Preparation for Dentistry

Biological Sciences, 217 Life Sciences, 419-372-2332
Chemistry, 141 Overman Hall, 419-372-2031
Arts & Sciences, 205 Administration Building, 419-372-2015

Admission to dental school is selective and based upon scholarly achievement and aptitude as indicated by scores on the Dental Aptitude Test, which is generally taken in the spring semester of the student's third year of college. The predental student should select an academic program that provides for an alternate career should acceptance into dental school be denied. The bachelor of science degree program can be planned to meet all course requirements for dental school and still provide time for sufficient electives in other areas so that the student may attend graduate school or pursue new career alternatives. There are no preferred majors for entrance into dental school, although students generally choose biology, chemistry, or biochemistry..

In the first year at BGSU, students may enroll as "pre-health professional." They may be eligible to change to "pre-dental" when they have completed BIOL 2050 and CHEM 3410. These courses must be taken for a letter grade. Students must have a B or better in both courses. Upon meeting the above criteria, students must consult a faculty advisor to discuss the replacement of the "pre-health professional" label with "pre-dental." The pre-dental student is urged to confer frequently with an advisor, particularly with respect to planning prerequisite courses for the Dental Aptitude Test and for meeting the admission requirements of the preferred dental school.

Recommended course sequence

• BIOL 2040, 2050
• CHEM 1250, 1270, 1280 or 1350, 1370, 1380
• CHEM 3410, 3440, 3450 or 3460
• PHYS 2010 and 2020 or 2110 and 2120
• MATH 1310 (MATH 2320 for Chemistry major)
• GSW 1120

Optional courses—see your faculty advisor

• BIOL 3500, 3520, 4310
• CHEM 3080, 3090