How detrimental would it be to go to dental school with a degree that is not a science?

Question

I'm thinking about eventually going to dental or law school. If I graduate with a double major in political science and english (which is what I'm pursuing now) would dental school really be that much harder than if I had graduated with a degree in something like biology?

This is on the web page of the dental school I'm interested in:
"No particular major field of study in college is required for admission to dental school. A well-rounded educational background with courses in a variety of subjects is desired. Individuals have been accepted to dental school who majored in French, engineering, marketing, etc. Majoring in a science, however, will make an applicant more attractive to the Admissions Committee. The majority of successful applicants to LSUSD have degrees in biology, zoology, microbiology or chemistry."

Answer 1

Anything is possible. The key thing that sticks out in my mind as I read this quote is: The MAJORITY of successful applicants...degrees in biology...." You will need science and math to become a dentist and will take it sooner, or later.

Have you thought about making an appointment with a career counselor for some psychometric testing? This is very useful in pointing out your strengths, interests, and abilities and then s/he will discuss your best career options with you. You are the one who makes the decision, and they help you see all of them. Best of all, these services are free!

Best wishes.

Answer 2

You would need to take sciences anyway, just to prepare for the entrance exam, so it should be possible. My cousin did it, and has been very successful (of course, he is also brilliant!). My only concern for you is that you seem to know where you want to go to dental school, and they have very specifically said that majoring in a science would make you more attractive to the Admissions Committee, so you might be putting yourself at risk if you didn't pick up a science major. This is a problem with their perceptions, not with your ability to handle the program, however.

Answer 3

I went to nursing school with a degree in French, and was chosen as one of 50 from among 320 applicants. As long as you have good grades and a decent personality (to pass the interview), I can't see it being a particular problem.

Answer 4

Any degree is acceptable when applying to dental school. In fact a liberal arts education might be an advantage when applying. As long as you do decent in the predentistry program you should be fine.