Decision for Dentistry

Decision for dentistry is a three-phase program offered three times annually. A total of 45 students from high schools in New Jersey participate in this program designed to introduce high school students to career options in the dental profession.

The Objectives of Decision for Dentistry Program:

Introduction to Dental School

• Introduce high school students to the wide range of career options associated with the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree


• Offer high school students an informative hands-on experience at NJDS to shed light on the dental school experience.


• Assist high school students in understanding the requirements to enter dental school and what they must do presently to prepare to meet those requirements.

A Three-Phase Experience

Day 1 - Welcome and orientation to the Dental School, An NJDS graduate will describe their inspiring story of how they reached their dream of becoming a dentist. Later, the group participates in a hands-on activity; taking dental impressions on manikins overseen by faculty, follow by lunch with student mentors.

Day 2 - High school students return to the dental school for chair side clinical observations with their student mentors. During lunch, a panel of dental practitioners describes what attracted them to their various specialties.

Day 3 - Participating students and their parents and/or guidance counselors attend the NJDS admissions symposium, which provides a full spectrum of information about what is required to enter dental school, as well as an overview of the admissions process.

Please be advised that participation in the program does not imply or guarantee acceptance in the academic program of the New Jersey Dental School.

Program Dates for Academic Year 2011-2012
*We are now accepting applications for the 2011-2012. If you are a senior in High School you may attend our Symposium on April 19, 2012, please send contact information to Ms. Christine Melendez mortonca@umdnj.edu.

Program 1: Phase I: 10/10/12 Phase II: 02/06/13 Phase III: 04/25/13
Program 2: Phase I: 10/24/12 Phase II: 02/27/13 Phase III: 04/25/13
Program 3: Phase I: 11/14/12 Phase II: 03/13/13 Phase III: 04/25/13

Contact Persons: Maritza Camacho Staff Assistant camachma@umdnj.edu (973) 972-5064

Application Form

*You MUST HAVE Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view the application form,
which can be downloaded by clicking on the "Get Adobe Acrobat Reader" below.

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