Predentistry

Return to: Interdepartmental Programs

Adviser: Kevin Stewart, Ph.D.

Admission to dental schools requires a minimum of three years of college and satisfactory GPA and Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores. However, preference is given to those with a bachelor’s degree. The student may elect any major, but the program of study should include the following: nine hours of English, eight hours of inorganic chemistry, eight hours of physics, and eight to 16 hours of biology. It is advisable to complete the listed courses before taking the DAT. Course requirements beyond those listed vary from school to school, so it is advisable to check with the dental schools where the student might apply. Other courses that are highly recommended include psychology, sociology, business management, foreign language, and any course that improves manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination (such as drawing, sculpture, ceramics or jewelry making). Information regarding the admissions process, the DAT, and accredited schools of dentistry can be found at www.adea.org. The application process starts 15 months before the fall semester in which the student is applying. Because of the number of qualified applicants it is in the student’s best interest to apply as early as possible (applications can be submitted as early as May 15), to apply to a school in the student’s state of residency in addition to any other schools the student may choose, and to have at least 50 hours of documented observation in a dental office or clinic. The current average GPA of accepted applicants is above a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

The student who wishes to apply to a dental school after three years of college should follow the curriculum outlined below. Upon request, Harding will confer the bachelor of science degree with a major in general science on students who complete two years in an approved school of dentistry and who satisfy the other requirements for graduation.