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Dentists are oral health specialists who are highly qualified and licensed to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases that impact the teeth and gums of their patients. They provide health services ranging from routine to extreme complex procedures. Gaining acceptance into a dental program is challenging, and students need to maintain a high level of academic excellence to be competitive. Becoming a dentist generally requires an additional four years of education beyond the bachelor’s degree. Dental schools offer one of two types of advanced degrees, either of which will prepare you for a successful career in dentistry:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
While every dental school is different, there is typically little difference in the type of training you will receive in either a DMD or DDS program. As of 2025, there are 72 accredited dental schools in the US recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The Indiana University School of Dentistry is the only one located in Indiana, offering a DDS degree.
Pre-Requisite Courses
The admission criteria for each dental program are unique to that college or university. While the following table includes the most common pre-requisite courses for dental programs in the US, additional courses may be recommended. Students should work with their advisor to ensure all pre-requisite courses are completed in a timely fashion depending on the programs to which you plan to apply. Please note, IU does not accept online or AP credits for college level science requirements.
| Subject | Semesters | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | Two, w/lab | BIO212/213L and BIO307 or BIO315 |
| Microbiology | One, w/lab | BIO214 or BIO340 |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | Two, w/lab | BIO223 and BIO224 or BIO325 and BIO444 |
| Biochemistry | One, w/lab | BIO335/336L |
| Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | Two, w/lab | CHE140/141L and CHE142/143L |
| Organic Chemistry | Two, w/lab | CHE305 and CHE306 |
| Physics | ||
| General Physics | Two, w/lab | PHY110 and PHY111 or PHY201 and PHY202 |
| Mathematics | ||
| Calculus | One | MAT215 |
| Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Psychology | One | PSY101 |
Preparing a Competitive Application
Since all dental schools have slightly different expectations, you should thoroughly explore the requirements for each program to which you plan to apply. At Marian, meet early and often with your advisor to stay on track for a successful application.
A competitive candidate will generally:
- Demonstrate strong academic performance (GPA 3.5 or higher)
- Score well on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
- Demonstrate a high level of fine motor dexterity
- Demonstrate extensive familiarity with the field to gain an appreciation of the profession
- Shadow several professionals in the field in which you hope to work
- Gain direct patient care experience through volunteering or a paid position
- Get involved in community service, volunteerism, and co-curricular activities
- Seek leadership opportunities in clubs, organizations, church, or sports
- Conduct independent research to better understand the scientific literature
- Exhibit strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work with a diverse group of people, and a desire to help others
