Dentistry

To be "pre-dental” means you are embarking on a course of study aimed at preparing you for application to a dental school. At NDSU, students preparing for dental school can choose from several majors that include the necessary Pre-Dental coursework. However students can complete their bachelor degree in nearly any major while completing the appropriate level of coursework for admission to dental school. Students are encouraged to select a major that will interest them, challenge them and ideally have the flexibility to include Pre-Dental coursework.

An undergraduate degree followed by a four-year professional program earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Please be aware that pre-dental is not an official major. Students are encouraged to select a major based on their area of interest. Most dental schools seek applicants with a strong foundation in the natural sciences who have excelled in the pre-requisites for admission to ensure the applicant is well prepared for the dental school curriculum.

Coursework required for most dental schools*

• 1 Year General Biology- BIOL 150/L, BIOL 151/L
• 1 Year General Chemistry- CHEM 121/L, CHEM 122/L
• 1 Year Organic Chemistry- CHEM 341/L, CHEM 342/L
• 1 Year General Physics- PHYS 211/L, PHYS 212/L
• 1 year English- ENGL 120 and upper division writing course (ENGL 324)
• 1 semester of Calculus- MATH 146
• 1 Semester Biochemistry- BIOC 460
• 1 semester of Psychology - PSYC 111
• 1 semester of Sociology - SOC 110

* Although this coursework will meet the requirements for many schools, students should check for additional requirements of the schools to which they hope to apply. Most schools want the applicant to have completed the required courses prior to applying. Also, note that some schools may accept AP credit in lieu of the required courses.

• Statistics- STAT 330
• Microbiology- MICR 350
• Genetics - BIOL/PLSC 315/L
• Human Anatomy & Physiology- BIOL 220/L, BIOL 221/L
• Cell Biology- BIOL 370
• Vertebrate Histology- BIOL 444
• Animal Physiology- BIOL 460
• Comparative Chordate Morphology- BIOL 410
• Immunology- MICR 470
• Business (Accounting, Economics)
• Sculpture/3-D Drawing and/or Ceramics
• Pre dental externship- BIOL 496

• Science and cumulative GPAs
• DAT (Dental Admission Test)
• The personal statement and/or interview
• Letters of recommendation
  • Genuine motivation for a career in dentistry through shadowing and experiences

Applicants should consider volunteering at a local hospital or dental clinic to gain practical experience in dentistry. A well-rounded sampling of extra-curricular activities or work experiences, both related and unrelated to dentistry, will help broaden an applicant's knowledge and development.

Pre-dental students are encouraged to participate in student organizations at NDSU such as the Pre-Dental Club and American Medical Student Association and Allied Health (AMSA). These organizations are run by students with similar career goals and provide an opportunity for others to discuss career plans and gather details about the professions they are interested in.

Visit American Dental Education Association for timeline and application information.

Here are some helpful websites to learn about the dental field, the application process and more:

• Dental Admission Test - DAT (ADA Info)
• American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
• American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
• Summer Health Profession Education Program
• American Student Dental Association