PreDental Advising

 

Over the past five years, few public research universities have risen in stature as quickly for both academic excellence and the creation of life-changing technological and medical innovation than the University of Utah.

Preparation for dental school involves curricular and extracurricular experiences which demonstrate communication, leadership, community service, and familiarity with dentistry. Any major is appropriate. Study something you love!

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PreDental Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities and work experiences which demonstrate interpersonal skills, leadership, and service are very important. See the Bennion Center on campus or our website for some specific service opportunities, e.g., a student might wish to join the Pre-Dental Society or another student group to gain leadership experience. 

PreDental Courses/ Curriculum

Learn about courses to take to prepare you for applying to dental school.

Participate in Dental School Visits

The PPA office coordinates visits from a few dental schools from all over the country. They usually give information sessions and sometimes meet with students individually. We strongly recommend our students to participate in these sessions. Drop by the PPA office and make sure you are on the email list if you are interested in learning about these visits when they occur.

Application Process

Your application process begins in spring or summer at the end of your junior year, if you have completed the necessary requirements. Dental  schools admit students once a year for fall matriculation. You will take the  DAT (Dental Admissions Test) and submit an application one year in advance of the year for which you are applying.

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Useful Resources

• 5 year PreDental Stats 08-12 - opens new window

• UC 1030 Intro to PreDental- opens new window  (1 cr. hr, Offered only in Spring)  Thinking about becoming a dentist? This course is designed for students who are exploring a career as a dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, or other specialist. The primary focus is to explore the career through panels and presentations by practicing dentists as well as a continuous discussion on how to prepare for admission to dental school. Students will not only learn about resources but also reflect on self within the context of this career. 

• Messages from U of U Almuni @ University of the Pacific Dental School in SF, CA - opens new window

• ADA: American Dental Association DAT Registration.

• ADEA: American Dental Education Association Information on dental schools.

• The University of Utah School of Dentistry  The long hoped-for School of Dentistry has become a reality, thanks to a very generous gift from the Ray and Tye Noorda family to the University for this express purpose. Learn more about UUSD and the opportunities it will present for dental education in Utah at dentistry.utah.edu

• Tutoring Center -330 SSB, 581-5153

• PreDental Society (PDS) E-mail: uofupredentalsociety@yahoo.com

• U of U Future Women Dentists: E-mail: uofufwd@gmail.com

• Operation Smile E-mail: uoperationsmile@gmail.com

• Pre-Professional Health Organization (pre-PHO) E-mail: prepho@gmail.com

Contact Preprofessional Advising

801-581-5744
ppa@uc.utah.edu

Bldg. 44, Room 206 [MAP]  (the older yellow brick building West of the Marriott Library, next to the BioKid's Playground with the green fences.)

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Hours

We are available for appointments:

 

8:30 am - 5 pm, Mon-Fri (Our "lunch hour" is from 1-2 pm.)

 

The University will be closed for Memorial Day on MAY 27.

  

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 PPA advisors WILL be seeing students over TERM Break, May 6-10.

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 "10 minute rule"

Please try to arrive a few minutes early to check in before your appointment time. Students who are more than 9 minutes late will be rescheduled.