Pre-Dentistry Requirements

Pre-Dentistry Program

Minimal Requirements for Entrance

Biology (12 hours)- (upper level human/animal biology courses are recommended. These courses may include cell biology, physiology, human anatomy, embryology, histology,microbiology, and others)
General Chemistry with lab (8 hours)
Organic Chemistry with lab (8 hours)
Biochemistry with lab (4 hours) is strongly recommended
General Physics with lab (8 hours)
Mathematics* (6 hours) *Calculus is highly recommended
English (composition and literature) (6 hours)
30 hours of non-science coursework such as English, courses in social sciences and humanities are recommended. Course to enhance manual dexterity (sculpting, painting, etc) are encouraged. (Physical education, military science and similar courses are not acceptable as part of the minimum non-science requirements.
All coursework must be taken within the last 5 years before applying.
Job Shadowing is important when applying to dental school. Most schools require some hours shadowing with general dentists. Most students try to observe between 50-100 hours.
Reference letters- you will need a reference letter submitted by at least one dentist. The Pre Health advisor will help you the academic committee letter or individual letters from instructors.
Students applying to dental school will apply through the ADEA AADSAS centralized application system and will be required to take the DAT entrance exam.

Dental Schools in Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Dentistry

UAB School of Dentistry offers the DMD degree, DMD,/ PhD program, DMD/MBA program, and the DMD / IDP (Internation Dentist Program)

The programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

UAB offer two pipeline programs for communities underrepresented in the dental profession.

Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)

Blaze to DMD Program

Education Required

Four years pre-medical/bachelor's degree, 4 years dental school.

You may want to pursue a residency in a specific field of dentistry or pursue general dentistry.

Applying to Dental School

Contact the Pre-Health Advisor for a course plan of Study. Pre-Health Advisor for Troy University is Ms. Janet Gaston

Degree / Major

Any major is acceptable as long as you meet the minimal entrance requirements.

The following courses are strongly recommended for students to enter and survive dental school:

Genetics
Cell Biology
Histology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Physiology
Human Anatomy
Embryology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

Admission Test

DAT (Dental Admission Test)
American Dental Association
(312) 440-2500

Application Services

ADEA AADSAS (American Dental Education Association)
655 K Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C.20001
(202) 2897201

Pre - Dental Club

Troy University has a Pre-Dental Club for those students interested in pursuing dentistry as a career. The mission is the provide guest speakers for its member, serve as mentors to help with the application process, prepare for the DAT exam, job shadowing, and providing community service projects.

Resource Materials

DAT Prep Materials and Resources

There are many study materials for purchase to study for the DAT exam. Some commonly used are Kaplan Exam Test Prep, DAT Bootcamp, DAT Prep Course (Coursesaver), and Princeton Review Exam Prep. There are some free study materials (such as CRUSH The DAT)