Pre-Dentistry

Dental schools do not require a specific major, so you may major in almost anything as long as you complete certain pre-requisite courses (listed in the next section). 

• Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
• General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
• Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
• Biochemistry: CHEM 3040 or MEDS 3020(F)
• Physics I and II* with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L* or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L*
• English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
• Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2001C & 2002C or BIOL 3020C(F,S) & 3021(F) or MEDS 4052C(F) & 3026(F,S)
• Microbiology: BIOL 4011/4011L(F) or MEDS 3024C(F) or BIOL 2031C

*Only some schools require PHYS II and lab

Dental Admission Test (DAT): A standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science, critical thinking, perceptual ability, and other areas related to the study of dentistry. Dental schools require that you take the DAT prior to admission. Learn more about DAT

Average GPAs of admitted students: 3.65 overall/3.57 science

This requirement varies by school. Be prepared to secure at least one letter of recommendation from a science professor who has had you in class (in some cases you will need two). Depending on the school(s) you apply to, you may need a letter from a non-science professor and/or one from a dentist you have shadowed.

*Source: American Dental Education Association (2023)

• The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
• Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for dental school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
• Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
• If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.

For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college-level work depends not only on ability, but also upon preparation, motivation, organization and how well you learn how to learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-dentistry student demands tenacity and stamina.

Dental school admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours, the Learning Commons, and other Academic Excellence & Support Services offices.

Having a parallel plan or alternative option to dental school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of dental health career, such as a dental hygienist, dental assistant, or dental technician.