ALPHADENTIST

                                   PRE-DENTAL PREREQUISITES
IMPORTANT: Since the required prerequisites for individual schools may vary from these
recommendations, it is very important to review the requirements for schools you may choose to
attend in the future.
The following is a list of dental school admissions requirements and classes at BYU-Idaho that meet
each requirement. Requirements may vary; check the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools
to be sure!
1. General or Inorganic Chemistry--one year (8 semester hours) with laboratory
Chemistry 105 General Chemistry & Lab
Chemistry 106 General Chemistry & Lab
2. Physics-- one year (8 semester. hrs.) with laboratory. Physics is not on the DAT, so these
classes may be postponed until afterwards.
Physics 115 or 121* Pre-Medical Professional Physics I or
Principles of Physics I
Physics 116 or 123* Pre-Medical Professional Physics II or
Principles of Physics II or
* Physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and computer science majors should take the 121
series. Check your major requirements.
3. Organic Chemistry--one year (8 semester hours) with laboratory
Chemistry 351 Organic Chemistry
Chemistry 352 Organic Chemistry
4. Biology--one year (8 semester. hrs., a few schools require 12 semester. hrs) with lab
5. English--one year (two classes)
English 111 or 111c College Writing or College Writing using computers
English 311, 312, 314, 315, 316 Advanced Writing -class taken depends on major, 316 is
preferred for pre-professional students
6. Math--requirements vary; consult "ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools." Usually BYU-Idaho
G.E. requirements are sufficient.
Math 110, 111 College Algebra, Trigonometry
Math 119 or 112 Introduction to Calculus
Note: Only some dental schools require calculus. Check individual school prerequisites.
Recommended Courses:
Biology 375 Genetics and Molecular Biology
Biology 374 Cellular Biology
Chemistry 481 Biochemistry
Statistics 221 Principles of Statistics
Biology 380 Histology
Biology 460 Human Anatomy
Biology 200 & 211 or
Biology 221 with lab
Intro. to Biology (Don’t take Bio 100) or
Microbiology and Lab
Biology 264/265 or
Biology 460/461
Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 264/265 sufficient,
unless 460/461 is required for your major) or
Advanced Human Anatomy / Principles of Physiology
BYU-Idaho Pre-professional Advising Center • Benson 209 • 496-2483 • www.byui.edu/preprofessional
Dentistry
What’s Unique about Dentistry?
• One of the ten most trusted and ethical professions in America
• Flexibility to balance a professional and personal life
• Opportunity to be one’s own boss
and own a dental practice
• Personally rewarding profession
• Combines art and science
What Does a Dentist Do?
• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth and mouth
• Improve a patient’s appearance by using a variety of cosmetic dental procedures
• Perform surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts and extractions
• Educate patients on how to better care for their teeth and prevent oral disease
• Teach future dentists and dental hygienists
• Perform research directed to improving oral health and developing new treatment methods
How Much Does a Dentist Earn?
• In 1999, the average earnings for a general practitioner who owns his/her practice was $158,080; the average earnings
for a dental specialist was $240,500
• Average income of a dentist -- highest 5% of U.S. family income
What are the Future Opportunities for Dentistry?
• Outlook is favorable for new dentists and exceptional career opportunities exist for minority students
• Large numbers of dentists are projected to retire in the next 20 years and new dentists will be needed in private
practice, as teachers/researchers and in public health dentistry
• Increasing numbers of older adults are keeping their teeth longer, greater awareness of oral health care, and a greatly
increased demand for cosmetic services such as bonding
• Advancements in dental technology such as digital radiography, laser systems and informatics will allow dentists to
provide more effective treatments and practice more effectively
• New information about the relationship of oral health to general health makes dentistry an important health profession
for the future
How Can I Prepare for a Career in Dentistry?
• Get a broad exposure to science and math while in high school -- enroll in college preparatory classes in biology,
algebra and chemistry
• Continue taking natural science courses in college such as general biology, organic and inorganic chemistry and
physics
• Ask to volunteer or job shadow at your family dentist’s office, orthodontist’s office and pediatric dentist’s office
• A college undergraduate degree is recommended as preparation for dental school
• Talk with admission officers about financial aid resources and dental school requirements (See list of 55 ADA
accredited dental schools in the U.S) http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/schools/index.html
• Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) ( http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat.aspa) year before entering dental
school
What Career Options are Available in Dentistry?
• Over 80% are general practitioners while about 20% are dental specialists who limit their practices to one of the nine
recognized dental specialty areas
• Teaching, dental research and dental industry comprise additional rewarding career options for both general
practitioners and dental specialists
• Dentists also work in public health agencies, hospitals, the military and other settings