I am going to become a dentist, hopefully.

Question

Hi, I am fourteen and my dream job would be a dentist. I really want to be it but I am worried it is too competetive and I wont be good enough. We havent been offically given our GCSE predictions but I have been told I am looking to get a range of A*-B. Most dentist gets like A* and a couple of A's right? I am going into year ten/Grade 9. What can i do to make sure i have every possible chance of becoming a dentist?

Answer 1

In terms of being a great dentist, your undergrad grades wont too much matter but you need to do well in dental school to get into a good residency programs and in order to pass your boards to get licensed.

Ok so in college you need to do well so you can actually get into dental school. And you need to do well on your DATs (Dental Admissions Test) and write a good essay and get good recommendation letters. Also volunteer at a dentist office to get some experience in the field so the admissions committee knows that you have a desire to be a dentist.  

Answer 2

Keep the grades up and remember undergrad isn't has important as graduate school. If you get into the middle range college keep your grades and GPA up for undergrade then get accepted to a great graduate school then that's all that matters.

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Basic Information

If you have your eye on a career as a dentist, a Pre-Dentistry program might be what you’re looking for. Pre-Dentistry, like all pre-professional programs, offers focused coursework in both general education and areas more specific to your intended field. You’ll take courses in the natural sciences like biology and chemistry. You’ll take science laboratories to get hands-on experience with research and documentation. You’ll take courses in communication, social sciences, and humanities. Ohio State University suggests volunteering or working in a dental office during your undergraduate years—a great way to make sure you want to pursue a dentistry career after graduation.

Although you won’t specialize until you’re on your way to becoming a dentist, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of what’s out there. Dentistry includes many areas of expertise, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. Your own interests and concerns will help you to eventually choose a specialty.

You should know that most dentistry programs don’t require a Pre-Dentistry major, just as medical schools don’t always require pre-med. Keep in mind that good grades and dedication in all your courses are the best preparation.

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High School Preparation

Pre-Dentistry involves a great deal of math and science courses, so take as many as possible—biology, chemistry, and advanced-level math, like calculus. Health courses, such as anatomy, will broaden your foundation. And English courses will give you the chance to become a better reader, writer, and communicator.

Good luck!