Main ContentAdmissions Criteria
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. Consideration will be given to those students who take 15 semester hours or more each semester at their primary institution.
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 |
English | 2 semesters / 3 quarters | |
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. |
Statistics or Biostatistics | 1 semester / 1 quarter | General, business, or scientific statistics. This is in addition to one year mathematics requirement. |
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 or online courses, courses in physical training, military science, dogmatic religion, or courses in mathematics or science designed for non-science majors WILL NOT satisfy the 90 semester hours of coursework listed as required or recommended.
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.