What should I major in?

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Hilaree320

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Hello, Im a newbie to this forum, and have pondered becoming a dentist just recently, and I think it's what I've been looking for (even though I still have quite a few years to go).. Anyhow.. I was wondering what you guys majored in while in college? I know alot of pre-professionals major in biology, I just don't think it would be right for me.. Do dental schools not require (but maybe prefer?) a certain major, like medical schools dont? Has anyone majored in psychology, history, sociology, etc and still get accepted to dental school? Thank you!
 
Actually, it is to your advantage to major in something you love and are very interested in. Not only will your grades be better but you will stand out. ADCom's are tired of just seeing biology ...

I majored in Asian Languages and Literature and Neurobiology and I got more attention w/ my Asian Lang major for sure.

Good luck and Welcome to SDN!!

DesiDentist
 
Hilaree:

Not to beat a dead horse, but both these guys are right. Major in whatever strikes your fancy. It really doesn't matter what you major in, just take all the pre-requirements and you should be fine. I majored in Zoology and Neuroscience with minors in Chem (by default), polsci, and theatre. Being different is good. I dont mean bomb classes different, but having other interests will definitely making you more attractive on paper to the Ad-Com. What they don't want to see is the typical Pre-dent kid. "3.3 Bio major, 17/16 DAT/PAT, few hours of volunteering blah blah blah". Best advice do a double major in something fun and something you can fall back on. Business and theatre. Economics and anthropoly...........Get the idea? 🙂

All the best.....😛

Shootin'
 
Hilaree, personally I think majoring in Biology and minor in business/acct is the best. This is because as a bio major, you'll be taking biochem, physio, histology, and all other courses that you'll be taking again in dental school and have a much easier time in dental school. This could be especially helpful if u plan to specialize. So, why not make your life easier?
Alot of dentist complains about not having enough business management training in dental school, so you should try to take care of that in college.
While its nice to major something that you really like, but don't forget, you want to be dentists. For example, if you like art, don't major in art, just do little painting in your leisure times. 🙂

Just my 2cents
 
2 personal anecdotes:

1. I majored in German/Biology/Chemistry, but dropped the German major to graduate early - Interestingly enough, I spent the majority of the time @ my BU interview talking about Germany, and the Dean of Admissions was tickled pink (or seemed to be) to be grilling me about my study abroad program - go figure =)

2. My clinic partner majored in medical biology @ BYU and is blowing everyone out of the water in anatomy - because he's already had histology and gross anatomy - so they're just review courses with a slightly different focus for him.

It will SERIOUSLY benefit you in dental school to have taken upper level bio courses, particularly anatomy.

That said, some of my favorite undergrad classes were field biology, which i feel are still contributing to my quality of life =)

Also, a few of my classmates took jewelry-making courses - and their experiances have been very useful in the lab courses - waxing, casting gold crowns, etc.

You don't have to major in anything specific, however dental school will be less painful for you initially if you take a few bio courses beyond the bare minimum. I realize you just recently started looking @ dentistry, however if you're even thinking about specializing, you have to have stellar grades in dental school - which will be greatly facilitated by having taken a lot of the science courses already - or at least enough to not have to play "catch up" for every single science class - there's simply not time to do that and get all of your restorative work done to specs.

Don't let that scare you, though. 😍 Dentistry is a GREAT profession, and private practice is a world away from the D1 and D2 years!!!

Best of luck!!!:clap:
 
major in ENGLISH, like me, your prescriptions will be the best in the neighborhood
 
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