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1. Tips for Choosing the Right Dental
School

2. Introduction
Getting into the field of
dentistry, whether it is as a
dentist or a hygienist, requires
a great deal of training and
education. Once the decision
has been made that you want
to get into this industry, it’s
time to start thinking of
schools to apply to.

3. Introduction cont…
The ‘right’ dental school won’t be the same for everyone, but
there are some steps you can take to help narrow down your
ideal candidates.
Follow these tips to help you find the right dental school and
start your career off on the right foot.

4. Ask Questions
Whether you’re thinking of being a dentist or a
hygienist, asking the right questions is one of the keys to
finding the right school. Some important questions
include:
 What is the average class size?
 Are there any specialty programs available?
 What is the ratio of students to faculty?
 Is the grading system based on a pass/fail or standard
letter grading?
 Do classes continue through the summer months?

5. Questions cont…
 What is the tuition range and any extra projected
expenses?
 Can you describe the school’s overall culture?
 When do clinical experiences start?
 Which exams must students take?
 What are your general policies and regulations?
 Does the school train students with emerging
technology?

6. Talk to Former Students
There’s no better way to really get a feel for how a dental
school operates and treats its students than by speaking
to former students.
By speaking to students who have already completed the
program, you can get honest opinions about the
instructors, the workload and placement once schooling
is complete. If you’re lucky enough to speak to a former
student, ask any question that comes to mind that you
feel will help.

7. Find Out What You’re Getting Into
Finding success at dental school requires a lot of work in
lectures, clinics and labs as well as studying. In all
likelihood, your lifestyle is going to change quite a bit
and it’s important that you have a sense of what you’re
getting into.
Speaking to former students will help, as will getting in-
depth information about the courses and expectations
from the school itself.

8. Location
All other aspects being equal, the location of a dental
school may go a long way to determining if it is the
‘right’ one for you.
If you can find a school in a city you’re fond of, or if
there’s one close to home, that’s often enough to seal the
deal for many students.

9. Reputation & History
The reputation that a dental school has within the
industry is another factor to consider when deciding
where to go. It’s always wise to learn as much as you
can for yourself, but a school with a great reputation is a
step in the right direction.
Along the same line, a school with a rich history of
producing top quality dentists and hygienists is also a
sign that the school has a lot to offer.

10. Cost and Living Expenses
The price of the program you want to take and the living
expenses at the school are usually a factor with most
prospective students.
The cost is more of a factor for some than for others, but
it’s still something to look at regardless of how you come
into the situation financially.

11. Student to Instructor Ratio
Simply put, a dental school that has smaller classes and
a small student to teacher ratio will benefit the students.
Smaller classes mean more direct attention from
instructors, and a more personal feel overall.
Hands on, one-on-one
instruction helps students
learn practical skills faster and
understand the concepts and
theories faster.

12. Placement Track Record
All of the training and education of any dental school is
basically for nothing if there isn’t work waiting when it’s
all over. Make sure you find out about the school’s
placement track record, so you can get a sense of how
seriously graduates are taken out in the real world.
If your school has a high placement percentage, you
know that all of your hard work is taking you toward
your ultimate goal.

13. References
http://www.hpplc.indiana.edu/pdf/dental/Predental%20Applica
Indiana University Bloomington
http://www.asdanet.org/choosing-a-dental-school.aspx
American Student Dental Association