Advising, shadowing and support: How BGSU prepares pre-dental students for dental school admission

BGSU offers a pre-dentistry track within the biology major that prepares students for dental school admission. Unlike schools where pre-dental students navigate the process alone, the University's Office of Pre-Professional Programs provides dedicated advisors who meet with students starting freshman year.

Through the process, they get a detailed plan showing exactly what courses to take, what experiences to gain and how to build a competitive dental school application during their four years of undergraduate studies.

Yes: BGSU pairs pre-dental students with advisors who understand dental school requirements and work one-on-one with students to create individualized plans.

These aren't general academic advisors – they're specialists who know what dental schools look for in applicants and help you meet those expectations.

Additionally, students bond with one another through the Delta Delta Sigma Pre-Dental Honor Society. The BGSU chapter of the national organization connects pre-dental students with peers who share their goals. Members study together for the Dental Admission Test, share application advice and support each other through the rigorous preparation process.

BGSU assigns each pre-dental student a success team that includes alumni dentists, practicing professionals, expert faculty, advisors and peers. This network provides mentorship, career insights and connections throughout a student's undergraduate years.

Every student's success team helps them understand the dental profession beyond textbooks, offering perspective on different specialties, practice settings and career paths within dentistry.

BGSU connects pre-dental students with local dental offices and oral surgery centers for shadowing experiences. These aren't one-time visits – students build ongoing relationships with practicing dentists.

For alumni like Lindsey Berschbach ’25, this included shadowing at offices in Michigan and Bowling Green, including the practice of BGSU alumna Dr. Alexis Klassen. 

Shadowing hours are required for dental school applications, and starting early means students accumulate the necessary experience while confirming that dentistry is their calling.

Through shadowing placements, students observe how dental teams work together to provide patient care. They see interactions between dentists, hygienists, assistants and patients, learning how each role contributes to successful outcomes.

"I've been able to see the overall patient experience and how each person interacting with the patient can help make the experience easier," Berschbach said. "You can't study that kind of thing. You have to be there in person."

BGSU ranked as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for career preparation, which extends to pre-professional programs. The structured approach means students are not figuring out dental school preparation alone.

From freshman orientation through senior year applications, BGSU provides the guidance, experiences and connections that make them a competitive dental school candidate. Students leave BGSU knowing they've checked every box dental schools require.