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Becoming an oral healthcare provider offers opportunities to create unique careers that support patients in dynamic environments across the spectrum of their needs. Oral healthcare providers are integral members of the healthcare system in preventing oral and systemic diseases, addressing health inequities, and optimizing patient care and comfort. Dentistry remains a top job according to the U.S. News and World Report and there is an emerging need for oral healthcare providers across various primary and specialty care areas.
Oral healthcare providers complete a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, which typically includes four years of intensive study and experiential education. Once learners have completed their education, they must pass a series of licensure activities that then grant them the privilege to provide patient care in their respective states. Some learners will complete additional specialty training (i.e., residency) for one to four years if they would like to provide advanced care in areas such as endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery.
Individuals interesting in becoming an oral healthcare provider are encouraged to visit dental practice locations, connect with current providers, and learn about the different career trajectories.
What are some helpful resources?
HPU students have been accepted into dental programs at:
Virginia Commonwealth University- Temple University
- The University of Maryland
- University of North Carolina
- Ohio State
- ECU School of Dental Medicine
Lucas Fogaca, D.D.S, ‘17
Graduated from HPU in 2017. He is currently an Associate Dentist in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Most impactful mentor at HPU:
“Dr. Neil Coffield went from a great professor to a long-lasting friend. He guided me since day one at HPU. He helped me get involved with the NC dental community, challenged me in the classroom and always shared his graduate school memories.”
Richard Byrd, D.D.S. ’16
Graduated from HPU in 2016. After receiving mentorship from his pre-dental advisor, Byrd attended the top dental school in the nation, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is currently an orthodontic resident at Howard University.
“My coaches and professors taught me that perseverance and hard work are essential for success even when obstacles come your way.”
Colleen Quinn, D.D.S ’14
Attended dental school at The University of Maryland in Baltimore
“The entire Biology department has been so great throughout all four years at HPU. I couldn’t have done it without each of my teachers who strengthened my love for biology and really made class time an enjoyable experience. They prepared me so well for the Dental Admissions Test, wrote awesome recommendation letters, and encouraged me every step of the way! I really thrived in the small classroom setting where I was able to build relationships with the faculty and my classmates, which I attribute a lot of my success to.”
Carli Antor, D.D.S. ’12
Attended The University of North Carolina’s School of Dentistry
“With Dr. Sapp’s guidance and advice, I was able to pursue the right major and shape myself professionally through internships and shadowing opportunities at local dentist offices.”
The optimal candidates for dental schools often have a well-rounded education with a variety of interests and personal experiences. Most programs do NOT have a required major; however, many individuals select a major in a science-related field as it often aligns with the prerequisite courses required for admission by dental schools.
Required Courses for Admission to Schools of Dentistry
- English Composition and Literature (8 credits)
- BCH 3010 – Biochemistry (3 credits)
- BIO 1500/1501 – Principles of Cell Biology and Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 2001/2001L – Principles of Genetics and Lab (4 credits)
- CHM 1010/1020 – General Chemistry (8 credits)
- CHM 2010/2020 – Organic Chemistry (8 credits)
- PHY 1510/1520 – General Physics or PHY 2010/2020 – Fundamentals of Physics (8 credits)
Additional courses may be required depending upon the program, e.g. microbiology, human anatomy, human physiology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, calculus, statistics, psychology, etc. It is essential that each student planning to seek admission to a school of dentistry be aware of the specific admission requirements for that particular dental school. Requirements vary. Full information is available in the annual publication of the American Association of Dental Schools, Admission Requirements of American Dental Schools.
What are additional expectations?
- Leadership, community service, and research experiences are highly desired
- Shadowing a dentist/oral health care provider (required hours and documentation vary by program)
- Letters of recommendation from a dental practitioner, a science professor, and a professor in your major
- Supplemental applications with reflection prompts
- Supplemental assessments (emotional intelligence, situational judgment tests, language proficiency, etc.)
- A photo
What is expected from the HPU WSDM?
The HPU WSDM uses a holistic approach to evaluating candidates. We do NOT have required degrees, prerequisite course requirements, or shadowing hours. We encourage individuals to explore various topics that align with our CARE curriculum model. Additional information can be found on the WSDM website.
Most dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is intended to measure academic ability, scientific understanding, and perceptual ability. The DAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based examination that is administered over approximately four hours in a standardized testing center. The DAT should be taken after you have completed the related coursework (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry) about one year before you apply to dental school
What are sections on the DAT?
- Natural sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry)
- Perceptual ability (two- and three-dimensional problem solving)
- Reading comprehension (dental and basic sciences)
- Quantitative reasoning (mathematical problems in algebra, numerical calculations, conversions, etc.)
What are some helpful resources?
American Dental Association DAT website: https://www.ada.org/education/testing/exams/dental-admission-test-dat
What is expected from the HPU WSDM?
The HPU WSDM does NOT require the DAT. DAT Scores cannot be submitted in the WSDM application and are not an admissions requirement. Additional information can be found on the WSDM website.
Most dental schools use the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) application, which is a centralized application service. The application opens in mid-May of each year and closes in early February of the admissions cycle. This application collects personal information, academic history/transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
What are some helpful resources?
- ADEA AADSAS website: https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Apply/
What is expected from the HPU WSDM?
The HPU WSDM is NOT using the ADEA AADSAS application at this time. Instead, candidates should submit their application through the admissions website, which has no additional cost compared to the ADEA AADSAS application. Additional information can be found on the WSDM website.
General Information
The Workman School of Dental Medicine offers an accelerated dual-degree opportunity, enabling highly qualified learners to earn a combined baccalaureate and doctoral degree in as little as six years of study at HPU.
The program includes a minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework in a desired major (e.g., biology, chemistry, etc.), which count toward a Bachelor of Science in Oral Health. Application to the Dental Medical Scholars (DMS) accelerated option can begin when a learner has completed at least one year of study at HPU. If accepted for the DMS option, the next four years are enrolled in the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. Learners who meet the course requirements are awarded the Bachelor of Science after two years within the DMD program.
To qualify for this option, most students enter HPU with several general education courses already completed. There is limited opportunity for candidates to take courses out of sequence, repeat courses, or take courses at another institution during the summer. Accelerated DMD students are required to live on HPU’s campus during their undergraduate years and during the first two years of the DMD program.
Application for the DMS option can begin when a learner has completed at least one year of study at HPU. Candidates must complete an official application to the DMD program to be considered. Candidates who meet the DMS requirements are guaranteed an interview for the program. DMS candidates will be notified about their admission by October 30. Acceptance into the program is based on a holistic review of the candidate’s readiness for dental school and is not guaranteed even if the requirements are met.
The WSDM team reserves the right to withdraw an acceptance at any time if academic or personal concerns cause the program to question a learner’s ability to function as an oral health professional. The school also reserves the right to require that learners spend additional time at HPU as an undergraduate if the school feels it is necessary to ensure academic or personal maturation or to meet the requirements for the baccalaureate degree.
Application Requirements
To apply for the DMS option, currently enrolled HPU undergraduates submit an official DMS application by July 31 and indicate their interest. To be eligible, candidates must also accomplish the following by application deadline:
- Maintain an overall and science GPA of 3.5 or higher (must be maintained until matriculation to the DMD program)
- Participation in at least 25 hours of community service
- Complete at least 20 hours of shadowing in two or more dental practices
- Obtain a letter of support from at least one HPU faculty member
- Demonstrate learning through engagement in at least two extracurricular activities from the following list (a supplemental narrative is required):
- Non-healthcare-related work experience
- Leadership role(s)
- Athletics, clubs, and/or intramural teams
- Research Rookies or independent research
- Creative endeavor(s), project(s), and/or business(es)
Note: Experiences in the summer prior to HPU enrollment can be used to fulfill these requirements.