Pre-Dental at BGSU

 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:

1. One year of English composition (GSW 1110-1120).
2. One year of biology with laboratory components (BIOL 2040-2050).
3. One year of general chemistry with laboratory components (CHEM 1250-1270/1280).*
4. One year of organic chemistry with laboratory components (CHEM 3410-3440/3450 or 3460).*
5. One semester of physics with laboratory components (PHYS 2010).
6. One or two semesters of biochemistry (CHEM 3080 or both CHEM 4450 and 4470).*
7. Two semesters of anatomy and physiology (BIOL 3310 and 3320).*
8. One semester of microbiology (BIOL 3130).* 

Dental school admissions committees often also require calculus (MATH 1310 or 1340-1350).
*pre-requisites required 

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. Many schools also encourage course in psychology, philosophy, communication and business preparation for professional practice. 

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 3.5 or better to be considered a strong candidate for admission to dental school. Dental school admission committees also consider a student's GPA in the required prerequisite science courses. 

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. Participation in activities that enhance fine motor skills and manual dexterity is highly encouraged as well.

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 may 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 prehealth honorary society 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 Steve Chung, Ph.D. (Chemistry).  Students can also consult with an academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences office.

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