strong academic performance is crucial for dental school admission.
2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Join Science Clubs: Participate in biology or chemistry clubs, science fairs, or health-related organizations to deepen your interest in science and health.
Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or dental offices. This experience can provide valuable insights into the profession and strengthen your resume.
3. Build Your Skills
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Work on developing strong communication skills. Dentists and orthodontists need to interact effectively with patients and explain treatment options. Participate in public speaking or debate clubs to enhance these skills.
Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills are essential in dentistry. Engage in activities that develop your hand-eye coordination, such as drawing, crafting, or playing musical instruments.
4. Research and Explore the Dental Field
Job Shadowing: Reach out to local dentists or orthodontists to inquire if you can shadow them for a day. This will give you a firsthand look at the daily responsibilities of dental professionals.
Informational Interviews: Conduct interviews with healthcare professionals to gain insights into their career paths and the demands of their work.
5. Prepare for College
Research Colleges and Dental Schools: Investigate colleges with strong pre-dental or biology programs. Understand the prerequisites needed for dental school admission.
Plan for the Dental Admission Test (DAT): Familiarize yourself with the DAT, which is required for dental school admission. Focus on building the skills tested, such as natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
6. Consider Pre-Dental Programs
Pre-Dental Courses: Once you start college, consider majorming in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry) while completing pre-dental requirements. This foundation will help you in dental school:
Courses typically needed include general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.
7. Network and Seek Mentors
Connect with Professionals: Build relationships with local dentists and orthodontists. They can provide valuable advice, mentorship, and potentially opportunities for mentorship or shadowing.
Join Relevant Organizations: Consider becoming a member of pre-dental clubs at your school or at local universities. Many associations provide resources, networking opportunities, and guidance for aspiring dental professionals.
8. Stay Informed
Keep Up with Trends in Dentistry: Follow dental news and advancements in the field. This will help you stay informed about new technologies and treatments that are changing the landscape of dentistry.
By following these steps as a sophomore in high school, you can effectively prepare for a successful career as an orthodontist or dentist. Your passion for science is a great asset, and combining it with proactive education, skill-building, and networking will set you on the right path toward achieving your goal. Stay focused, work hard, and take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Good luck!