Dental Specialties

Most dental school graduates practice general dentistry, treating all patients (adults and children). Some may opt for additional education through general practice residency (GPR, required for some states) or Advanced Dental Education Programs to specialize in one of these areas:

• Endodontists diagnose and treat injuries that are specific to the dental nerves and pulp (matter inside the tooth)

• Oral and maxillofacial pathologists study and research the causes, processes and effects of diseases with oral manifestations

• Oral and maxillofacial radiologists take and interpret conventional, digital, CT, MRI and allied imaging modalities of oral-facial structures and disease

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide diagnostic services and treatment for injuries, diseases and defects of the neck, head, jaw and associated structures

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedists diagnose and treat problems related to irregular dental development, missing teeth and other abnormalities

• Pediatric dentists treat children from birth to adolescence

• Periodontists provide corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum disease

• Prosthodontists restore and replace teeth damaged by decay or lost from trauma or disease, with fixed or removable appliances constructed with newly developed dental material

• Dental public health specialists develop policies and programs, such as health care reform, that affect the community at large

Preparing for Dental School

Dental-Related Experiences

What exposure do you have to dentistry beyond seeing your own dentist? You can gain experience to the dental field by interacting directly with patients in a clinical setting through working, shadowing, and/or volunteering in a dentist office or clinic. Or perhaps your volunteer work or research are related to dentistry. Use your network to find opportunities! This is extremely beneficial for your own professional development, so that you know for sure that you will enjoy working as dentist. Moreover, when dental schools review applications, they will look for indications that you are truly enthusiastic about health care and have sought out opportunities to learn more about the field. While during the COVID-19 pandemic it may be more challenging to secure in-person activities, there are also virtual opportunities for you to continue learning as well.

• Public Citizens for Children + Youth (PCCY) is hosting their annual Give Kids A Smile event in March/April 2021 that provides free dental care for children in the Philadelphia area who are uninsured, under-insured or who have not had a dental screening in the past year. Interested in improving access to dental care? Volunteer virtually or in-person.

• Shadow Penn Dental students and faculty (scroll down to "Shadowing Program")

• Use your State Dental Association to find member dentists to reach out to!

  • NJ Dental Association

  • Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA): Find a Member Dentist

DAT & Assessments

Click the link above to learn about preparing for the Dental Admission Test. You'll also learn about the CASPer and other assessments dental schools may ask you to take when applying.