Biology:  Pre-Dentistry

Overview

Links

Suggested Curriculum

Adviser

Dr. Craig Tuerk, Professor of Biology
Lappin Hall 301D
(606)783-2958
c.tuerk@moreheadstate.edu

Overview

Dental schools encourage students to apply with a nearly completed degree, preferably in the biological sciences. The selection of applicants is based on science G.P.A., overall G.P.A., DAT scores, and demonstration of superior qualification in personal maturity and academic competence. Three, and preferably four, years of undergraduate preparation are necessary to provide students with those qualifications that will permit entry into dental schools. The pre-dental student should in addition to satisfying course requirements seek out practical experiences observing dentists to familiarize themselves with the various routines and procedures of dentistry. Such experiences are an important part of preparation for dental school and are valued by acceptance committees as a clear signal of a pre-dental student's validated interest in the dental profession. Preparation for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) will require the completion of the suggested curriculum which emphasizes the biological and physical sciences.  In addition it is strongly recommended to take ART 102-Three Dimensional Foundation which has been adapted to serve pre-dental students by providing instruction in the concepts of three-dimensional design and includes training in the use of miniwaxers which are heavily used in the lab portions of dental schools.  This course is considered a valuable asset in a student’s application package by dental school acceptance committees.

Due to an increasingly competitive applicant pool, it is strongly recommended to complete the application process as early as possible in the summer one year before anticipated attendance at dental school.  This application process includes applying to dental schools through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Services (AADSAS, see https://aadsas.adea.org/); taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT); and requesting at least three recommendations from science faculty members, your faculty advisor, and a dentist with whom you have worked, observed or consulted to be forwarded to AADSAS.

 

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Suggested Curriculum

. General education courses (General Education Menu)

            A.  Required core (15 hours)

            B.  Area Studies (30 hours)

            C.  Integrative Component (3 hours)                                                                   

II. Biology Major

            A. Core (28 hours)

                        * BIOL 171-Principles of Biology with lab (4)

                        * BIOL 210-General Zoology with lab (4)

                        * BIOL 215-General Botany with lab (4)

                        * BIOL 304-Genetics with lab (3)

                        * BIOL 317-Principles of Microbiology with lab (4)

                        * BIOL 380-Cell Biology with lab (3)

                        * BIOL 425-Animal Physiology with lab (3)

                        * BIOL 461-Ecology with lab (3)

            B. Advanced Biology Electives (9 hours)

                        * BIOL 336-Pathophysiology (4)

                        * BIOL 337-Comparative Anatomy (3)

                        * BIOL 518-Pathogenic Microbiology (3)

                        * BIOL 519-Virology (3)

                        * BIOL 520-Histology (3)

            C. Supplemental courses (32 hours)

                        * CHEM 111-Principles of Chemistry I with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 112-Principles of Chemistry II with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 301-Survey of Biochemistry with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 326-Organic Chemistry I with lab (4)

                        * PHYS 201-Elementary Physics I (3)

                        * PHYS 201A-Elementary Physics I Lab (1)

                        * PHYS 202-Elementary Physics II (3)

                        * PHYS 202A-Elementary Physics II Lab (1)

                        * MATH 174-Pre-Calculus or equivalent (4)

                        * MATH 123-Introduction to Statistics of equivalent (3)

III. Chemistry minor

            A. Required courses (16 hours)

                        * CHEM 111-Principles of Chemistry I with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 112-Principles of Chemistry II with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 326-Organic Chemistry I with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 360-Analytical Chemistry I with lab (4)

            B. Electives (5 hours)

                        * CHEM 327-Organic Chemistry II with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 340-Chemical Information with lab (3)

                        * CHEM 351-Inorganic Chemistry I  (2)

                        * CHEM 441-Physical Chemistry I (3)

                        * CHEM 442-Physical Chemistry II with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 451-Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (3)

                        * CHEM 460-Analytical Chemistry II with lab (4)

IV. Integrated Science minor

            A. Required courses (6 hours)

                        * SCI 103-Intro to Physical Sciences or equivalent (3)

                        * BIOL 105-Intro to Biological Sciences or equivalent (3)

            B. Electives (18 hours) 

                        * CHEM 111-Principles of Chemistry I with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 112-Principles of Chemistry II with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 326-Organic Chemistry I with lab (4)

                        * CHEM 327-Organic Chemistry II with lab (4)

                        * BIOL 231-Human Anatomy (3)

                        * BIOL 232-Human Physiology (3)

                        * BIOL 233-Laboratory for Human Physiology (1)

                        * PHYS 201-Elementary Physics I (3)

                        * PHYS 201A-Elementary Physics I Lab (1)

                        * PHYS 202-Elementary Physics II (3)

                        * PHYS 202A-Elementary Physics II Lab (1)

                        * Electives should be evenly distributed between the biological and the physical sciences. Electives must be approved by advisor.

V.  Additional Required Courses

                        *ART 102-Three Dimensional Foundation (3)

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Links

• University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
• University of Louisville School of Dentistry
• Other Dentistry Programs
• Dental Admission Test (DAT)
• American Dental Association

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