QUICK FACTS: DENTISTRY

Description of profession: evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures(American Dental Education Association, ADEA). Most general dentists care for the teeth and gums, but there are a number of specialties available including endodontics, orthodontics, radiology, surgery. Many dentists work in solo practice and most are in private practice. Dentists should enjoy working with their hands and interacting with people.

Salary and employment opportunities: Salary depends on experience, whether you are a general dentist or a specialist, and whether you are self-employed. For general practice dentists the average salary for 2003 was $177,340 and for specialists the average was $300,000. The average salary in 2004 for general dentists in solo practice was $204,500. Opportunities for employment are very good as many dentists are expected to retire within the next 20 years. People generally practice better tooth and mouth hygiene and are keeping their teeth longer. Opportunities for minority students are excellent.

Education required:

Undergraduate: 3-4 years. Students who earn about 95 hours at Lipscomb including all general education requirements may receive a B.S. degree from Lipscomb after successfully completing the first year of dental school and acquiring a total of 132 hours. Students who graduate from Lipscomb before entering dental school must complete all requirements for graduation.

Professional: Dental school is a 4-year program. The first two years are devoted primarily to biomedical sciences while the last years are primarily clinical in nature. Additional years of training are necessary for specialization.

Admission requirements:

Required science courses: 8 hours of Biology 8 hours of General Chemistry
  8 hours of Physics 8 hours of Organic Chemistry
Highly recommended: Biochemistry
  Upper division Biology classes
Grade Point Average: A minimum of 2.5 for most schools.
Average GPA for 2005 entering class at UT-Memphis was 3.5.
Dental Aptitude Test (DAT): Has 4 parts, each scored 1-30.
UT-M expects scores at or above the national average (17).