Pre-Dental Track

The majority of Dental schools require two semesters each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Some dental schools require additional courses, such as six credits of English. Additional upper-level biology courses, such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology and biochemistry are required by some. Typically one committee letter or three letters of reference (two academic, one professional) are required.

At WPUNJ, we recommend biology majors pursuing MD/DO programs take the following science courses:

  • Biology: BIO1620 General Biology: EEB; BIO1630 General Biology: CBG; BIO2040 General Biology: Physiology; BIO2050 Cell Biology; BIO2060 Genetics
  • General Chemistry: CHEM1600 General Chemistry 1; CHEM1620 General Chemistry 2
  • Organic Chemistry: CHEM2570 Organic Chemistry 1; CHEM2580 Organic Chemistry 2
  • Physics: PHYS2550 College Physics 1; PHYS2560 College Physics 2
  • Mathematics: MATH1600 Calculus; MATH2300 Statistics

Additional Courses Required by all or almost all Dental programs:

  • English: ENG1100 & ENG1500

Upper-level Courses Required by some Dental programs:

  • Biochemistry: CHEM4270 Biochemistry

Extra-curricular Priorities

  • Extensive experience in a clinical health setting (e.g. working, volunteering, shadowing).
  • Start finding extra-curricular opportunities early in your college career to be able to acquire a varied set of experiences and/or advance beyond entry-level work (e.g. university club and related leadership positions, off campus volunteer and volunteer leadership positions working with people)

Application Information

  • GPA minimums:

While average GPA requirements for acceptance to Dental schools can vary by institution, a general guideline is a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.  Some schools may have lower minimums, while others prefer higher GPAs

  • Required Exam: DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
  • Application cycle:

The Dental school application cycle typically requires applications be submitted to specific programs starting in mid-May, with a final deadline of September 15. 

https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Application_Prep/Preparing_for_Dental_School/Prerequisites.aspx