From healthcare to public service to criminology, the field of dentistry offers a wide selection of professional options for qualified candidates. Here’s how the University of Minnesota Morris and the liberal arts experience prepares you.
Morris Advantages
University of Minnesota Morris graduates are prepared to enter any dental school or training program of their choosing. In addition, the Morris campus provides the following advantages.
- The on-campus Office of Community Engagement: Taking advantage of undergraduate service opportunities demonstrates the kind of commitment sought by professional school admissions boards;
- A nationally recognized Study Abroad program: Studying abroad prepares students for potential international dental service trips; and
- Outstanding undergraduate teaching: The Morris campus boasts the highest percentage of winners of the Horace T. Morse-Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education at the University of Minnesota.
Opportunities in Dentistry
The field of dentistry offers many career options, including:
- Private practice
- Teaching
- Research
- Clinical or criminal laboratory work
- Dental hygiene and wellness
Many Morris graduates have gone on to successful careers in dentistry.
Preparing for Dentistry
There is no specific major required to enter dental school, however, the field requires certain attributes, all of which are developed and strengthened by the liberal arts education provided at the University of Minnesota Morris:
- Strong communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Artistic ability
- Strengths in science and mathematics
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Desire to serve
To develop the best plan of study, meet with your faculty adviser to review the Pre-Dentistry Planning Worksheet prepared by the campus Academic Advising Office.
In addition, dental schools want to be sure that applicants have a genuine understanding of the dental profession and dedication to the dental field. As a Morris student you will have:
- Ample opportunity to learn about dentistry and healthcare settings via service projects offered through the Office of Community Engagement
- Staff who can help advise how to arrange shadow or internship opportunities with dental professionals including those in your home community you may wish to work with during summer months or school breaks
- Consider taking advantage of our nationally recognized study abroad program. A study abroad experience will help prepare you for international service trips common in healthcare professions.
Applying to Dental School
Students interested in applying to dental school should contact the specific institution for information on the application process.
However, students may also use the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service which allows students to apply to multiple participating schools with one online application, provided by the American Dental Education Association.
- Their application process begins June 1 and should be completed by the end of January.
Dental Aptitude Test
Most dental schools require that applicants take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) which covers:
- Natural sciences
- Reading comprehension
- Quantitative ability
- Perceptual ability
- Critical thinking (may soon be added)
The DAT is administered by computer at Prometric Testing Centers and students can register for the DAT through the American Dental Association's DAT website.
Deadlines
The application process for dental schools begins in the summer a year before entering dental school; it is advisable to complete your primary application by July 4th for early consideration.
Many schools have rolling admission policies. This means they will review applications on an on-going basis, as submitted.
Applicants who submit materials well before the deadlines may receive earlier interviews and consideration for admission.
After reviewing your primary application, a school may send you a secondary application specific to that institution.
- Secondary applications typically include additional essays and an application fee
- These are not usually due until winter
- You should submit the secondary application as soon as possible to secure an interview