What steps should i take ?

I am a Junior in Highschool and i was thinking about becoming a dentist, orthodontist or specialize in cosmetic dentistry. I just need to know a couple of things:


1. I was wondering what are some of the best colleges that offer a pre-dental program.


2. Right now i am taking A.P. Physics and i want to know which course is better to take in my senior year A.P. Chemistry or A.P. Biology, which will help me prepare for courses i will be taking in college and for my career choice.


3. one last thing is that it will take me abotu 8 years to become a dentist, are their any schools that offer a special program that will shorten the time period before i can get a DDS.

What steps should i take ?
I'm a medical doctor, but the pre-medical and pre-dental pathways are very similar.





1. Pre-dental isn't really a college major. You want to look at colleges that have strong programs in the physical and life sciences. Biology, chemistry, physics, that sort of thing. You don't have to be a science major to go to Dental School (I was an English Major who went to Medical School), but you will have to take a lot of science classes, so good science departments are key, even if you major in Ancient Greek Literature. Specific colleges are hard to suggest because I have no idea where you are or where you want to go to college... there are literally hundreds of good programs around the country.





2. Either AP Bio or Chem will serve you just fine. You'll be taking both Bio and Chem as a pre-dental student. Take what you aren't as strong in... which should help you reinforce that area of weakness. Another stragegy is to take what you think you can get a better grade in, which can help in getting in to a better college. Most importantly, take what you enjoy and STUDY HARD. Master as much material in whatever you choose... you are so early in the process, that you can't make a wrong choice on a specific course, but now is the time to learn good study habits.





3. There are some schools that offer combined BS/MD degrees, but they generally don't shave much time off the path to being a doctor. I'm not as sure about Dentistry. But my best advice is to not worry about the time it takes. It goes REALLY fast, and you have decades in your future to practice dentistry. I took several years after my undergrad degree before I returned to medical school in my late 20's. That time really allowed me to mature, experience life, travel, etc. etc. Now, I'm a relatively new doctor, still young age-wise and FAR more street-smart and experienced than many of my collegues who went through the process at lightspeed.





Good luck!
Reply:U could possibly become one in 1 yr. these days.


the demand for dentists and orthodontist are very high.


there is not enuff dentists out there.


U could check it out online..http://www.dentists.com
Reply:What part of the country do you live in?


Start taking your prerequisites for college now. You can get things like English, History, Speech, and Math done in night classes. By the time you graduate High school you will be ready for your second year of college. GOOD for you!!! You will truely make your parents proud!
Reply:1. Going to a big name college doesn't mean as much when applying to dental school as it does in other fields. Go to a good 4 year university that offers the required coursework to get into dental school. Dental school is expensive so I would suggest an inexpensive college if you can find one. State schools are great.





2. Both the chemistry and biology will be good for you so take the one you will enjoy most.





3. There are a few programs out there that can shave a year off the total time, but you really limit your "exploring" time in college in these programs. I believe New Jersey has a program like that. I loaded up on the classes and completed my bachelor's degree in 3 years so that saved me a year without being in a special program. ONLY do this if you can keep getting A's with such a heavy course load. No sense rushing through if it is going to be counterproductive.





Congratulations on setting goals for yourself and thinking ahead. Dentistry is a great profession. My advice to you would be to not try to rush things too much. Work hard and enjoy the ride. Good Luck!!!!