Pre-Dental

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Undergraduate Curriculum

Most dental schools require a bachelor’s degree with coursework in these areas:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • English
  • Math
  • Social Science
  • Humanities

University of Akron students who are preparing for dental school most often pursue a Biology or Biochemistry degree. View all UA degree programs here. 

Students pursuing a dental degree (D.D.S. or D.M.D.) will complete four years of coursework at the undergraduate level (bachelor’s degree) and four years of coursework at the dental school level (doctor of dental surgery degree or doctor of dental medicine); some dentists pursue a dental residency.

Becoming a Dentist

Prepare for a successful dental school application by learning what admissions committees look for, when to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), how the application process works and where to find resources to support your journey to a career in dentistry.

In addition to strong academic credentials, dental schools strongly encourage students to be well rounded with employment, research and dentistry-related experiences. 

Although each dental school has different application deadlines, admissions applications tend to be available in June. It is imperative that you check the application deadlines for the dental schools in which you are interested. 

Most dental schools require applicants to apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) and some dental schools will have a secondary application. As part of the application, you will be required to submit recommendation letters. Therefore, it is important that you develop professional relationships with natural science faculty and dentists. You will also submit a personal essay.  

Dental schools will invite applicants to an on-campus interview with their teaching and clinical faculty. It is important to do several mock dental school interviews. To assist with preparing for this interview, schedule a meeting with a BCAS career liaison by calling 330-972-7880. 

To learn more about U.S. dental schools, visit the American Dental Association.

For additional information about pre-dental advising, contact the pre-health adviser and faculty mentor. Also, please carefully review the websites of the dental schools in which you are interested.

Curriculum at The University of Akron prepares you well to sit for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). 

The DAT is typically taken during the spring of your junior year of college, and it is important to have taken the DAT before applying to dental school as most dental schools will not consider students who have not received their DAT score. 

Contact:

Ashley Rini
Director, Pre-Health Advising
Email: rini@uakron.edu
Phone: 330-972-6513
Fax: 330-972-7305
Campus location: CAS 118

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