Pre-Dentistry

Is this career right for you?

  • Do you enjoy taking science courses but also have an artistic eye for shapes and colors?
  • Do you enjoy working with your hands?
  • Would you like to have the opportunity to work in private practice and to hold standard business hours?
  • Would you have compassion for patients who tend to be fearful when they see you for treatment?

Prerequisite courses

On your path toward dental school, you will engage in many facets of development. Dental schools are seeking well-rounded, compassionate, creative, bright, service-minded individuals. You must develop and demonstrate personal attributes that will enable you to be an effective healthcare provider.

Your academic preparation is still extremely important. The courses listed below meet the requirements for most dental schools, however, there is variability among school policies.

You are responsible for verifying the prerequisites for each of the schools that interest you.

All dental schools require courses in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Some schools require additional courses in Biochemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Statistics, and English. Some schools require other additional courses. The  provides a resource for required and recommended courses for U.S. Dental schools. Be aware that requirements may change and you should always visit individual program websites for the most current course information.

OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can help answer complex quesitons regarding pre-requisites; however, OPHA generally recommends retaking AP/IB credits that are part of the course requirements for health professional schools. Because many schools do not accept AP/IB credits for prerequisite requirements, this helps students keep their options open when it comes time to apply as each school can differ in their exceptions.

Most Dental programs require grades of at least C or higher for all prerequisites. If you do not receive satisfactory grades in required courses, we highly recommend you retake to ensure mastery of content and competitiveness of application.

There is a lot of variability and nuance when it comes to pre-requisites. OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can assist you in determining what courses you need to be most competitive and for which schools.

Biology

Generally two courses with associated labs of general biology are required. Lectures and labs should be equivalent to 8 semester hours.

  • General Biology 1 and Lab (EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1230), 4 credits
  • General Biology 2 and Lab (EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1240), 4 credits
  • Additional courses in Microbiology may be required on a school specific basis. Consider EBIO 3400 - Microbiology and the corresponding lab EBIO 3410 - Microbiology Lab in such cases.

Chemistry

Generally two courses with associated labs in general (inorganic) chemistry, and at least 1 course with associated lab of organic chemistry are required. Some schools require Organic Chemistry 2 and Biochemistry.
Lectures and labs should be equivalent to 8 semester hours for general chemistry, and 4-8 hours for organic chemistry, depending on the school specific requirements.

  • General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114), 5 credits
  • General Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 1133 and CHEM 1134), 5 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 3311 and CHEM 3321), 5 credits
  • If needed: Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 3331 and 3341), 5 credits and Principles of Biochemistry (BCHM 4611), 3 credits

If you are CHEM or BCHM major, be sure to talk to your Pre-Health Advisor, who can help you find the appropriate chemistry courses.

Physics

Generally two courses in physics with associated labs are required. At ²ÊÃñ±¦µä, you have the option of taking an algebra-based sequence or a calculus-based sequence. The algebra-based sequence is usually most recommended, unless your major requires the calculus-based sequence.
Option 1 (Algebra-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 2010), 5 credits, lab included
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 2020), 5 credits, lab included

Option 2 (Calculus-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 1110), 4 credits
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 1120), 4 credits
  • Experimental Physics 1 (PHYS 1140), 1 credit

Statistics

Statistics may not be required by all schools, but it is tested on the DAT and can add to a competitive application. Any program specific statistics course covers the requirements. The most common options are:

  • Psychological Science 1: Statistics (PSYC 2111), 4 credits
  • Introduction to Statistics (IPHY 2800), 4 credits -  no longer offered
  • Introduction to Data Science & Biostatistics (IPHY 3280), 4 credits
  • Introduction to Statistics (MATH 2510), 3 credits
  • Biological Statistics (EBIO 4410), 4 credits

Writing/English Composition

Most schools require one to two semesters of writing or English Literature/Composition courses. This requirement can be fulfilled via any WRTG or ENGL course or a course on scientific writing offered through EBIO or IPHY.

    Additional Classes to Consider

    Most dental schools require or recommend additional coursework in at least one or two of the following courses. Refer to the for the most current information and talk to your Pre-Health Advisor to determine which are right for you and your journey.
    Below are some of the ²ÊÃñ±¦µä classes that may fulfill school specific requirements:

    • General Psychology (PSYC 1001), 3 credits
    • Introduction to Sociology (SOCY 1001), 3 credits
    • Calculus 1 (MATH 1300), 5 credits
    • Genetics: Molecules to Populations (EBIO 2070), 4 credits OR Principles of Genetics (MCDB 2150), 3 credits OR Physiological Genetics and Genomics (IPHY 4200), 3 credits
    • Microbiology (EBIO 3400), 3 credits
    • Cell Biology (MCDB 3145), 3 credits
    • Introduction to Human Anatomy (IPHY 3410), 3 credits and lab (IPHY 3415), 2 credits
    • Human Physiology (IPHY 3430), 4 credits and Physiology Lab (IPHY 3435), 2 credits
    • Immunology (IPHY 4600 OR MCDB 4300), 3 credits

    Courses in additional disciplines that are of interest to you will provide you with a broad and relevant foundation for dental school. Consider enhancing your studies in art, ethics, philosophy, global and public health, and cross-cultural studies. Talk to your Pre-Health Advisor to find out which of these might help set your application apart.

    Other Desired Traits and Experiences

    Getting into professional school is about desiring to be a better person and better future professional. It is a complex process and OPHA's Pre-health Advisors are here to help you find out what experiences, like shadowing and direct patient interaction, are right for you. They can also help you build a comprehensive application, showcasing your unique skills that set you apart.

    Updated June 2022