Decision For Dentistry

A High School Experience sponsored by The RSDM Office of Admissions

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine is an integral component of the Rutgers Higher Education System

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, which is 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 RSDM 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, 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 observation with their student mentor. 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 RSDM 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 into the academic program of the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.

Program Dates for Academic Year 2025-2026

Program 1: Phase I: 10/07/25 Phase II: 02/03/26 Phase III: 4/21/2026

Program 2: Phase I: 10/21/25 Phase II: 02/24/26 Phase III: 4/21/2026

Program 3: Phase I: 11/11/25 Phase II: 03/10/25 Phase III4/21/2026

(Dates are subject to change according to weather and/or university events)

Application

The program application is closed for the 2025-2026 academic year but will reopen in April 2026. The program dates above will be updated at that time.

Contact

Maritza Camacho
Admissions Coordinator
110 Bergen St., B829
pathway-admissions@sdm.rutgers.edu
Tel: (973) 972-1645
Fax: (973) 972-0070