The Ultimate Pre-Dental Student Checklist: Courses, Volunteering, and DAT Prep

If you’re planning to apply to dental school, the process can feel overwhelming. Between prerequisites, shadowing, volunteering, and DAT prep, it’s easy to wonder if you’re on the right track. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate Pre-Dental Student Checklist — your go-to guide to make sure you’re fully prepared to apply with confidence.

Follow this step-by-step checklist to strengthen your application and stand out to dental schools.

Pre-Dental Student Checklist: Key Categories

✅ 1. Complete Required Pre-Dental Courses

Dental schools typically require these core science prerequisites:

• Biology with Lab – 2 semesters

• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 semesters

• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 2 semesters

• Physics with Lab – 2 semesters

• English/Writing – 2 semesters

• Biochemistry – Recommended or required at many schools

🔎 Pro Tip: Check each dental school’s specific requirements on their website or the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools.

✅ 2. Gain Dental Shadowing Experience

Dental schools want to see that you understand the profession. Most recommend:

• 100+ hours of dental shadowing across general and specialty practices.

• Variety in experiences: General dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, etc.

🦷 Bonus Tip: Keep a detailed log of dates, hours, and what you learned during each shadowing session.

✅ 3. Volunteer and Show Community Involvement

Volunteering shows your commitment to serving others — a core value in dentistry.

• Aim for 100+ hours of community service.

• Look for healthcare-related, underserved community, or leadership-focused opportunities.

• Consistency matters more than quantity.

✅ 4. Prepare for the DAT (Dental Admission Test)

• Create a DAT study schedule that spans at least 2-3 months.

• Focus on high-yield subjects like Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biology, and Perceptual Ability (PAT).

• Utilize high-quality DAT prep resources and take multiple full-length practice tests.

✅ 5. Build Meaningful Extracurriculars

• Join pre-dental clubs, leadership roles, research projects, or campus organizations.

• Show initiative and long-term involvement.

✅ 6. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

• Typically, dental schools require:

  • 2 science professors

  • 1 dentist

  • Optional: Non-science professor, employer, or advisor

• Build relationships early and request letters at least 2 months before deadlines.

✅ 7. Develop Your Personal Statement

• Start drafting your personal statement by the spring before you apply.

• Focus on:

  • Why dentistry?

  • Key life experiences

  • Personal growth and motivation

• Revise multiple times and seek feedback from mentors.

✅ 8. Prepare a Targeted School List

• Research dental schools that align with your:

  • Academic profile (GPA/DAT)

  • Location preferences

  • Mission and values

• Balance reach, target, and safety schools.

✅ 9. Plan Your Application Timeline

• Submit your ADEA AADSAS application as early as possible (ideally in June).

• Track deadlines for:

  • Transcripts

  • DAT scores

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Supplemental applications

Final Thoughts

The dental school journey can feel overwhelming, but with a clear checklist and early preparation, you can confidently build a competitive application. Whether you’re just starting or about to apply, following these steps will help you cover all the essential bases.

👉 Ready to get organized? Download your free, printable Pre-Dental Student Checklist on Dental School Declassified and start taking action today.