MAJORS and CLASSES for Dental School Admission // LauraSmiles

I’m starting off this year with a very highly requested video covering undergrad majors and classes to take for dental school admission! Please remember that I’m no admissions counselor so I don’t know everything, but the info I’m providing is stuff that I would’ve found useful when I was a pre-dent trying to figure things out!
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[@rodentgirl]

I want to be a dentist but i friggin am terrified of physics 😭 and chemistry. I’m more of an anatomy physiology and bio girl Edit: I’m taking physics and strangely I like it a lot!

[@LauraSmiles]

SAME GIRL. I hated taking physics and general chemistry in undergrad but loved bio!

[@ayeshahassan1662]

i took biology , physics , chemistry in pre medical as majors and i loved it my minors were english

[@zizipi]

caroline jena cool , I like none :)

[@radrose8673]

Business I know it’s weird as hell but I worked with a dentist that did business and got into dental school based on how much extracurricular activities he did!

[@gogoluv4038]

i’m a sophomore in highschool and i truly want to become a dentist. currently taking two math classes right now :D i plan on taking dual credits classes later on ! this was super helpful !!

[@susanb8469]

Never liked a video so fast! This was so helpful, especially choosing what to major in cause that's one that stresses me out lol

[@LauraSmiles]

That's so good to hear! Choosing a major always sounds intimidating but it shouldn't be :)

[@LauraSmiles]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Let me know if you found this video helpful :)

[@sincerely.annasia]

LauraSmiles great video!! I’m interested in the pre-dental extracurriculars vid :)

[@LauraSmiles]

awesome! thanks :)

[@LauraSmiles]

Ahh I know how ya feel, that's how I felt about gen chem! YES, doing DAT prep will help a lot! Check out my DAT video if you haven't already! For ochem I found Chad's videos and Destroyer the most helpful :)

[@clarejones287]

yes!! very helpful thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!:))))

[@dhayawadh2591]

LauraSmiles I love your explanation. I have one question. Is dental technician can be count as good under graduate? After graduating, can a student get pre dental classes afterwards?

[@parkeralwan206]

Your videos have helped me so much!

[@juliaandstephyoutube198]

This video helped me so much! I always wondered if dental schools were interested in certain majors considering lots of dentistry is based on the sciences.

[@LauraSmiles]

Glad the video was helpful! True that dentistry is heavily science-based, but there are so many non-science skills and knowledge that contribute to making you a great dentist as well! :)

[@brendapena5070]

Thank you so much for uploading videos like these! I have one year left in the military and I’m seeking out to all the dental students for advice. This helped me a lot! Do you recommend getting an associates in Dental Hygiene?

[@tibaahmed2440]

Thank you sooo much for this useful video ❤️

[@LauraSmiles]

Yay! Glad you found it useful :)

[@YADDIEBUCK]

This video was very helpful 💓

[@TheLeaH86]

I’m a dental school student here in Costa Rica (I’m actually starting my junior year this year) and I’ve always loved to know the whole drill of dental school in USA (I will try and pursue a DDS there!) I’ve taken courses from philosophy, history of art, humanities, calculus, physics, statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, (+ lab time), biochemistry, physiology (+ lab time), pharmacology, and the actual dental school courses like dental anatomy, occlusion, fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics, endodontics, Perio, pediatrics, orthodontics, oral health for people with any disabilities, for kids, etc! It’s been a long ride! Now I’m on to my two last years of pure clinics! Love your channel! Your videos are always helpful! Good luck with everything! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@LauraSmiles]

That is so cool! Dental school must be way different in Costa Rica! Props to you and your motivation - good luck on your studies!!! :)

[@samuelbatista8510]

What major that you study?

[@user-wx3bl4mk1t]

Hi i am goriagn trained dentist i want to take my master in cosa rica so please what are the requirements to do that thank you... [e-mail]

[@Aya-sb6fy]

Luckily where I live, there’s no such thing as pre-med/pre-dental etc. You just directly start studying dental surgery/medicine etc. (Oh and the university I’m planning to go to doesn’t have a foundation year+ we start practical work from the end of the 2nd year!!)

[@GabrielaGomez-ge2nq]

I applied to the University of Washington for fall 2020 and I chose to major in biochemistry and now after watching this video I’m undecided...

[@teresavu1710]

Hi Laura, I'm studying to become a dentist and was wondering what you used to record your dental shadowing (:

[@myahv.5320]

this was incredibly helpful! I actually just switched my major to bio & am shadowing a local dentist. Do you have any non-school related tips for pre-dental/dental students? Thanks so much for these videos! :)

[@LauraSmiles]

That's awesome! I DO - I have lots actually, haha! I'll be making a video about those next! :)

[@khmerPradaG]

starting 2018 right by watching LauraSmiles ayeeee

[@LauraSmiles]

YAY thanks for watching! :D

[@Master-ep8be]

I’m a Canadian high school student, and here, for medical school, you need to have physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, social sciences, physiology, to get accepted. They’re the prerequisites. I’m still in high school and I don’t know which classes to take now, because maybe the university will also have prerequisites for me to take in high school which will lead to the university classes. I’m sorry, I’m so overwhelmed hahah. Plz help! :)

[@aurnachowdhury6007]

Hey, I am currently in 11th grade. I am hoping to study for the DAT as early as possible. So can you suggest me when I can really start studying for it?

[@cristopherpaniaguahernande7958]

I’m curious if the school you attend affect your admission status into dental school? Like do you have to go to a good school that has dental programs to stand a chance to get admitted?

[@bazuzgaming7824]

Your so pretty!!

[@LauraSmiles]

Aw thank you! :)

[@khaingkhin3211]

Hii I just finished my o levels but I never took physics there..I'm starting my a levels this month and I just wanted to ask if I can enter dental school without doing physics in o levels..? I'm studying in Malaysia btw

[@kierra395]

Is it important to take physics before applying?

[@samanthabernal3726]

Hi Laura! What was your gpa through college and what is it now currently in dental school? I’m really nervous because I’ve always been REALLY bad at math and pre cal is kicking my butt its impossible for me to get an A. I want to be a dentist but no matter how many hours I put in I can’t seem to get into the A range. Thanks!

[@user-it2je9yx9n]

Happy 2018 Laura ☺

[@LauraSmiles]

happy new year! :D

[@MsNikki527]

i am going to be a dentist = orthodontist ! but i was wondering if i should be biology or biochemistry ? i actually like biology but chemistry i don’t like

[@aliyahmalik8817]

hey, since you mentioned psychology, does it matter if its the art one (BA), i really want to pursue dentistry, i applied to honour arts psych, i was wondering if that's possible, as long as i take the prereqs should i be fine? it would be really helpful if you'd reply!! im a grade 12 student

[@christinekim8335]

Hi Laura! Im also from Washington and am currently an undergrad student too! I was also thinking of attending UW also and interested in dentistry! Just out of curiosity are you a transfer or a highschool transfer? Im planning to be just a transfer and couldnt help but ask if SAT scores really mattered. I didnt do to good and wanted to know more about your major!

[@viktoriabascon8818]

Here in the Philippines, we only take pre dent for 2 years and proper dentistry for 4 years ☺ idk how it works there in the US tho.

[@LauraSmiles]

That's different! In the US it's most common to complete 4 years of undergrad first and then go on to the 4 years of dental school! :)

[@cutiepie2471]

Great video! Could you also do a video about housing/living off campus at dental school? Do students typically live off campus or do schools provide housing?

[@LauraSmiles]

I'll do that in the future! Thanks for watching! :)

[@sudiptasaha6632]

My mejor was biology. and my cgpa is 2.98. Is it possible for me to study dentistry?

[@natalietorres8388]

Do you know if dental schools require calculus as a prerequisite. I know some schools like Harvard do, but I do not know if I should take AP calc in high school to get it out of the way. Also is calc a prerequisite to take physics or if the physics is calc-based?

[@adamasagir8134]

How many years does it take to be a dentist

[@jadehernandez2413]

HI! So Im a freshman at uga and I want to change my major it is currently biology and I def do not want to take courses that are required for that major. I don't like math or writing. What major should I consider if I want to get into dental school.

[@aguiiluz]

What college do u attend ?

[@hinaljani7367]

Hey! I’m from non science background but I want to change my career path to dental! Can you plz guide me what to do next ? Should I go for foundation year or start bachelors in pre dental science ? Also can I start from the beginning in sci bachelors because I’m from business! So is it possible to switch ?

[@nassssss]

I hate math so much like I even get bad grades in a math class but I want to pursue dentistry (btw I really appreciate this video though, thank you!)

[@ericaalyssa1244]

Does it matter if I take my prerequisite at a community college?

[@jasmineahrar]

Great question! I made a video that covers this topic, if you are interested :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaPPpamYmN2oeJo

[@aishaqureshi9450]

Can I take kinesiology major?

[@amalkhan7116]

This video was so helpful! I'm actually planning to apply in the summer of 2018! I was just wondering if you knew how to find out if dental schools accept your applications without all the pre-rec classes completed. Like do they accept pending classes?

[@LauraSmiles]

Thanks! You can apply even if you haven't completed all of your prereq classes - you just have to make sure you complete all of the prereqs before starting dental school if you get accepted that cycle! :)

[@oliviaonuah]

I’m doing a math major with a biochem minor this fall

[@marthapastora726]

Hello! Your video was really helpful. Do you think dental schools care or look at where you got your bachelors degree from? Also, would it give you a bit more of advantage if you got your bachelors from the same university where you are applying to dental school?

[@LauraSmiles]

I don't think they care which school you go to and it would only be an advantage if it was maybe a state school because they prefer in-state students?

[@melissabarrows]

Hi Laura, what extracurricular activities or non-predental classes do you recommend?

[@LauraSmiles]

Hi! Good question! I mention non-science classes in this video and also just made a video all about extracurricular activities. You can watch it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJO1ZmuerLJ2h5Y

[@marysanta3851]

Beautiful smile

[@marysanta3851]

Is natural o you have done something on your tooth

[@LauraSmiles]

Thank you! I had braces!

[@earlcarter5492]

Could you make a video on how hard is the Dat & Dental School?

[@LauraSmiles]

I've made a DAT video! But I'll definitely update on how dental's school's been in future vlogs! Thanks!!

[@allisonvolpe6404]

what are your thoughts about getting an associates in dental hygiene and a bachelors in health science prior to applying to dental school? Currently I'm in hygiene school and I know I love that. Not sure if I want to pursue dental school but do you know anyone who has done this?

[@LauraSmiles]

Yes! One of my classmates was actually a hygienist before he decided to pursue dentistry!

[@escovar60]

Hey I'm just going into my bachelors and I'm scared for all these sciences! But I'm going to try it out because I'd love to be a dentist, how is dental school ?? Can you compare it to Med school ??

[@LauraSmiles]

Dental school's been great so far! It's definitely been busy but I love it! I can't compare to medical school cause I haven't been through it but from what my med school friends have said both programs are equally as rigorous!

[@lesliemenjivar9871]

Hello I hope you can reply me , I’m a senior in high school, and I want to become a dentist of 4 years , I really want it! But I have a problem I have not idea how to start , like After high school can I go to a dentist school or I need to go to college first? I don’t get it can you explain me! And what classes would I have to take?

[@LauraSmiles]

Hi Leslie! In the US students usually complete a Bachelor's degree (4 years of college) and then in order to become a dentist requires another 4 years of dental school, so 8 years total after high school. Recommended classes are mentioned in the video

[@jennifera5145]

Hey Laura, I've always wanted to be a dentist growing up through about a week ago, but as I am in my second year of college, reality hit me. I don't know if I am capable of passing those hard organic chemistry classes, or physics classes. I instantly became overwhelmed by all of the things that are required to get my bachelors in biology and survive the 4 years in dental school. Do you think it is possible to get through undergrad and dental school if you aren't one of those super smart kids? Are you able to get through school if you don't have a good almost photographic memory? I'm not a speedy reader, and I don't know if I can learn a semester worth of stuff in just 4 weeks at dental school. It takes me a lot of work to learn and really understand things. Are you enjoying life as a dental student? All these thoughts came to me at once and severely discouraged me to the point that I am thinking of switching my major and whole career path. I don't think I'm smart enough to do hard classes like ochem and physics, and I don't know if I have good enough memory to endure those bio, anatomy, physiology, microbiology classes. Just wondering what you have to say about my situation, and if you have advice from your experience so far.

[@LauraSmiles]

Hi Jennifer! The pre-reqs are difficult so I totally understand why you'd be overwhelmed! It's definitely possible to do those things - not everyone is born naturally smart (definitely not me! I had to work my butt off to get to where I am today!). I LOVE dental school so far and encourage you to keep pushing to do well in your classes and pursue dentistry if that's what you're truly passionate about. But also, don't feel that you're stuck to dentistry as a career! You're in college and that's THE time to figure out who you are as a person and what you want to pursue - just because you think you wanted to be a dentist doesn't necessarily mean that it's the perfect fit for you if you're not into it!

[@b2andonlam962]

Hi Jennifer, I believe in you. Hope you’re doing well.

[@kendaljohnson7273]

i feel this right now 100% please update us on where you're at right now!

[@jennifera5145]

kendal johnson hey! I totally forgot I ever posted this. But I am doing well! I passed ochem, physics, and calculus! I never thought I could but it took hard work and perseverance! Just one more year to finish up!

[@sushisashi2663]

Jennifer do grades matter in college or is it all about “pasing”? I was raised in an Asian household where an A literally determines your intelligence. I dont like physics and all those bio classes :( Im scared i wouldnt do well. I plan on majoring in denta hygiene but very in being a dentist

[@webuser5950]

Do you know any finance majors? I am currently a biology major but I feel like that isn’t useful if dentistry doesn’t fall through

[@LauraSmiles]

It's good that you're thinking about alternative options! I have an Econ major in my current class!

[@panlifelord9956]

Do you think I could Finish my Degree in Nursing and then Apply for Dental school or should I switch my major???? Just not sure what would look best

[@LauraSmiles]

My advice is to not think about "what looks best." If you want to pursue dentistry, choose dentistry!

[@chrishernandez8791]

This helps so much! 🙌🙏🏻😭

[@elysem8095]

When it comes to GPA, whats a good GPA to have when applying to dental school?

[@jasmineahrar]

As a general rule, we (pre-dents) are told to shoot for 3.5!

[@samuchitdhital9448]

in which university did you do your undergrad ?

[@LauraSmiles]

I got my B.S. from the University of Washington!

[@BreBree143]

Thank you! I had a question (I hope it's not too personal), but how do you balance finances and live in your apartment? I haven't noticed if you work and it is something I'm really stressing over. Thanks!

[@LauraSmiles]

It's almost impossible to have a part-time job and be in dental school nowadays so we take out loans, loans, loans. It's not fun but it's surely an investment into your education!

[@BreBree143]

Thank you for replying! So you just take out bank loans for everything including your apartment rent? I Have five younger siblings so I'm trying to make sure I'll have the ability to have my own place come dental school. Thank you :) By the way I'm a junior in high school.

[@sophiadobek6173]

Did you minor? Also, what are ways to build up manual dexterity skills outside of taking classes?

[@LauraSmiles]

I did not do a minor! I'll mention that in a different video so stay tuned! :)

[@ericaalyssa1244]

I’ve read 8 hours of biology with lab. Is that one class or two?

[@koran_4e271]

They are separate by at the end you get one grad for both

[@emilywong5563]

Hi Laura, dental is a doctor. but how about if I learn bachelor of Oral Health( therapy and hygienist), it's a doctor as well????I have wondering for so long on this question

[@emilywong5563]

*dentist

[@janeserrano9551]

Can you go to a dental school and get your bachelors degree or do you have to go to a 4yr college and then go to a dental school

[@micaelacunningham8518]

You gotta go to college first , get your bachelors. Then apply to dental school

[@RekoTea]

does high school matter if you want to be an orthodontist? (my grades are great, but im always worried :>)

[@nadaesfacil]

Hugh school matters for any college but community

[@Saiydjama]

What about Maths

[@fahimhussein8623]

Hi could I apply to dental school with a degree in dental hygiene? I would be happy if you answered back.

[@alibri8388]

I too, am wondering about this too!

[@sushisashi2663]

me too! i start college in fal 2020 and majoring in dental hygiene

[@dalenanguyen8684]

As long as you took the required classes (:

[@EverydayEssential101]

Hii i wanted to become a dentist in canada so is this the coirse i should take

[@LauraSmiles]

Hi, that's great! I'm unaware of the requirements in Canada so it'd be best to check with the Canadian dental schools :)

[@sevinronak5448]

Wait so does that mean someone could take civil engineering as their undergraduate degree or bachelors and be a dentist for their masters ?

[@jasmineahrar]

Someone could take civil engineering as their undergraduate degree and pursue being a dentist for their doctoral.

[@miriamsoares5891]

How do you look at a schools Prerequisites requirements on their website?

[@LauraSmiles]

Go to the dental school's website and usually there's a tab/link for "Pre-dental" that includes info for admission like pre-reqs and such!

[@miriamsoares5891]

LauraSmiles thanks sooo much Lauraaa!!!

[@Blessed_and_Stylish]

Hi Laura! Thank you for this helpful video. Quick question. I was thinking about pursuing Dentistry. I'm a freshman in the biological field. my community college makes me take math class as a pre-requisite. Do I really need math classes? Hope to read you back! thank you. Wish you the best! Keep us informed!

[@sc-ps1ek]

Hey Cassie! Did you ever find out the answer to this question? I’m in the same situation, I’m taking classes at community college right now and I don’t know whether I should take math classes!

[@Blessed_and_Stylish]

@@sc-ps1ek Hi! Unfortunately no. I will keep u update if so! But I stop taking math until further notice.

[@thePaolGA]

Hi Laura! In my school they offer a dental hygiene bachelor's degree program. I'm wondering if you think that's a good major to transition to in accordance with like the pre-reqs of dental school?

[@rodentgirl]

thePaolGA Typically no! It’s like being a registered nurse and trying to be a doctor, they are two separate career paths

[@ShearF3ar]

@@rodentgirl nursing is one of the most common majors for medical school students. Soooooo wrong

[@jasmineahrar]

As long as you take the required pre-requisites for whatever dental program you want to apply to it totally works!

[@jawadelgaro3182]

hey, I am still in grade 10 I am looking forward to going into dentistry school, but I am not sure which major i should take chemistry or biology between chemistry and biology, which will be more helpful to take as a major?

[@radrose8673]

Jawad Elgaro biology

[@DevAnimate]

So you mean I can major in computer animation as long as I take those classes? :o

[@LauraSmiles]

yes

[@s.s.r1690]

what major did u take dear?

[@brigittecung4425]

she did biology

[@eshapatel2929]

How many years of collage/ undergrad did you do before you went to dental school? And how many years of school did you do in total in order to become a dentist. I'm only in grade 9 but I want to become a dentist really badly! I'm scared for bio and chem and all of that because people say that its hard and I'm not that smart😭 Any tips?

[@samuelbatista8510]

If i study Dental Hygiene as my major, can i apply for DAT and Dental School?

[@LauraSmiles]

Dental hygiene school is different than dental school! And hygiene school is not needed to apply for the DAT or dental school. You can take the DAT whenever you're ready and apply to dental school when you've completed the pre-reqs

[@samuelbatista8510]

LauraSmiles yeah, but in Dental Hygiene school have the pre-reqs to apply for the DAT ? Or i have to study another major to complete the pre-reqs?

[@LauraSmiles]

You can major in anything as long as you complete the pre-req classes. I'd suggest watching my DAT video as it covers which topics are on the DAT - I suggest taking those classes like bio, chem, ochem before taking the DAT.

[@samuelbatista8510]

LauraSmiles oh, okay...thanks so much

[@alissabfisher]

Wait so your telling me after high school I can pick any major for college than I apply to dental school?

[@dalenanguyen8684]

Yes! But you need to make sure you take classes that are required for dental school. Such as general biology, chemistry, etc.

[@anhle5760]

Dalena Nguyen should i find a specific dental school to apply to or find the general classes?

[@LStriker120]

intro to psych was only cool cause I was there

[@LauraSmiles]

wut

[@brek.7987]

Didn’t doing Bio help prepare you for the DAT?

[@LauraSmiles]

Good question! Being a bio major definitely helped me out in the bio section but it wasn't necessary! The DAT covers what you should have learned in your general biology pre-reqs!

[@DevAnimate]

I plan to major in Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as long as I do the prerequisites right?

[@nikkitran2745]

are you stressed out in dental school because you always seem so happy?

[@LauraSmiles]

Good question - YES I am stressed out but I'm also trying to make the best out of my time in dental school! I'm also a pretty happy person in general haha! :)

[@carlyyoungblood5310]

Do you whiten your teeth?

[@LauraSmiles]

I do occasionally! I'm thinking about making a video about how I care for and whiten my teeth soon! Hopefully people want to see? Haha!

[@hi-yi9nh]

You look like Skai Jackson in the thumbnail