What Are the Best Majors for Dental School? How to Choose the Right Major to Get a Dental Job

The coursework for this popular major centers around the biological sciences, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, math, and physics. All of these courses are requirements for dental school. Once they’re completed, students will often gain admission into a dental school of their choice.

Students who choose to major in physics will learn how things function in the natural world. They will study the rules that govern sound, optics, electricity, and much more. Many principles in physics can apply to dental procedures, such as the use of x-rays and lasers.

Chemistry majors learn about a wide range of topics across the natural sciences and STEM fields. Because of this, chemistry is one of the best choices to prepare for dental school. Completion of two semesters in chemistry is a requirement for admission into many dental programs.

Biomedical engineering is another popular choice for prospective dental school students. It trains them to use engineering problem-solving principles in biology and medicine. This major gives students skills that they can use to create tools and devices that will be used in dental offices.

Microbiology majors focus on the study of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. There are different subspecialties in the field, including clinical, industrial, medical, and agricultural microbiology. Students who major in microbiology will be prepared for dental school. 

The physiological sciences focus on the function of organisms. Since this field of study is concerned with how the human body functions, you’ll be able to apply the principles of physiology to your dental practice. Physiological research opportunities will also give you helpful experience. 

Biochemistry simply means the study of the chemistry of living things. Undergraduate students majoring in biochemistry will take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Biochemistry is a good major for dental school as it effectively prepares students for the DAT exams.

Students of molecular biology will learn about cell biology, biophysics, and genetics. This major is helpful for dental school because it teaches students about oral illnesses and disorders. Molecular biology is one of the foundations of dentistry because it studies the relationships between different processes within a cell.

Biology is the study of living things. Students majoring in biology learn about how important living organisms are, how they work, and their characteristics. Students will also gain knowledge that will help them pass the DAT exam. 

Neuroscience majors learn about how the nervous system functions. They explore how different body mechanisms communicate with the central nervous system. Students of neuroscience also conduct extensive research, which helps prepare them for grad school.

• Average Salary: $311,460
• Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons carry out surgical procedures on the mouth and the jaw. They correct structural abnormalities and repair any problems a patient might have with their jaw. Oral surgeons work at dental practices, in hospitals, or they can even have freelance practices.

• Average Salary: $267,280
• Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Professional degree

Orthodontists take care of mouth structure and realign teeth. They seek to provide solutions to any dental issues they observe. Orthodontists must have good analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure that the best dental standards are always met.

• Average Salary: $175,687
• Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Professional degree

Periodontists treat acute diseases that involve inflammation and infection of the gums and teeth. Periodontists perform different types of procedures such as scaling, root planing, and more. You must be passionate about gum health to become a successful periodontist.

• Average Salary: $163,220
• Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree

A licensed dentist examines the teeth and surrounding tissue of patients. They diagnose oral diseases and provide dental treatment to patients with conditions such as tooth decay. Dentists can also restore or extract teeth. They also perform procedures such as root canal therapy and give expert advice on other procedures like dentures and fillings.

• Average Salary: $79,043
• Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree

Dental nurses prepare materials for and provide patient support during surgical procedures. They’re responsible for the evaluation of a patient's medical history. They seek out the medical records and learn about the health conditions of patients from previous dentists.

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• Average Salary: $77,810
• Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Associate degree

Dental hygienists conduct screenings and administer regular cleanings for patients. They remove plaque from patients' teeth and improve their dental health by advising them on the best oral hygiene and maintenance. They can also help dentists carry out surgeries and procedures and can help remove stains from patients’ teeth.

• Average Salary: $62,510
• Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent

The job of a dental ceramist is to repair devices like crowns, implants, and dentures upon request from dentists. They create models or impressions of a patient's teeth from x-rays. Also known as dental lab technicians, dental ceramists aim to improve and replace teeth.

• Average Salary: $45,240
• Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree certificate or program

The job of a medical biller is to calculate and obtain payments for dental services. Medical billers must ensure all patient information is accurate. They’re also responsible for preparing invoices, submitting receipts to insurance companies, collecting payments, and investigating claims denied by insurance companies.

• Average Salary: $38,660
• Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree certificate or program 

Dental assistants provide much-needed help to dental practitioners. They sterilize equipment and take impressions of patients' teeth. They also provide guidance to patients throughout procedures and give instructions on oral health care, which means they need to have strong communication skills.

• Average Salary: $39,740
• Job Outlook: 4% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Medical receptionists handle some clerical duties, navigate correspondence, answer phones and take care of basic administrative tasks. They carry out these tasks in dental offices, so they do have to know some specific information pertaining to dentistry. Medical receptionists sometimes also file medical records.