9th Grade
9th Grade
Set an academic foundation.
Academic focus
- Take honors Biology if offered.
- Aim for a 3.8+ unweighted GPA.
- Build a study routine that survives exam weeks.
Dental exposure
- Shadow your own dentist for a half-day.
- Follow 2–3 dentists or pre-dental creators online.
Service & volunteering
- Start one recurring volunteering role (monthly is fine).
- Look for health-adjacent service: nursing home, special needs camp.
Leadership & projects
- Join HOSA, Science Olympiad, or a health club.
- Take any small role — secretary, event lead, social media.
Common mistakes
- Don't sign up for ten clubs you won't attend.
- Don't ignore English — application essays start here.
10th Grade
10th Grade
Deepen science and start logging hours.
Academic focus
- Take honors Chemistry.
- Prep lightly for the PSAT.
- Protect your science GPA.
Dental exposure
- Reach 10–15 shadowing hours with a general dentist.
- Visit one specialist (orthodontist or pediatric).
Service & volunteering
- Continue your recurring volunteering role.
- Add a one-time service event each semester.
Leadership & projects
- Run for a small leadership role in your club.
- Start a passion project (tutoring, blog, science fair).
Common mistakes
- Don't quit activities just because they're 'not dental.'
- Don't cram shadowing into one weekend — spread it out.
11th Grade
11th Grade
Position for a strong pre-dental college.
Academic focus
- Take AP Bio, AP Chem, or AP Psych.
- Prepare for the SAT/ACT.
- Keep your GPA at 3.8+.
Dental exposure
- Reach 20–30 cumulative shadowing hours.
- Shadow at least 2 specialties.
- Start writing 2–3 sentence reflections after each visit.
Service & volunteering
- Build a long-term volunteering commitment (50+ hours by senior year).
- Look into free clinics or community health fairs.
Leadership & projects
- Lead a club, team, or community project.
- Start something small — a tutoring program, a fundraiser.
Common mistakes
- Don't pick a college only on prestige — fit and GPA support matter.
- Don't ignore college pre-health advising quality.
12th Grade
12th Grade
Land the right pre-dental college.
Academic focus
- Finish strong — no senioritis on science grades.
- Submit college apps highlighting health interest.
- Compare pre-health advising and acceptance rates at each school.
Dental exposure
- Push toward 40+ shadowing hours before graduation.
- Add a second general dentist if you only know one.
Service & volunteering
- Finish your long-term volunteering commitment strong.
- Document total hours and impact for your résumé.
Leadership & projects
- Hand off your leadership role thoughtfully.
- Reflect on what you actually built or changed.
Common mistakes
- Don't stop activities the moment college apps are in.
- Don't forget thank-you notes to recommenders.