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B a y l o r C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y
Texas A&M Health Science Center
P.O. Box 660677 Dallas, TX 75266-0677 214/828-8231
Our current catalog can be accessed from our web site http://www.bcd.tamhsc.edu
Questions and Answers About Admission
Executive Director of Recruitment and Admissions
Barbara Miller, D.D.S., M.S.
Who should you consult about a career in dentistry?
You should speak to the predental advisor on your campus, Admission Offices of Dental Schools, the family dentist, other dentists in general practice and those involved in the various fields of dentistry such as public health, dental research, etc. Observation in the office of a dentist is required. Information is also available from the American Dental Association, (ADA website www.ada.org), and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA website www.adea.org).
Can high school students begin to prepare for a career in dentistry?
Yes. These students should take courses that will prepare them for admission to the predental college of their choice. In general, high school courses should include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, History, Speech and courses that involve the development of hand skills.
What college should a predental student attend?
We do not recommend specific colleges. The college must be accredited and those having an active predental advisory committee are preferred.
The College of Dentistry provides complete information about admission requirements to predental advisors and to predental students. Counseling is available.
What specific college courses must an applicant take?
Baylor College of Dentistry - Texas A&M Health Science Center requires a minimum of ninety semester hours, however, most students complete a degree before coming to the college. As outlined in the College Bulletin, an applicant must include in the required hours:
- Six semester hours of English
- Eight semester hours of Inorganic Chemistry
- Eight semester hours of Organic Chemistry
- Eight semester hours of Physics
- Three semester hours of Biochemistry
- Fourteen semester hours of Biology or Zoology -- 12 hours of lecture and 2 hours of formal laboratory.
What elective courses are suggested?
Physiology, Anatomy, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Histology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Embryology are suggested to strengthen the student's science background. Small Business Management, Accounting, Reading Improvement, Mechanical Drawing, Studio Art, Computer Literacy will aid in the business and technical aspects of a dental practice. Courses in Speech, Psychology and Sociology will help improve interpersonal communication skills for positive interaction with other individuals in our diverse society.
What major fields of study are preferred?
A majority of applicants major in Biology or other fields may be acceptable. The applicant must perform well in the science courses including upper division hours and should be aware of the competition with other students who have taken more than the required number of hours of science. The well-rounded predental education will include some liberal arts along with science.
When should the Dental Admission Test be taken?
The applicant should take the DAT in the spring or summer prior to applying. The DAT is offered at Prometric Testing Centers with locations throughout the country. The DAT is administered on computer almost every day of the week. An applicant with below average scores on the test may wish to retake the test in order to become more competitive. A 90 day waiting period is required before re-testing.
Other resources include the following websites:
Application Procedures
The College participates in the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). This central processing service allows the applicant to apply to any or all of the three dental schools in the State of Texas. The TMDSAS accepts and processes all materials of the primary application for admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery program only. Texas Residents MUST apply through the TMDSAS.
The College participates in the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) for out-of-state students. Out-of-state applicants who apply through AADSAS must also apply with the Baylor College of Dentistry application. The application is available online or by request from the Office of Recruitment and Admissions.
To apply to the program leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree the applicant should:
- Access full information and the on-line application at the website for
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service
702 Colorado, Suite 6.400
Austin, Texas 78701
http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/
- Applicants needing assistance or who have no Internet access may contact the TMDSAS
Telephone: 512.499.4785
Fax: 512.499.4786
- Timetable for filing application:
Earliest date: May 1, year prior to desired admission
Latest date: Application Deadline is October 1 in year prior to desired admission.
- Application Fees:
The TMDSAS has a variable fee based upon the number of schools for which you apply.
Baylor College of Dentistry requires a secondary application but charges no additional processing fee.
It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. The TMDSAS on-line application is accessible beginning May 1 of the application cycle. The Office of Recruitment and Admissions strongly advises that you submit your application by September 1. Selection for interviews begins in July and this requires a transmitted complete application. TMDSAS will not transmit incomplete applications to the participating dental schools. A definition of the completed application is available on the TMDSAS website. The TMDSAS may take 4 to 6 weeks to process the application before sending it to the dental college.
Baylor College of Dentistry requires the submission of a secondary application in addition to the primary application. This application can be accessed from links on the TMDSAS Web site or at the following web address: http://www.bcd.tamhsc.edu/admissions/dental/secondaryapplication/secondaryap plication.html This application should be completed and mailed to:
Baylor College of Dentistry
Texas A&M Health Science Center
Office of Recruitment and Admissions
P.O. Box 660677
Dallas, Texas 75266-0677
THE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE SECONDARY APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.
For arrival verification of the secondary application at Baylor College of Dentistry, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard.
(For arrival verification of materials at the TMDSAS, check the policy published on their website.)
Is an interview required?
Yes, an interview is required. The applicant may be asked to come for an interview with the Admissions Committee. Interviews are scheduled by the Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Although an official interview is not granted to all applicants, the College gladly provides complete information and counseling for all prospective students. Visits to the campus for conferences and observations of the facilities can be arranged during spring and summer months.
On what basis are students accepted?
The quality of academic achievement is the first point of consideration. The grade point average (GPA) and the Dental Admission Test (DAT) are the primary factors used in this evaluation. The interview with the Admissions Committee is required before acceptance. An interview gives the opportunity for evaluation of noncognitive factors. Preference is given to residents of Texas and the surrounding states which do not have a college of dentistry. Consideration of any factors that may have impacted academic or personal history is important in interview selection and final acceptance decisions. Consideration is also given to how the student may contribute to the diversity of the class. Additionally applicants seeking to enter the dental school must be able to perform the essential functions required to complete the curriculum successfully.
What can one do to improve chances for admission?
The application for admission to Baylor College of Dentistry - Texas A&M Health Science Center may be strengthened by the following:
- keep the GPA as high as possible
- make above average scores in all areas of the DAT
- give careful attention to details in filing the application - apply early
- assure your personal statement in the application helps the Admissions Committee to know you better, including personal and academic achievements, hardships overcome and other factors that affected personal or academic progress
- observation in a general practice dental office is required.
- participate in activities to improve manual dexterity and imaginative, creative ability
- take advantage of opportunities for community service
- evaluate and be able to articulate your skills, abilities, attitudes, etc. to determine if you are motivated to make the commitment required for a career in dentistry.
What type of academic calendar is followed?
The College of Dentistry operates on a semester system with new classes beginning only once a year. A current calendar is available upon request.
What is the cost to attend Baylor College of Dentistry?
The tuition and fees for the student in the College are recommended by the administration and are approved by the Board of Regents and may be adjusted as economic conditions warrant.
Tuition and Fees:
Texas resident, per semester................................................ $2,700.00
Nonresident, per semester....................................................$8,100.00
Designated Tuition, per semester ................................ $2,124.00
Summer Clinic Fee.............................................................. $315.00
Tuition refund policy: Tuition refund policy is available on request and is published in our catalog.
The approximate estimated cost of books, instruments and supplies for the complete curriculum follows. The total is due at the beginning of the fall semester of each year.
First Year.............................................................. $8,568.00
Second Year..........................................................$11,249.00
Third Year.............................................................$907.00
Fourth Year............................................................$99.00
Total..................................................................... $20, 823.00
For a complete listing of tuition and fees, see the Health Science Center Catalog available on the web site at http://www.tamhsc.edu/academics/catalog/bcd.
Students are discouraged from holding any outside employment which may be detrimental to the pursuit of their education. In no case may a student accept a position which conflicts with regularly scheduled school hours. When scholastic progress is questionable, students may be asked to discontinue outside work.
Are loan funds available?
Yes, the College participates in several types of loan and scholarship programs. Students are classified as independent for consideration in professional school so aid is available based upon your documented need. Students complete FAFSA and submit requests for aid to the Office of Student Aid.
What is the attrition rate?
Because of the intense efforts in selecting only highly qualified students, few students fail to complete our programs.
Are there summer predental programs available?
A Summer Predental Enrichment Program exists to strengthen academic background, introduce the profession of dentistry, improve study skills and increase competitiveness for admission to Dental School. For information, contact the Director of Student Development. Web address - www.bcd.tamhsc.edu/spep/
What opportunities exist beyond general practice?
Most D.D.S. graduates are in the private practice of dentistry. There is also a need for students who are interested in scientific research and teaching. Specialty areas in dentistry include Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. Competition for admission to these graduate programs is high. Dentists also serve in public health agencies, educational institutions, government services and industrial clinics.
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