Requirements

Each dental school will have its own prerequisites, but the standardized set required by almost all are:

• General Biology I and II (with labs)

• General Chemistry I and II (with labs)

• Organic Chemistry I and II (with labs)

• General Physics I and II (with labs)*

• Biochemistry (no lab)

• 2 semesters of college math**

Common courses also required are:

• 2 semesters of college English

• Microbiology

• Anatomy or Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II

Recommended elective science courses are:

• Physiology

• Genetics

• Immunology

• Developmental Biology

Most dental schools will accept courses taken at community colleges (Tufts University and Boston University are notable exceptions), but it is recommended that as much coursework be done at a four-year institution as possible, particularly prerequisite science courses. Prerequisite courses do not need to be complete at the time of application; normally they must be completed by June 30th of the year of matriculation. However, having more upper-level science courses (with good grades) on a transcript boosts an application, so it is best to complete as many of these courses as possible before applying.

*Eureka College offers calculus-based General Physics. Only algebra-based physics is required by dental schools. If a student is taking physics at another institution, they should check with their advisor to make sure Eureka College will accept the classes for degree credit, if applicable to the student's major/minor.

**Most dental schools require two semesters of math at the college level. It does NOT need to be two semesters of calculus. It is recommended to take Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and Statistics. Statistics will be more useful throughout a student's course of study in the sciences. An exception to this advisory would be for students who possess AP credit for Calculus I. Some dental schools will not accept AP credits, and require the class to be retaken at the college level or substituted with a more advanced course in the same subject. Students should check with dental schools they plan to apply to as to whether they accept AP credit, and then plan their schedule with either Calculus and Analytic Geometry I or II as needed. This same situation applies to any students who took AP biology, chemistry, or physics.

Admissions committees also place a great deal of emphasis on shadow/observation hours. It is preferred that the majority of shadow hours are obtained with a general dentist and not with a dental specialist, though shadowing doing both is recommended. Many schools have a minimum of 50 shadow hours; at least 100 hours is considered to be competitive for admission. Paid work experience as a dental assistant is also valuable, but does not substitute for shadow hours.