Becoming a Dentist: General Information

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Becoming a DentistGeneral Information
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Welcome to Delta Delta Sigma!

• Conducive gateway into your future!
• The academic road to Dental School is difficult
  and demanding, sometimes even confusing. Delta
  Delta Sigma's goal is to make that journey as
  obtainable and easy as possible. 
• Office Hours SB-41
• Visit www.students.washington.edu/dental

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• Dentistry is the practical application of
  knowledge of dental science (the science of
  placement, arrangement, function of teeth and
  their supporting bones and soft tissues) to human
  beings. A dentist is a professional practitioner
  of dentistry.

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Did you know?

• Only recently have other methods of treating
  infection besides extraction been implemented.
• Dental Procedures were performed by barbers!?!
• Instruments used for dental extractions date back
  several centuries.

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OoOooOo
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Why people choose dentistry

• Positive perception of working conditions,
  followed by the altruistic motivations of helping
  people and improving their appearance.
• Most dentists are self-employed, running their
  own practices
• Its just plain awesome!

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From the words of a professional

• I was drawn to dentistry as a profession because
  it allows the opportunity to help others while
  providing adequately for personal satisfaction
  and financial needs.
• Dr. Richard Crinzi

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Specialties A lot more to Dentistry

• Recognized by the American Dental Association
• 1. Dental Public Health
• 2. Endodotics
• 3. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• 4. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• 5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• 6. Orthodontics
• 7. Pedodontics
• 8. Periodontics
• 9. Prosthodontics
• Other Concentrations
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Forensic Odontology (gathering and use of dental
  evidence in law, primarily documentation and
  identification requires training)
• Geriatric Dentistry (diagnosis, prevention,
  treatment of age-related dental problems)

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Exciting Research!

• Chance to think outside the box
• "Evidence Based Dentistry"
• It can be a fun process where you can learn a lot
  that is not taught in the classroom
• Contributing to a body of knowledge.

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OoOooOo 2
So this is why there's no more "spit bowls" at
the dentists' office?
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Satisfying Course Requirements

• General Chemistry (142, 152, 162)
• Organic Chemistry ( 237, 238, 239 w/ Lab)
• General Biology (180, 200, 220)
• General Physics ( 114, 115, 116 w/ lab)
• Math ( 124, 125, 126)
• Foreign Language
• General Biochemistry (405,406)
• General Microbiology (301)

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DATS!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Successful participation requires completion of
  General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General
  Biology
• Administered on computer on almost any day of the
  year
• Pivotal component of Dental School Application

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Letters of Recommendation

• Get to know your professors and professionals
• What you need
• - Two from Science Professors
• - One from a Character Reference
• - One from a Dental Professional
• Make sure they complement your aspirations!

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Getting Involved

• General Practitioners
• Community Clinics
• University of Washington School of Dentistry
• gwenr_at_u.washington.edu
• Research Opportunities
• Get to know faculty through volunteering or
  simply call around
• DPHS 201
• Offered every Spring

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Counseling Services

• Undergraduate Advising Center
• Mary Gates Hall Room 171
• Center for Career Services
• Mary Gates Hall Room 134
• Pre-Dental Advisor
• Heather Namura [phone]
• Educational Opportunities Program
• Schmitz Hall Room 373 [phone]
• Elena Guevara