October 22, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR KATHY JEAN IN IL
Of course you can be a chemical engineer first. I was a pharmacist first before I decided to go to dental school. I am currently a dental specialist (periodontist, who is a dentist has completed three more years of postgrad education, beyond dental school to treat gum disease, do dental surgeries, and dental implants). My younger brother was a biomedical engineer before he went to dental school. I have a girlfriend who was a psychologist before she went to dental school. I have seen the private list (from the admissions committee of U of Illinois Dental School ) regarding how many different majors or bachelors degrees were on each applicants' profile for dental school. I can not send you this actual list, but I can assure you that there were engineers, biologists, chemist, hygienists, accountants, psychologists, etc.

Remember, you should pick an undergrad degree that you would enjoy firstly! Please do not pick an undergrad degree that you do not like....incase you change your mind about becoming an orthodontist. Remember, you must finish dental school for four years and have good grades from dental school, before you can even apply for orthodontic residency (which will be another two years beyond the four years of dental school)!

Please check out the dental school that you wish to apply, and make sure that you fulfill their required pre-requisites no matter what major you pick for your bachelor's degree. Most importantly, you do NOT have to have a bachelor's degree to get into dental school, but you must finish the required courses for admissions to dental school. I hope this helps you find your path towards becoming an orthodontist. I am a clinical professor of periodontics at UIC Dental school, and I am very proud of the diversity of our smart dental students. Good Luck! Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions.
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October 20, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR ROSE CLARK IN PA
You can major in any area you want before going to dental school or
medical school. You just have to make sure you take all of the classes
that are required to be accepted into the dental program are met. We
have many students that major in chemistry and then continue in dental
school for their professional degree. I would recommend that you look
into the chemical engineering degree for undergraduate education and
make sure that this area is where you want to focus your attention. You
will probably have to minor in biology do you will be ready for dental
school. You may also want to think about why you are interested in
engineering? Do you want to be able to go into chemical engineering if
you decide dental school is not for you?
Best Wishes,
Rose, PA