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 What is "pre-dent"?
"Pre-dent" is a term used to describe students who plan to enter dental school after graduating from college. You should know
that there is rarely if ever a "pre-dent" major at any college. When a student is "pre-dent", he or she is not only taking
the classes required for admission to dental school, but also has a major in a specific subject matter area. For example,
a student can major in Art and still go to dental school so long as he or she has 1) successfully completed the courses required
for admission to dental school, 2) has both a strong science and overall college GPA, and 3) has demonstrated a dedicated
interest in health care delivery.
What courses are required for admission to dental school?
Typically, dental school admissions committees require the following courses to be taken in college:
- One year of English (ENG 111-112).
- One year of Biology with a laboratory component (BIOL 204-205).
- One year of General Chemistry with a laboratory component (CHEM 125-127/128).
- One year of Organic Chemistry with a laboratory component (CHEM 341-344/345-346).
- One year of Physics with a laboratory component (PHYS 201-202).
Dental school admissions committees often also require Calculus. Some schools also require one semester of Biochemistry, one
semester of Anatomy, and one semester of Microbiology.
Are all of these required courses available at BGSU?
Yes, all the courses required for dental school admission are available at BGSU. Further, many other useful (but not required)
courses for dental school, such as Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Microbiology, are offered at BGSU.
What majors are most popular among pre-dent students?
Pre-dent students often choose science majors, as these majors usually include some of the courses required for dental school
admission. However, remember that a student can choose ANY major and still go to dental school, so long as he or she has 1)
successfully completed the courses required for dental school admission, 2) has a strong college GPA, and 3) has demonstrated
a true and active interest in health care delivery.
How high should my GPA be in order to go dental school?
Typically, a student's overall college GPA should be well above 3.3 or better to be considered a strong candidate for admission
to dental school.
Is a high GPA the only way to get into dental school?
No. In addition to a high GPA, a student applying to dental school must also take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT
should be taken in the junior year of college. Further, students interested in dentistry should attempt to gain scientific
research experience as well as clinical internships, volunteer positions, or other opportunities working with people.
When should I begin my pre-dental coursework?
Whether or not you major in a science, you should begin your basic pre-dental course work as early as possible in your college
career. Ideally, your basic requirements for dental school should be completed by the end of your junior year of college,
since you will want to take the DAT in spring of your junior year. You will begin applying to dental school in the summer
before year senior year of college.
Are there any organizations at BGSU available for pre-dent students?
Yes. The Biological Sciences Honorary, Beta Beta Beta, and the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate are available to
dedicated science students. Alpha Epsilon Delta premedical honorary also encourages any student interested in health care
delivery to attend meetings. These organizations not only provide opportunities to attend lectures given by health care and
other professionals, but also give students a chance to more deeply explore their intended professions.
Over the past few years, what dental schools have BGSU graduates attended?
BGSU graduates have attended a wide range of dental schools, including The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and
Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry. Additionally, BGSU students have also gained admission to a variety of
dental schools outside Ohio.
How long does it take to get through dental school?
Dental school is a four year commitment after graduating from college. When you graduate from dental school, you will have
your D.D.S. degree. You will then enter a clinical residency in the field of dentistry you intend to practice.
What resources are available at BGSU to help me learn more about dental school?
BGSU offers students two advisors in the science department, Lee Meserve, Ph.D. (Biological Sciences) and William Scovell,
Ph.D. (Chemistry), who have many years of experience in pre-dental advising. Dr. Meserve has been advising pre-health professions
students since 1980, and Dr. Scovell has been performing a similar function for over a decade. Additionally, Chris Schaefer,
an academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, educates pre-dental students throughout the process of preparing
for dental school.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lee Meserve, Ph.D.
Distinguished Teaching Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Pre-Health Professions Advisor
419-372-8361
lmeserv@bgnet.bgsu.edu
William Scovell, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Chemistry
Pre-Health Professions Advisor
419-372-8293
wscovel@bgnet.bgsu.edu
Chris Schaefer
College of Arts and Sciences
Academic Advisor for Bachelor of Science Degree Majors
419-372-2015
cschaef@bgnet.bgsu.edu
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