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College of DentistryOffice of Academic Affairs |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to Dental SchoolACADEMIC PREPARATION Q.Do I need a bachelor's degree?A.No. However, a degree is strongly recommended because it affords the individual a broad, liberal education. A degree also provides one with a major field of study, on which to build, if dentistry turns out to be a poor career choice for the individual. An individual may enter our program after successful completion of 90 semester hours.Q.Does it matter what size academic load I carried in undergraduate school?A.We recommend that applicants carry a full academic load (15-16 credit hours) per semester and suggest taking a minimum of 3-4 science courses each term. This gives you a chance to preview what is in store for you in dental school (i.e., a full course load which cannot be taken part time). At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to better evaluate your chances of success in dental school.Q.Must I major in Biology or the sciences?A.No. The choice of major is yours. Choose a course of study of interest to you. Keep in mind that our faculty does not assume that you have had courses other than those required. It is true that those students who have an extensive science background have an easier time with the dental school basic sciences than non-science majors.Q.In addition to the required undergraduate courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English), what other courses are suggested?A.Any course in Biology related to growth and development such as Comparative Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology, and Histology. Biochemistry is particularly recommended. Courses in Psychology/Human Behavior are very helpful when dealing with dental patients. Also, courses in business such as Marketing will help the student prepare for private practice. Some students enjoy courses in sculpture to ensure good hand-eye coordination. You are advised to take a course in which you work with a microscope (Histology-Microbiology)APPLICATION Q.How do I apply to dental school?A.All applications to the College of Dentistry must be submitted using the on-line form available at: www.utmem.edu/admiss/admiss_info.php.The University of Tennessee is not an AADSAS participant. Hard copies of College of Dentistry Admission policies are available from:
This office can also provide additional information concerning admission policies, procedures and requirements. For additional information about the on-line application process, you may also contact the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Office of Enrollment Services at 901-448-5560. Q.What is the deadline for applications?A.Applications must be postmarked by November 30 preceding the year of anticipated entry.Q.When will I be notified of acceptance?A.After your application is completed and you have been interviewed, the Admissions Committee makes its decision. By agreement among dental schools, acceptances will not be issued before December 1st of the year preceding the year of anticipated entry. Applicants are notified of their acceptance after our Admissions Committee meets during the months of February and March.Q.What happens if the class is filled before a decision has been made about me? Am I eliminated for the year?A.The Admissions Committee looks extremely hard at selecting the best individuals to be a member of a class. However, some individuals choose not to attend our school. The Admissions Committee will choose an alternate list to select other individuals if space opens. Any person not selected is encouraged to meet with the Director of Admissions or the Admissions Office to review their application.DENTAL ADMISSION TEST Q.When should I take the DAT?A.The DAT can be taken after the completion of Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. The deadline for taking the DAT is November 30 preceding the year of desired admission.Q.How should I prepare for the DAT?A.A set of sample examination questions is included in the registration booklet. To receive a registration booklet, contact Dental Admission Testing Program, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, (800-621-8099). Take the sample test with a clock to become familiar with the timed aspect of the examination. Commercial preparatory books are also available through most university bookstores. Commercial preparatory courses exist, but they may be expensive. Consult dental students or applicants about the experiences regarding these courses before registering. Look at books in the library (Psychology section) on Tests and Measurements to get an insight in the construction of standardized tests.Q.What is the minimum acceptable DAT score?A.Although we have no minimum score, applicants should try to achieve competitive scores of 17 or better in each category.Q.For how long a period of time are my scores good?A.DAT scores are valid for a period of five (5) years.Q.Are Canadian DAT scores acceptable?A.No. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States at the time of application.Q.How many times may I take the DAT?A.The maximum is three (3) attempts.Q.Are there courses I should complete before taking the DAT?A.Yes. The DAT contains sections on Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry that require a substantial knowledge base. Physics is not required for the DAT. The Perceptual Ability Test section requires extensive practice.LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Q.Are letters of recommendation required?A.No letters of recommendation are required.INTERVIEWS Q.Is an interview required of all applicants?A.Interviews are BY INVITATION to applicants being considered for admission. An interview is required for admission, however, the interview does not guarantee that an applicant will be offered a seat in the class. Other applicants, as well as prospective students, are welcome to visit the school on an appointment basis.Q.Who will interview me?A.Usually three faculty members and the Chair of the Admissions Committee. You are encouraged to bring questions to your interview. We want this to be a two-way conversation. It is not intended to be a stressful situation.Q.How should I dress for the interview?A.Professional or casual business attire is appropriate. Jeans, shirts without ties, shorts or skirts above the knees, tennis shoes, etc., should not be worn. You must remember that this is a professional environment and you should dress accordingly.Q.How are students selected to fill the class?A.Selection is based upon academic performance in undergraduate studies, DAT scores, personal characteristics, leadership experience, community awareness, preprofessional evaluation and the personal interview. |
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