What does it take to get into
dental school?
GPA
3.54
Science GPA
3.46
DAT Score
19.9
Average GPA among admitted students in
2013 as reported by the American Dental
Education Association (ADEA)
Average science / math GPA as reported by
the ADEA for 2013
Average score on the Dental Admissions Test
(DAT) for 2013. Scores range from 1 to 30
Degree
Requirement
A bachelor s degree is not required,
yet earning a degree is strongly
recommended because it affords the
individual a broad, liberal education.
The vast majority of students do earn
a degree prior to enrollment in dental
school. The degree is evidence of a
well-rounded education with a focus
in a particular area, which makes an
applicant much more competitive. A
degree also provides one with a major
field of study on which to build if not
accepted into dental school.
Core Preparation Courses *
Biology
8 hours
BIOL 1110/11, BIOL 1120/21
General Chemistry
8 hours
CHEM 1110/1111, CHEM 1120/1121
Organic Chemistry
10 hours
CHEM 2010/2011, CHEM 2020/2021
Physics**
8 hours
PHYS 2010/2011, PHYS 2020/21**
Biochemistry
5 hours
BIOL 4147/57 or BIOL 4167/77
English
6 hours
ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020
General Microbiology
4 hours
HSCI 3320/21
Additional Recommended Courses
Human Anatomy#
4 hours
Human Physiology
#
Principles of Nutrition
HSCI 3000
4 hours
#
HSCI 3020
3 hours
NTFD 2420
#
Calculus
8 hours
MATH 1910 and 1920
General Genetics
5 hours
BIOL 3100/41
Molecular Biology
3 hours
BIOL 4647
Comparative Anatomy
4 hours
BIOL 3220
Immunology
3 hours
HSCI 3540
Students should maintain a minimum
of 17-19 credit hours per semester.
* Consult your advisor before choosing
a speech course
Fall 1110/11
CHEM
BIOL 1110/11
MATH 1720/1910
ENGL 1010
PREH 1350
Spring
CHEM 1120/21
BIOL 1120/21
ENGL 1020
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Sophomore
Suggested
2-year
schedule
for predental
students
Freshman
*Different schools may have different prerequisite requirements. It is up to the student to research and
ensure the required courses are completed before application to the preferred school(s) of interest.
**Calculus-based physics (PHYS 2110 and 2120) may be substituted for general physics.
#
These classes may be required by some dental schools.
Students are encouraged to take classes in ceramics, sculpture, and art.
Fall
CHEM 2010/11
PHYS 2010/11
SPCH*
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Spring
CHEM 2020/21
PHYS 2020/21
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Application
Process
Students are encouraged to begin the
application process at the end of their
junior year. Students must register
through the American Association o f
Dental Schools Application Service
(AADSAS) at https://portal.aadsasweb.
org. Your completed application will
then be administered to the dental
schools of your choice. Most schools
also require a supplemental application
that they will provide to you. The
application deadline is different for
each school. It is important to be aware
of the deadlines and submit your
applications as soon as possible.
Many dental schools require students to
submit a composite letter of evaluation
during the application process. The
Medical Professions Advisement staff
is available to assist students through
this process.
The Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
is the entrance exam for dental
schools. It is a multiple choice exam
that is administered by computer at
Prometric Testing Centers in various
locations across the country. It is not
recommended to take the exam before
completing the prerequisite courses.