»Dentistry Pathway

Academic performance, GPA and DAT scores are all contributing factors to the success of your application. 

In addition, you should cultivate a variety of experiences that make you a strong candidate:

• Dental experiences.
• Community service and involvement
• Research, extracurricular, and work/life experiences.

All of these things demonstrate your readiness and motivation to pursue a career in dentistry.

Activities and extracurriculars

Get involved early in these and ramp up to have a well rounded resume by the time you apply. However, your first job is your academics. You need to maintain a strong academic foundation to be competitive.

• Clinical work. You can gain experience and learn about the field in a number of ways:
  • Dental assistant
  • Shadowing
  • Volunteering in free clinics or hospitals—particularly if you can see oral and maxillofacial surgeries and appointments.
• Community service. Give of yourself to your community. Shelters, food banks, community resource centers, after school programs. Preferably not clinically related, although in some cases there may be some crossover.
• Research. Chapman offers many opportunities for students to get involved in research as an undergrad.
• Extracurriculars. Involvement in things you’re interested in, including clubs; does not need to be clinically related. Some options: 
  • Beta Beta Beta
  • First Aid
  • Pre-Dental Society
    

 

Academics/prerequisites

These are the general courses you should take. There may be some programs that have additional or fewer requirements. Always check with the programs to confirm.