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Many people want to work in the field of dentistry. Oral health is essential, and a bright smile often plays a role in making a good first impression. Since there is always a demand for dental care, the field continues to thrive and grow. If you want to work in the dental field, knowing the best majors for dental school is an important first step.
If you want to get into dental school and eventually work in the dentistry field, this is the article for you. You’ll learn about the best college majors for dental school, how to choose a major for dental school, and the different types of jobs in the dental field. You’ll even learn about the educational requirements for each job. If you’re wondering what the best majors for dental school are, you’ve come to the right place to find some answers.
What Major Is the Best for Dental School?
According to the American Dental Education Association, there are a variety of popular fields of undergraduate study for students interested in continuing their education by attending dental school. The natural and physical sciences are always popular choices, particularly biology and chemistry.
Other programs that help you prepare for a dental career include engineering and math. In addition, some schools even offer specific pre-dental majors for students that know they plan to attend a dental school program later on.
How to Choose a Major for Dental School
- Calculate possible salaries. Prospective college students need to know which majors can lead to high salaries. Having this knowledge will help them plan for their financial futures. It can also help them plan effectively for graduate school.
- Consider your career goals. A four-year degree might be sufficient for many other jobs, but a doctoral or professional degree is the basic requirement for dentistry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Consider your strengths. A college major can potentially shape your postgraduate life. It’s best to pick an interesting major that can also help you build on existing strengths and skills.
- Think about colleges when picking a major. Once you’ve picked a major, carefully consider different schools that offer this major, and compare programs. There is a lot of information available online, so make sure to research your options thoroughly.
- Consider career advice carefully. Make sure that you have well-rounded sources for the information you use to make this important decision. You can talk to dental professionals as well as dental school admission officers to learn about the best dental majors.
What Are the Best Majors for Dental School?
- Pre-dentistry | Average Salary: $97,000
- Physics | Average Salary: $90,000
- Chemistry | Average Salary: $78,000
- Biomedical engineering | Average Salary: $78,000
- Microbiology | Average Salary: $76,000
- Physiological sciences | Average Salary: $75,000
- Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
- Molecular biology | Average Salary: $74,000
- Biology | Average Salary: $74,000
- Neuroscience | Average Salary: $67,000
Best College Majors for Dental School: Explained
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Pre-dentistry | Average Salary: $97,000
The coursework for this popular major centers around the biological sciences, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, math, and physics. All of these courses are requirements for dental school. Once they’re completed, students will often gain admission into a dental school of their choice.
Physics | Average Salary: $90,000
Students who choose to major in physics will learn how things function in the natural world. They will study the rules that govern sound, optics, electricity, and much more. Many principles in physics can apply to dental procedures, such as the use of x-rays and lasers.
Chemistry | Average Salary: $78,000
Chemistry majors learn about a wide range of topics across the natural sciences and STEM fields. Because of this, chemistry is one of the best choices to prepare for dental school. Completion of two semesters in chemistry is a requirement for admission into many dental programs.
Biomedical Engineering | Average Salary: $78,000
Biomedical engineering is another popular choice for prospective dental school students. It trains them to use engineering problem-solving principles in biology and medicine. This major gives students skills that they can use to create tools and devices that will be used in dental offices.
Microbiology | Average Salary: $76,000
Microbiology majors focus on the study of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. There are different subspecialties in the field, including clinical, industrial, medical, and agricultural microbiology. Students who major in microbiology will be prepared for dental school.
Physiological Sciences | Average Salary: $75,000
The physiological sciences focus on the function of organisms. Since this field of study is concerned with how the human body functions, you’ll be able to apply the principles of physiology to your dental practice. Physiological research opportunities will also give you helpful experience.
Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
Biochemistry simply means the study of the chemistry of living things. Undergraduate students majoring in biochemistry will take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Biochemistry is a good major for dental school as it effectively prepares students for the DAT exams.
Molecular Biology | Average Salary: $74,000
Students of molecular biology will learn about cell biology, biophysics, and genetics. This major is helpful for dental school because it teaches students about oral illnesses and disorders. Molecular biology is one of the foundations of dentistry because it studies the relationships between different processes within a cell.
Biology | Average Salary: $74,000
Biology is the study of living things. Students majoring in biology learn about how important living organisms are, how they work, and their characteristics. Students will also gain knowledge that will help them pass the DAT exam.
Neuroscience | Average Salary: $67,000
Neuroscience majors learn about how the nervous system functions. They explore how different body mechanisms communicate with the central nervous system. Students of neuroscience also conduct extensive research, which helps prepare them for grad school.
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What Are the Best Careers in Dentistry?
With a major for dentistry, you can get jobs such as dental hygienist, dental specialist, or periodontist. You can also work as a dental ceramist, orthodontist, dental assistant, or dental nurse. These are all exciting fields and will give students fulfilling careers after they graduate with one of the best majors for dental school.
Top 10 Best Careers in Dentistry
Building a career in dentistry is possible for students who attend dental school and even for those who don’t. It’s especially doable for students who’ve earned one of the best college majors for dental school. Some of the best jobs in dentistry include working as a dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist.
If you don’t plan on attending dental school, but you’re still interested in building a career in dentistry, you can work as a medical receptionist or a medical biller. These jobs and more are explained in more detail below.
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Average Salary: $311,460
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons carry out surgical procedures on the mouth and the jaw. They correct structural abnormalities and repair any problems a patient might have with their jaw. Oral surgeons work at dental practices, in hospitals, or they can even have freelance practices.
Orthodontist
- Average Salary: $267,280
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Professional degree
Orthodontists take care of mouth structure and realign teeth. They seek to provide solutions to any dental issues they observe. Orthodontists must have good analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure that the best dental standards are always met.
Periodontist
- Average Salary: $175,687
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Professional degree
Periodontists treat acute diseases that involve inflammation and infection of the gums and teeth. Periodontists perform different types of procedures such as scaling, root planing, and more. You must be passionate about gum health to become a successful periodontist.
Dentist
- Average Salary: $163,220
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
A licensed dentist examines the teeth and surrounding tissue of patients. They diagnose oral diseases and provide dental treatment to patients with conditions such as tooth decay. Dentists can also restore or extract teeth. They also perform procedures such as root canal therapy and give expert advice on other procedures like dentures and fillings.
Dental Nurse
- Average Salary: $79,043
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Dental nurses prepare materials for and provide patient support during surgical procedures. They’re responsible for the evaluation of a patient’s medical history. They seek out the medical records and learn about the health conditions of patients from previous dentists.
Dental Hygienist
- Average Salary: $77,810
- Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Associate degree
Dental hygienists conduct screenings and administer regular cleanings for patients. They remove plaque from patients’ teeth and improve their dental health by advising them on the best oral hygiene and maintenance. They can also help dentists carry out surgeries and procedures and can help remove stains from patients’ teeth.
Dental Ceramist
- Average Salary: $62,510
- Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
The job of a dental ceramist is to repair devices like crowns, implants, and dentures upon request from dentists. They create models or impressions of a patient’s teeth from x-rays. Also known as dental lab technicians, dental ceramists aim to improve and replace teeth.
Medical Biller
- Average Salary: $45,240
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree certificate or program
The job of a medical biller is to calculate and obtain payments for dental services. Medical billers must ensure all patient information is accurate. They’re also responsible for preparing invoices, submitting receipts to insurance companies, collecting payments, and investigating claims denied by insurance companies.
Dental Assistant
- Average Salary: $38,660
- Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree certificate or program
Dental assistants provide much-needed help to dental practitioners. They sterilize equipment and take impressions of patients’ teeth. They also provide guidance to patients throughout procedures and give instructions on oral health care, which means they need to have strong communication skills.
Medical Receptionist
- Average Salary: $39,740
- Job Outlook: 4% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Medical receptionists handle some clerical duties, navigate correspondence, answer phones and take care of basic administrative tasks. They carry out these tasks in dental offices, so they do have to know some specific information pertaining to dentistry. Medical receptionists sometimes also file medical records.
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Is Physics a Good Dental School Major?
Yes, physics is a good dental school major. Physics includes the study of chemistry, biology, and several math disciplines that are relevant to dentistry. Many principles of physics, such as the lever and torsion concept, can also help in using oral surgery instruments, lasers, and x-rays.
Very complex aspects of dentistry will become easier to grasp if a dental student understands physics well, making it one of the best majors for dental school. Pre-dental students will be able to establish a solid base of knowledge by studying physics.
Best Majors for Dental School FAQ
Yes, you typically need to graduate from college to get into a dental school. Most students hold a bachelor’s degree, and some schools even require graduate degrees. You can check in with the school that interests you to learn about individual dental school prerequisites.
According to the American Dental Association, the most common majors for dental school are biology and chemistry. However, they also stress that students do not necessarily have to come from scientific backgrounds to be accepted into dental school, and students from social science backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
No, dental schools don’t care about what major you’re coming in with. Dental schools do not require a specific undergraduate major. However, a strong background in a scientific field is a common expectation. Thankfully, there are a variety of undergraduate degrees that provide a strong science foundation.
Yes, dental school is hard. The admissions process for getting into dental school is very competitive, and dental school applications become more difficult every year. Although dental schools are increasing in number, the average GPAs and DAT scores of successful applicants are also on the rise. Dental school is very academically challenging, and you can expect a rigorous course load.
The post What Are the Best Majors for Dental School? How to Choose the Right Major to Get a Dental Job appeared first on Career Karma.
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