What Pre-Dental Students Should Be Doing During the Summer

Written By DSD .

Summer is more than just a break from classes—it’s a golden opportunity to boost your dental school application and prepare for the DAT. Whether you're a freshman exploring the field or a rising senior getting ready to apply, how you spend your summer can make a major impact.

At Dental School Declassified, we work with students year-round to create strategic summer plans that strengthen their applications, sharpen their skills, and build confidence.

Here’s what pre-dental students should be doing during the summer to stay competitive and purposeful:

1. Shadow Dentists (In-Person or Virtually)

Dental schools expect applicants to have clinical exposure—and summer is the perfect time to rack up meaningful hours.

What to aim for:

  • Shadow a variety of specialists (general, ortho, endo, etc.)

  • Ask questions and keep a journal of procedures you observe

  • Strive for at least 100 hours, if possible

If in-person shadowing is limited, many schools still accept virtual shadowing experiences (e.g., through Smile Shadowing or YouTube series).

2. Study for the DAT

If you're within 6–12 months of applying, starting or intensifying your DAT prep should be a top summer priority.

What this looks like:

  • Create or follow a structured DAT study schedule

  • Focus on high-yield sections like PAT, organic chemistry, and reading comprehension

  • Take practice tests under timed conditions

📥 Pro Tip: Download our free customizable DAT study schedule to get started on the right foot.

3. Get Hands-On with Volunteering or Community Service

Admissions committees love to see a commitment to service—especially in underserved communities.

Ideas for summer volunteering:

  • Local free dental clinics or mobile dental units

  • Health fairs or dental awareness events

  • Non-dental organizations that show your compassion and leadership

Even non-health-related service is valuable if you’re showing initiative, consistency, and care for others.

4. Strengthen Your Academic Foundation

Summer is a great time to review or preview difficult coursework—especially if you're about to take Organic Chemistry or haven’t yet finished your science prereqs.

What helps:

  • Reviewing Gen Chem, Bio, and OChem notes alongside DAT material

  • Tutoring in tougher subjects to avoid falling behind

  • Taking a summer course if you need to raise your GPA or retake a class

Investing in your academics now prevents future stress during application season.

5. Engage in Research or Internships

Research isn’t required for dental school, but it’s a strong plus—especially if you’re interested in academic dentistry or want to show intellectual curiosity.

What to look for:

  • Lab or clinical research at your university

  • Internships in public health, biomedical sciences, or dental offices

  • Independent projects under faculty supervision

Even just a summer’s worth of research shows initiative and long-term thinking.

6. Start Your Personal Statement Early

If you’re applying in the upcoming cycle, now is the time to brainstorm and write a strong, authentic personal statement.

Summer tips:

  • Reflect on meaningful experiences: Why dentistry? Why now?

  • Avoid clichés and start with a compelling, personal story

  • Revise early—and often

📄 Need help? We offer personal statement coaching and editing tailored specifically for dental school.

7. Network and Learn from Mentors

Use your summer to connect with dental students, advisors, and professionals who can offer real insight into the field.

How to do it:

  • Attend pre-dental events or webinars

  • Join organizations like ASDA or Pre-Dental societies

  • Reach out to students or alumni from schools you're interested in

Building relationships now can lead to mentorship, letters of recommendation, or application tips you won’t find online.

Final Thoughts

Your summer can be a season of growth—not just a break. Whether you’re prepping for the DAT, gaining hands-on experience, or shaping your personal narrative, the effort you put in now can make your dental school application stand out later.

At Dental School Declassified, we’re here to help you make the most of your time with strategic guidance, one-on-one tutoring, and a team who’ve been exactly where you are.

✨ Need a customized summer game plan?
🎯 Book a strategy call or check out our tutoring options.

DSD .
Next

The Most Common Organic Chemistry DAT Traps and How to Avoid Them