- Dentists are trained initially to be generalists; to specialize on endodontics, pathology, radiology, pediatric dentistry, surgery, and prosthodontics.
- A general dental education typically takes 4 years to complete and spend 2-3 more years in residency after dental school.
- Some dental programs lead to a DDS degree, and others lead to a DMD. Despite their different names, these are equivalent degrees.
- There are 71 dental schools in the United States and Puerto Rico with OHSU School of Dentistry being the only Dental school in Oregon.
- Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. Applicants must also have a well- rounded application consisting of experience (For example: shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, DAT scores, and a strong admissions essay. Most dental programs require varying shadowing hours.
- Dental schools look for students who chose meaningful experiences that they are able to reflect upon during the application process.
- The Dental Admission Test (DAT) covers four areas: natural sciences, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability. Visit ADA for more info.
- Applying to dental school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting dental school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year. Keep in mind, the average age of a First-Year dental student is 24.
- Be sure to research individual programs about any COVID-19 related changes (Pre-recs, DAT exceptions, Pass/Fail Policy, etc).
The chart below illustrates one way dentistry school prerequisitesi can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 221: General Chemistry I | CH 222: General Chemistry II | CH 223: General Chemistry III | |
YEAR ONE | CH 227: General Chemistry Lab I | CH 228: General Chemistry Lab II | CH 229: General Chemistry Lab III |
MATH 112Z: Pre-Calculus II | STAT 243Z: Elementary Statistics i |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
BI 211: General Biology I - Cells | BI 212: General Biology II - Organisms | BI 214: General Biology IV - Biochem | |
YEAR TWO | CH 331: Organic Chemistry I | CH 335: Organic Chemistry II | CH 336: Organic Chemistry III |
CH 337: Organic Chemistry Lab | CH 338: Organic Chemistry Lab |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 461: Biochemistry | Highly recommended course ii | CH 462: Biochem w/Metabolism ii Highly recommended course ii | |
YEAR THREE | |||
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
PHYS 201: General Physics I | PHYS 202: General Physics II | PHYS 203: General Physics III | |
YEAR FOUR | PHYS 204: General Physics Lab | PHYS 205: General Physics Lab | PHYS 206: General Physics Lab |
Highly recommended course ii | Highly recommended course ii | BI 330 and 331: Microbiology + Labi |
i Prerequisites vary by school: While some programs require this course, others may not. Other required courses that vary include a second quarter of biochemistry, 1 year of writing, and an introductory Psychology course.
ii OHSU School of Dentistry strongly encourages students take 3-4 of the “highly recommended course requirements” listed on their website:
These courses include: Human Anatomy (one year), Human Physiology (one year), Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroanatomy, or Biochemistry lab.
Connect with a Pre-Health Advisor to finalize your pre-dent graduation plan.
Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Please research programs to identify additional courses you may need to include and work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.