ABOUT PRE-DENTAL

Pre-dental students are those students interested in becoming a dentist by going to dental school after completing their undergraduate degree. Dentists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, gums and mouth. They examine patient’s mouths for cavities, sores, swelling or other signs of disease. They can enhance their patient’s appearance through dental techniques such as braces, dentures, or dental surgery. Dentists can also provide cosmetic care, including teeth whitening. Most dentists are general practitioners and are usually self-employed. They supervise the work of the dental healthcare team and have final responsibility for all dental services being provided.

General Prerequisite Coursework For Dental School

Undergraduate prerequisite courses for Texas dental schools:

  • 4 hours General Biology w/ Lab
  • 4 hours General Microbiology w/ Lab
  • 3 hours Genetics
  • 3 hours Animal Nutrition
  • 8 hours general chemistry
  • 8 hours organic chemistry
  • 3 hours biochemistry
  • 8 hours physics
  • 4 hours statistics
  • 6 hours of English
  • 3 hours Speech Communication
  • Additional advanced courses in STEM and social/behavioral science are recommended

    Note:
  • Prerequisite courses are courses that will count toward a science degree.
  • Out-of-state dental schools may have different prerequisite requirements.

Within the College of Science and Mathematics, a degree in Biomedical Science, Chemistry, or Math is the most direct path for completing prerequisite coursework in the context of a 120-hour degree. Other degrees outside of these are perfectly acceptable, however, be aware that you will likely need to complete some prerequisite coursework in addition to all other requirements for your major.

Admissions Exam

Students applying to dental school will take the Dental Admissions Exam (DAT). On a typical track, students take this exam in the spring of their 3rd undergraduate year.

Experience

In addition to a strong academic record, the successful applicant to dental school will demonstrate a passion for dentistry as evidenced by experience and skills. This experience should include shadowing a practicing dentist. Also, a student should begin early developing core competencies of the entering medical student as identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Although these core competencies state “medical student”, they are fully applicable to any health pre-professional student including pre-dental.

Application Services

Dental school applicants in Texas will apply using the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). The link to TMDSAS contains valuable information you need to become very familiar with long before ever applying to veterinary school.