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Career Guide

Dentistry

Dentists work to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions related to the teeth and surrounding structures. They examine x-rays, perform oral cancer screenings, restore and replace damaged or decayed teeth, straighten teeth, treat infections, and perform cosmetic enhancements. Some dentists also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum disease. It typically takes at least 8 years to become a dentist: 4 years of undergraduate college and 4 years of dental school. For some specialties, dentists need to train for additional time in a post-doctoral program. Check out this guide to find out if dentistry is a good fit for you: Is dentistry right for me?

Degree Requirements

Dental schools award either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. While they have slightly different names, the education and training are the same. Some dental schools may also offer dual degree programs such as DDS/MBA (Masters of Business Administration), or DDS/MPH (Masters of Public Health). This is because many dentists will also become practice owners or business partners, and/or work in public health. In addition to a dental degree, dentists are required to pass board exams and hold a professional license to practice. Note: Because the field of dentistry is ever-changing with new advancements, research, and technology, dentists are expected to engage in continuing education throughout their careers.

Criteria for Acceptance

Acceptance to dental school is highly competitive. Students are advised to complete a bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate institution with a reputation for academic excellence. Although students come from a variety of undergraduate degree programs, majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or biomedical sciences is most common. It is important to contact a pre-health advisor at the 4-year college you’re interested in for further information.

MCC students are advised to prepare to transfer to a 4-year college or university for a science major such as Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Sciences and then apply to dental school.

All U.S. dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. Applications to dental school are often made through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).

MCC Prerequisite Courses

Two semesters of biology with labs; two semesters of physics with labs; four semesters of chemistry with labs, including organic; two semesters of English; additional science coursework such as biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy & physiology. It is also recommended to have a strong foundation in the social sciences and arts. Check individual school websites for specific/recommended courses.

Examples of science courses to consider taking at MCC include:

  • BIO 155 & 156 Intro to Cell & Molecular Biology and Into to Organismal Biology & Ecology
  • CHE 151 & 152 General College Chemistry I & II
  • PHY 154 & 155 General Physics I & II or PHY 161 & 261 University Physics I & II
Additional Course Suggestions
CHE 251 & 252 Organic Chemistry I & II, BIO 221 Principles of Biochemistry, English/Writing-intensive – 2 semesters, SUNY General Education courses, including courses in calculus, statistics, ethics, foreign language, communication. Business and computer courses may be beneficial as well.

Dental Schools may prefer that some or all prerequisite courses be completed at a 4-year institution.

AP & IB credit are not likely to be accepted for science coursework.

Application Notes

Important Criteria Considered for Admission

  • Undergraduate GPA (grade point average)
  • Demonstrated ability to handle a rigorous course load
  • Dental Admissions Test (DAT) score
  • Related and/or work experience (ex. volunteering at a dental clinic, working at a dental office)
  • Research activities
  • Good communication skills
  • Evidence of maturity, integrity, service to the community
  • Excellent manual dexterity
  • Letters of recommendation from Pre-Health Advisor and/or professors at the undergraduate institution
  • Personal Statement
  • Personal Interview (by invitation)

Institutions


Local colleges with Pre-Health programs. Note that many 4-year institutions offer pre-dental advising. These are only two options.
Colleges in New York State Offering a Doctorate Degree in Dentistry
Note: The University of Rochester offers post-graduate programs for those who have already obtained a dentistry degree.
While every effort is made to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, students are advised to contact transfer institutions for specific course requirements and the most up-to-date information.

Updated 09/23/2025