Dental school is a four-year postgraduate program that leads to a dental degree. Admission into dental school has also become highly competitive as more students pursue dentistry as a career. If you want to become a dentist, early planning and preparation are key.

North Carolina currently has only two accredited dental schools: The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine in Greenville, NC, and the Adams School of Dentistry at UNC-Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. A third dental school, The Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University, is slated to open in High Point, NC beginning in August 2024. If you are considering applying to one or more of these schools, here are answers to some of the most common questions students have about getting into dental school in North Carolina.

What Is the Best Undergrad Major to Take to Qualify for Dental School?

There is not a specific major that is considered "best" for qualifying for dental school. Rather, most dental schools focus on a set of prerequisite courses you should take. These usually include classes in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and English. Many students choose to major in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry, but this is not required. Some schools may even offer a pre-dental major to ensure you take the required courses. As long as you complete the prerequisite courses with good grades, you will be eligible to apply to dental school.

What Are the Minimum Requirements for Dental School Admission?

To qualify for dental school, you must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (including the prerequisite courses mentioned above). Dental schools in North Carolina generally require an average GPA of 3.6 or higher. In addition, you will need to do the following:

• Complete about 100 hours of "dental shadowing"—volunteering at a dental office.
• Obtain up to four letters of evaluation (from professors, academic advisors, or a dentist). Check with your dental school for their evaluation letter requirements.
• Complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). (You will need a minimum score of 19-20 out of 30 to be competitive.)

What Is the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)?

The DAT is a standardized exam that assesses academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. The test is taken by all dental school applicants and is used as part of the admissions process. For most dental schools, you will need a minimum score of 19-20 out of a possible 30 to be competitive.

How Can I Prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)?

There are a few different ways you can prepare for the DAT. First, the American Dental Association (ADA) offers a DAT Prep course. This course is an online self-study program that includes four full-length practice tests, video lessons, and custom study plans. You can also purchase study materials, such as review books and flashcards, from companies like Kaplan and Dental Decks. However, one of the best ways to prepare for the DAT is with the help of one-to-one or small-group tutoring to ensure your best chance of scoring well enough to impress admissions reps.

At Vincent-Pope Tutoring, we can assist with DAT exam preparation and personal tutoring in all the sciences and English to help you with your plan to enter one of North Carolina's dental schools.