Pre-Dentistry Program
Students wishing to be admitted to a Doctor of Dental Surgery program should plan on completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University in the United States. Accepted students generally have an overall GPA above 3.0 and no less than a C in prerequisite coursework. Students are expected to submit Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores. A competitive DAT score is typically at or above 17 (subject to variation from year to year).
Students are encouraged to have documented patient interaction hours from various settings & populations (i.e., employment, job shadowing, volunteering). For more information on preparing for the dental school application process, visit the American Dental Education Association website.
Depending on the school, 3-4 letters of recommendation should be obtained when applying. Letters are typically completed by undergraduate Science faculty members, as well as non-science faculty members & licensed dentists. All letters should be from persons who can speak to the candidate’s ability to complete a rigorous dental school program successfully.
Students interested in applying to Dental schools will apply through an external program known as AADSAS. This is usually done in the summer or fall of a student’s senior year. Preferred application deadlines are generally in early October, with a final deadline around January, while others will have a rolling deadline until filled. Students should confer with the school of their choice regarding specific requirements for admission.
Fast Facts
Degree: By earning your Bachelor’s Degree at Midland University in the Pre-Dentistry Program, you will be prepared to jump straight into graduate work in a professional program.
College/School: College of Health Professions/School of Health Sciences
Suggested Major at Midland University:
Biology – View the Sample Course of Study →
GPA required to enter occupational therapy school: GPA above 3.0 and no less than a C in prerequisite coursework
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Pre-dentistry students develop a strong foundation in biological sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. This knowledge is essential for understanding the structure and function of the human body, particularly the oral cavity and related structures.
Pre-Dentistry Course Information
These courses are recommended to be taken at Midland University, as students prepare for graduate school in the field of physical therapy as part of the Pre-Dentistry Pathway. All course descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalog.
BIO125: General Biology I with Lab
BIO126: General Biology II with Lab
CHE103: General Chemistry I with Lab
CHE104: General Chemistry II with Lab
CHE201: Organic Chemistry I with Lab
CHE202: Organic Chemistry II with Lab
PHY151: General Physics I with Lab
PHY152: General Physics II with Lab
BIO204: Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
BIO205: Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
WRI101: Composition I
Humanities / Social Sciences (could be a Humanities or Social Science course with the prefix CJU, PSY, SOC, SSC, etc.)
These courses are typically not required for graduate school in the field of Dentistry, but are strongly recommended and may be helpful for students who intent to attend graudate school for Dentistry.
CHE407: Biochemistry
BIO305: Genetics
BIO415: Immunology
BIO215: Microbiology
BIO106: General Zoology
Program Faculty
Dr. Chintamani S. Manish
Professor of Biology
Email Address: manish@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6305
Jacob Maxson
Assistant Professor, Biology
Email Address: maxson@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6490
Key Experiences
Along their academic journey, students take part in what we call “Key Experiences.” These experiences will spark learning outside of the classroom and beyond the textbook. They get students learning first-hand about a profession, seeing the process from an up-close perspective, and thinking outside the box.
Internships, Collaborative Courses & Projects, ePortfolios
- Students will design and conduct an experiment during their Biology Capstone course. Students will prepare audio-visual presentations and create a poster to present at the Luther College of Arts and Sciences Research Fair.
- Students create a completely original organism (plant or animal) for a given set of environmental and habitat conditions that are assigned to them. Students are provided with a set of environmental conditions, location, and other pertinent information about a region. Based upon the information provided, they have to design an organism that will be perfectly adapted to that setting (they must describe the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the organism including its morphology, external characteristics, digestion, respiration, circulation, reproduction, behavioral response, and any other characteristics that are “unique” to their organism. Once the students design the organism they have to write a paper describing it along with art work. Finally, the students have to create a presentation that will be shared with the entire class.
Careers with an Advanced Degree
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
According to the BLS, demand for dentists is expected to increase as larger numbers of older people require dental services. Because each generation is more likely to keep their teeth than the previous generation, more dental care is expected to be needed in the years to come. In addition, dentists will be needed to treat dentofacial injuries and other conditions as well as to perform restorative procedures to treat complications from oral disease, such as gum disease and oral cancer. The growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry also is expected to support demand for dentists.
Some possible careers include:
General dentists provide comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients of all ages. They diagnose and treat dental conditions, perform preventive care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, and perform restorative procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.
Dentists can specialize in various dental specialties, such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, or oral pathology. Specialists undergo additional training in their chosen area of expertise and provide advanced dental care tailored to specific patient needs.
Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and correcting dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws. They use braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth, improve bite alignment, and enhance facial aesthetics.
Periodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, such as gums and bone. They perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum grafting, periodontal surgeries, and dental implant placement.
Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and root canals. They perform root canal treatments, retreatments, and surgeries to save teeth that would otherwise require extraction due to infection or damage.
Pediatric dentists specialize in providing dental care to children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. They focus on preventive care, early intervention, and education to promote oral health and development in pediatric patients.
Dentists with an interest in academia and research can pursue careers as dental educators or researchers in academic institutions or dental schools. They teach dental students, conduct research in areas such as dental materials, oral biology, or public health dentistry, and contribute to the advancement of dental education and scientific knowledge.
Next Steps
Request Info
Complete the Request Information Form and we will be in touch soon.
