Pre-Dental Pathway (42-46 Math/Science Credits)

The following courses will satisfy the pre-requisites for most dental schools.  It is important for students to determine the specific requirements for each dental school they wish to apply to, in consultation with a pre-health advisor.

• BIO103/BIO 104  General Biology I & II
• CHE110/CHE111 General Chemistry
• CHE210/CHE 211 Organic Chemistry
• CHE421 Biochemistry
• PHY120/PHY121 General Physics (not calculus based) OR
  PHY110/PHY111 General Physics (calculus based, required for some majors)

• MAT115 or MAT120 Biostatistics or Statistics
• MAT133 Calculus I with Review and/or MAT181 Calculus I.  Two semesters of calculus are required for some schools.
• 1 year of college English or equivalent including writing intensive courses (General Education)
• PSY100 Introduction to Psychology and/or SOC100 Introduction to Sociology

Other recommended and/or required courses:

• BIO300  Cell Biology
• BIO312  Genetics
• BIOBIO216  Microbiology
• BIO105/BIO106  Anatomy and Physiology I & II
• CHE422 Biochemistry (Metabolism)

Other requirements:

The DAT (dental admissions test) is required for all applicants to dental school.  The DAT covers concepts from general biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry, as well as perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning (mathematical problem solving.) Some schools may require the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) test.

Activities such as scientific research, community service, shadowing (40-200 hours), and involvement in clubs are also expected.

Grades:
On average students with science GPA’s in the 3.3-3.5 range are generally considered competitive. 

Resources:

If you are considering applying to dental school, please consult this comprehensive guide that contains information about required coursework, entrance exams, experiential preparation, and a timeline for applying: Pre-Dental Pathways.

Obtaining a Committee Letter:

Many dental schools accept a committee letter and some may even recommend or require it. A committee letter is crafted by the pre-health committee currently comprised of Dr. Joshua Cordeira (Biology), Dr. Kristin Giamanco (Biology), Dr. Helena Prieto (Chemistry), Dr. Russ Selzer (Chemistry), and Dr. Emily Stevens (Health Promotion and Exercise). To procure a committee letter, you must submit a request form to Dr. Kristin Giamanco by May 1st. You will supply the pre-health evaluation form to each person writing you a letter of recommendation, which must be received by May 15th. In addition, you must send your resume/CV, a copy of your test scores, transcripts, and personal statement. All materials must be sent to Dr. Kristin Giamanco. For the committee to consider writing you a letter, you must meet with your designated pre-health advisor AT LEAST TWICE the year BEFORE you apply. If you do not adhere to this, the committee may decline your request.