The Pre-Dentistry program of study at East Tennessee State University prepares students
for application to a 4-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine
(DMD) degree program. Students may apply after the completion of at least 90 hours of
undergraduate coursework, but completion of a bachelor s degree is strongly recommended.
Careers in Dentistry
Employment
Opportunities
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient s
teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They provide
advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums
and on diet choices that affect oral health.
146,800
170,100
jobs in 2012
The number of hours worked varies greatly among
dentists. Most dentists work full time, and some also work
evenings and weekends to meet their patients needs. It
is common for dentists to continue in part-time practice
well beyond the usual retirement age.
jobs projected in 2022
Median
Annual Wage
149,310
$
in 2012
for more information, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm
Freshman
summer
Some dentists own their own businesses and work alone
or with a small staff. Other dentists have partners in their
practices and a few work for more established dentists as
associate dentists.
sophomore
summer
junior
summer
senior
Complete prerequisite requirements.
Build professional relationships with professors, advisors, and professionals for letters of recommendation.
Community service / volunteer work / job shadowing / engagement in student organizations. Document experiences.
Choose a major.
Gain research experience.
Campus visits to professional schools of interest
Collect letters of recommendation.
Take DAT.
Committee Evaluation
Application
Interviews
Advisement
Timeline
Pre-dentistry is not a major. Therefore,
you must choose a major
(and minor, if appropriate) by the time you earn 60 credit hours. You do not
have to major in a science field. Choose a course of study that interests you.
It is true that students who have an extensive science background have an
easier time with the dental school basic sciences than non-science majors.
Dental schools do not assume, however, that you have had any courses
other than those required.
You must meet with your advisor each semester.
You
are
required to meet with your pre-professional and major advisors each term
before registering for the next. Students who receive scholarships, participate
in specialized ETSU programs (such as athletics or Honors College programs)
must also seek advisement from those departments. Serious consequences
can occur if students fail to meet with advisors (e.g., failure to graduate on
time, missing appropriate courses to prepare for the DAT, etc.).
Advisor
contact
Medical Professions
Advisement Office
423.439.5602
ARC in Culp Center