Pre-Dentistry

Preparation for Dental School

What should I major in if I want to go to dental school? There is not a specific major that is required for admittance in a dental program.  With your advisor’s assistance you can design a program that meets the requirements to enter dental school while majoring in  what you are most interested.  Students who have developed excellent writing and speaking skills, possess analytic and synthetic thinking ability, life-long learners who are enthusiastic, and understand the interpersonal aspects of medicine are the type of students most dental schools seek.   Your major does not determine your success in being accepted to dental school.

Undergraduate Preparation

The “pre-dental” suggested 4 year plan is a beginning point for students.  There are certain criteria that must be fulfilled for admittance to dental school.  You and your academic advisor will need to examine your interests, your academic record and the requirements to determine the best academic path for you.  Most schools require:

• 8 hours Biology with lab (BIOL 1110/1111 & BIOL 1120/1121)
• 10 hours Physics (PHYS 2010/2011 & PHYS 2020/2021)
• 6 hours English (ENG 1010 & ENG 1020)
• 10 hours General Chemistry with lab (CHEM 1110/1111 & CHEM 1120/1121)
• 8 hours Organic Chemistry with lab (CHEM 3510/3511 & CHEM 3520/3521)

Early in your academic career you will need to research some of the dental schools you are interested in applying to in order to insure you will meet all their criteria for application process.  Some basic factors common to all professional schools include:

• Good undergraduate grades (overall GPA of 3.0 minimum)
• Test scores (DAT)
• True interest in profession as demonstrated by shadowing or volunteering in the field
• Service-related experiences in people-oriented environments – long term service preferred to short bursts of unrelated service activities
• Exceptional communication skills
• Strong reference letters from professionals who know your character, as well as, your work ethic