THE BLACK DENTISTS IN THE NEW MILLINEUM: WHERE ARE THEY?
by Dr. Michael Rowland

Applicants are admitted to dental schools based on a variety of factors. Of the fifty-four U.S. dental schools, most do not require applicants to hold a Baccalaureate degree. Students, who have completed two to three years of undergraduate study, including the pre-requisite science courses can apply to dental school. While many of the applicants major in biology or chemistry; it is not a requirement for admission to dental school. Some students major in subjects such as Business, Engineering, Spanish, or Education while taking the science pre-requisites for dental school. In addition, all dental school applicants are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) which is a standardized examination covering the basic sciences; including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and a reading comprehension section, a quantitative reasoning and a section focusing on two and three-dimensional problems (Perceptual Ability). The two and three-dimensional portion of the examination is important of the fine hand and eye coordination needed for dentistry. Often, dentists work on patients using mirrors thereby requiring them to visualize their movements from a three-dimensional perspective. In addition to the required courses and the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), dental school look for good grades, particularly in the sciences, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, altruistic endeavors, and/or dental experience, letters of recommendation and an interview is often required for admittance. The interview in an opportunity for you to gain additional information about the school and its program as well as your opportunity to assure an Admissions Committee that you have the skills, knowledge, experience and background to become a dentist. 

Most dental schools operate a four-year program with the first two years dedicated to learning basic sciences, such as oral anatomy, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, histology, pathology, and courses in pre-clinical training that helps student's develop hand skills. Generally, the last two years of dental education are devoted to patient care in a clinical setting. 
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