The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth in dentistry, particularly as more links are identified between oral health and overall health. Students can expect to spend four years in dental school after the completion of four years of college.

If you are considering dental school, UWM will provide you with a solid foundation to help you reach your goal. There are 72 dental schools in the United States, only one of which is in Wisconsin at Marquette University. The application process is competitive so it is important that pre-dental students begin careful planning of their academic career during the freshman year. Requirements vary among dental schools, making early planning in consultation with a pre-dental advisor vital.

Dental schools require a minimum of 90 completed college credits. It is possible, though highly rare, to enter dental school without earning a bachelor's degree. The vast majority of students complete their bachelor's degree before proceeding to dental school.

It is recommended that students obtain some hand-on exposure to the dental profession prior to dental school, either through volunteer or internship opportunities, or paid work at a dental practice or community dental clinic.

Pre-Dental is not a major, and students must still choose a major. Since most of the pre-requisites necessary for application to dental school are in the sciences, many students choose a science major, though it is not required. Our specialized pre-dental advisor works with students to ensure they understand all of the milestones that must be met in college in order to be a competitive applicant to dental school. A significant number of volunteer or work hours is often a requirement for application to dental school so it is important to work with this advisor beginning in freshman year in order to plan all needed activities into your college career.

A suggested timeline is also available from the advisor to help you plan preparatory activities throughout your four years in college.

Requirements

Most schools of dentistry require a minimum of three years of undergraduate work, however, it is becoming less common for students to leave college without finishing their bachelor's degree. 

The 90 credits required for admission to most schools of dentistry include the following courses:

• 1 year of English;
• 2-2.5 years of chemistry, including inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry;
• 1 year of biology (more is advised); and
• 1 year of physics.

Most dental schools require mathematics at least through pre-calculus. All science courses must include laboratory work. In addition, students are advised to take elective credits to ensure a broad liberal arts education.

Students must achieve satisfactory scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to be a competitive applicant for dental school. The Pre-Dental Advisor can provide information regarding the administration of this test.

Science Courses That Satisfy Dental School Admission Requirements