Healing our relatives. It is the natural way of our people.
With sticks as their brushes and herbs as their medicine, our ancestors practiced oral hygiene long before modern dentistry. Despite our rich history, today, American Indian/Alaska Native communities face challenges getting access to quality care due to location, financial, and cultural barriers. As more Native youth pursue dentistry, we bridge the gap and strengthen our communities.
Rewards of Pursuing Dentistry
Bringing dental care to your community.
Bridging a disparity gap.
Keeping Indigenous culture in healthcare.
High earning potential.
Flexibility to work with a team or lead your own practice.
As an Indigenous dentist, you are a part of something bigger.Your path carries hope and promise for your people.
High School:
1. Take science courses.
Plan the right classes into your schedule, including general biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. The more college courses you take in high school, the more prepared you'll be for higher education.
2. Get involved.
Make your college application well-rounded by volunteering in your community and joining clubs and extracurricular programs at school.
3. Build strong connections.
Strengthen bonds with S.T.E.M. teachers you admire. Their thoughtful letters of recommendation will stand out in college and scholarship applications.
4. Research your college options.
Look for colleges offering strong research opportunities, top-notch pre-health advising, and student organizations aligned with dental school requirements. Take virtual tours to get a feel for campus life.
5. Prep for ACT/SAT.
Prep, take, and retake the ACT/SAT to achieve a score that will help you earn scholarships and get into your desired college.
6. Apply for ALL scholarships.
Apply for all available academic scholarships through your tribe, school, and SAID to help fund your undergraduate studies.
You can join SAID as a high schooler! Get access to travel opportunities, a stipend to our annual conference, and scholarship opportunities once you are in college.
College: Undergraduate
Freshman and Sophomore Year:
1. Know what's needed and create a plan.
Make sure to complete required courses by junior year to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Work with your advisor to create a four-year plan.
To stay organized and meet the requirements for dental school, create an account with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
A strong background in science is needed for acceptance to dental school. While most pre-dental students major in biology or chemistry, a specific undergraduate major is not required.
3. Build an academic support system.
Maintaining a high GPA will boost your acceptance chances and open the door to scholarship opportunities. Join study groups and find a tutor for academic support.
4. Be active and build strong connections.
Get involved in pre-dental clubs, AISES, and other student organizations. Apply for support research programs and look for shadowing and internship opportunities with practicing dentists to gain hands-on experience.
Building relationships with advisors, professors, and dentists is crucial.
SAID provides mentorship and tutoring every step of your academic journey. Become a member for access to valuable experiences and opportunities.
Junior Year:
1. Continue the path.
Keep up with your education requirements and good grades. Stay involved in student organizations and explore leadership roles. Take advantage of every opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience and build connections.
2. Register to take the DAT.
You must take the DAT by April of your junior year. Create a study schedule and calculate your Science GPA to gauge your progress and ability to meet your desired dental school requirements.
Gather letters of evaluation for the dental school application process. Up to four letters can be submitted from professors, practicing dentists, mentors, and advisors.
4. Draft your personal statement.
Your personal statement is a one-page essay that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and why you're pursuing a career in dentistry. Before finalizing, ask your mentors and advisor to review.
A centralized application process through ADEA AADSAS saves you from filling out multiple applications. The application cycle generally opens at the beginning of June. Have your pre-health advisor review your application before submitting.
Stay motivated and engaged in predental organization activities while maintaining a strong GPA. Make sure to complete all required courses for your degree.
2. Prepare for interviews.
The interview process will vary between schools. Lean on your networks like SAID to learn about the process at your desired schools. Conduct mock interviews with your classmates and advisors, or as part of organized groups and events.
3. The waiting game.
You'll start hearing back from dental schools as early as December of your senior year.
You're accepted. Congratulations! Continue your membership with SAID to ease into dental school and prepare for residency.
You've been waitlisted or denied. Keep your head up and explore post-bacc options to improve your academic record.
4. Apply for an IHS scholarship.
The IHS health professions scholarship program provides financial support to qualified AI/AN health students through their dental school journey.
Explore post-bacc programs to enhance your knowledge base for an easier transition into dental school. Or use the time off to relax and develop healthy habits in preparation.
Connect with classmates for advice and guidance. Engage in extracurricular activities while keeping your grades up. If you need help academically, reach out to faculty or student tutors.
2. Choose your specialty.
If you plan on pursuing a specialty, meet with faculty members and former residents from programs that interest you. They'll also be great connections for a letter of recommendation once you've determined the right path.
3. Apply for residency.
Research admission requirements for your desired residency programs. A range of documentation will be needed to complete your application during your final year. Prepare for interviews and work on your soft skills.
4. Stay open to learning.
Residency allows you to apply what you've learned and develop skills that go beyond the classroom. Be open to feedback and absorb everything you can from the experienced professionals around you.
A SAID high school membership connects you to other AI/AN students and dentists who understand your unique needs.
