Requirements/Recommendations for Admission to Dental School
Acceptance into dental schools is competitive. Specifics will vary from school to
school so we encourage you to look up the schools you are interested in to determine the
exact requirements. However, as a guide, the following are usually required of applicants:
Biology (with labs)
2-4 semesters
General Chemistry (with labs)
2 semesters (8 credit hours)
Beyond the basic introductory course listed, it is often
suggested that you choose from among the following courses: comparative anatomy or upper
level human anatomy, physiology, cellular biology, microbiology, histology, biochemistry,
immunology, or other upper level biology courses. Administration/management/finance,
psychology, communications, and studio art courses are also recommended by some schools.
Completion of a baccalaureate degree is strongly
recommended (if not required) in most cases.
The Admissions Committee at most schools emphasizes the
importance of the applicant's knowledge of and exposure to the dental profession. Many
schools want all their applicants to spend time observing in dental settings. At UK, for
example, "candidates must be able to document a minimum of 20 hours of clinical
observation time. Talks with dentists or semi-annual visits to your dentist for routine
care are not enough in gaining this in-depth knowledge".
In addition to these courses, applicants are expected to
take the DAT (Dental Admission Test). For more information on the content of this
test and how to apply for it, see the appropriate links.
The primary application to apply to most dental schools
is provided by the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service – see
appropriate link.
