Academics

Most dental schools in the United States and Canada require similar prerequisite coursework for admissions. The Dental Admissions Test (DAT), taken before application, also covers a broad range of topics. Pre-dental students should work with a PMHSC pre-dental advisor to include the courses that both meet prerequisite requirements and teach DAT content into their plan of work. The courses listed below do not constitute a major or minor. If you are looking for suggestions while choosing a major or minor, you might find this blog article, "Students: How do I pick a major?' or the Suggested Pre-Dental Minors document helpful.  

Full a full list of dental education programs (and program websites) in the US and Canada, please visit the American Dental Education Association website. 

Biochemistry

One semester of biochemistry.

*Talk to a pre-dental advisor before registering.

Biology 

Two courses of biology with lab and microbiology with lab. Additional upper-level biology coursework is strongly recommended.*

*Many out-of-state dental programs require two semesters of Anatomy & Physiology. The sequence at WSU is BIO 2870 + BIO 3200. 

Chemistry

Two semesters of general chemistry with lab; two semesters of organic chemistry with lab.

English (Composition)

Two semesters, only one literature course can count toward this requirement.

(ENG 3010: many Intermediate Composition (ICN) courses will satisfy this requirement, but it is recommended)

Mathematics

The PMHSC recommends math through pre-calculus to prepare students for the chemistry and physics courses many dental schools require. The DAT also has a quantitative reasoning section.  

Physics

Two semesters of physics with lab.

*Please note: PHY 2170/71 and PHY 2180/81 are also acceptable.

Upper-Level Science Courses

Several dental schools indicate they want to see applicants who are successful in multiple upper-level (3000 and 4000+) courses during their third and fourth years. Non-plant-based courses such as comparative physiology, immunology, and histology are good options, including fall and winter course planning. Speak with an advisor to discuss additional options. 

Additional Required and Recommended Coursework

In addition to the coursework outlined above, dental schools also like to see applicants with courses in sociology, psychology, business, public speaking, and art. Pre-dental students are encouraged to take some of these classes to fulfill their general education requirements where possible.  The University of Michigan, for example, requires psychology and sociology. 

Getting a pre-dental plan of work 

Pre-dental advisors will work with students and their assigned major advisors to design a plan of work that includes both the courses needed to apply to dental school and degree requirements.  Pre-dental students should see their major advisors first and attend a Pre-Dental Information Session BEFORE scheduling an appointment with a pre-dental advisor.  

Michigan Dental School Prerequisites at WSU

WSU has no dental education program, but many students still prepare to apply to dental school while earning their undergraduate degree. The PMHSC advisors keep an up-to-date list of which WSU courses best fulfill the prerequisite requirements at the two Michigan dental schools. If you have questions about these courses, it is best to work with a pre-dental advisor.