Main ContentDMD Prerequisite Courses
The School of Dentistry does not require a particular major. However, applicants must have successfully completed at least 90 semester hours at a United States or Canadian fully accredited college or university.
Strong preference is given to applicants who will have completed all requirements for a baccalaureate degree prior to entering the School of Dentistry. In addition, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
| Required Courses | Number of Courses | Notes |
| Humanities or English | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | Must include 2 semesters of writing intensive Humanities or Social Science courses that include: History, English, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Government, etc.) |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | Must include lab. |
| Organic Chemistry | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | Must include lab. |
| Physics | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | Must include lab. |
| General Biology or Zoology (I and II) | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | Must include lab. |
Microbiology
| 1 semester / 1-2 quarters | Must include a lab. Must be completed at a senior college or university. |
| Mathematics | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | College algebra and trigonometry or higher level. NOTE: The previous Biostatistics or Statistics courses will count as a math prerequisite. |
| Biochemistry | 1 semester / 1-2 quarters | Must be completed at a senior college or university. |
Note: While not required, these courses are highly recommended: Foreign language, sociology, psychology, speech, humanities, philosophy, embryology, histology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, gross anatomy, neuroanatomy.
Unacceptable courses
Correspondence courses, courses in physical training, military science, dogmatic religion, or courses in mathematics or science designed for non-science majors, or course credit granted without college-level testing AND grade/quality points WILL NOT satisfy the 90 semester hours of coursework listed as required or recommended.
Online courses
Effective Fall 2023, online courses will no longer be accepted to satisfy pre-requisites for the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Online courses taken between Spring 2020 and Summer 2023 are acceptable to satisfy pre-requisites. Special consideration will be given to non-traditional students on a case-by-case-basis.
Approved elective courses
It is recommended that the student develop proficiency in a specific area while in undergraduate school and acquire a background in the humanities and social sciences, consulting with a predental adviser concerning specific courses.
Highly recommended elective courses include: histology (microscopic anatomy), physiology, gross anatomy, cell biology, immunology, comparative anatomy, neuroanatomy, foreign language, sociology, psychology, speech, philosophy, embryology, and humanities.