College of Science

General Information for Pre-Dental Students

I. MAJOR
There is no preferred or required major for students who wish to attend dental school. Dental schools seek to admit students from diverse educational backgrounds. All dental schools recognize the importance of a broad education, which includes a strong foundation in natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics) and a solid background in social sciences (political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology) and humanities (literature, history, philosophy, aesthetics).

II. REQUIRED COURSES
Although one particular major is not required, each dental school has a set of courses which are required as part of the undergraduate preparation for dental education. The required courses vary by school but usually include: general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and physics. They may also include biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. The chart, ‘Indiana University School of Dentistry Requirements and Purdue Equivalents’, is listed separately at the end of this handout. The requirements on this chart are the courses necessary for Indiana University School of Dentistry and are different than the courses needed for dental schools in other states. Requirements for other dental schools may be found in Admission Requirements United States and Canadian Dental Schools. This book is available in the Biology Counseling Office, Lilly Hall of Life Sciences, Room 1-123.

III. SELECTION VARIABLES
Gaining admission to dental school involves a competitive screening process. Each year the number of individuals seeking admission exceeds the number of positions available in dental schools. Approximately fifty percent of those who apply will actually enroll in dental school. An applicant who wishes to assess his or her acceptability at a particular dental school should contact the school in question. Some of the selection variables applied by dental school admissions committees are listed below.

! Indiana University School of Dentistry Requirements and Purdue Equivalents (Click here)

IV. TIMING THE DENTAL SCHOOL APPLICATION
Many dental schools accept students after three years of undergraduate coursework. A few dental schools accept students with only two years of undergraduate coursework.

Approximately seventy-four percent of first year dental students complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning their dental education. Applicants who do not have very strong credentials should plan to complete their undergraduate degree prior to matriculation in dental school. The Council on Dental Education recommends a baccalaureate degree prior to dental school matriculation.

V. DENTAL ADMISSIONS TEST (DAT)
The DAT is an instrument employed by dental schools to aid in the evaluation and comparison of dental school candidates from differing undergraduate institutions. The test attempts to measure general academic achievement, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.

Prior to taking the exam, students should complete one year of biology and general and organic chemistry. Most applicants will have completed two years of college coursework prior to taking the exam. Since scores are used to show an individual’s relationship to all candidates participating in the exam, students who have completed only one year of college courses may be at a disadvantage. Most experts agree that the optimal time to take the exam is one year prior to entering dental school.

To take the DAT students should obtain a booklet entitled, Dental Admission Testing Program: Application and Preparation Materials. These are available in the Biology Counseling Office, Lilly Hall of Life Sciences, Room 1-123. Students must complete the application form and mail it along with a fee to the Dental Admission Testing Program. When the application form and fee are processed the student will receive instructions for calling Sylvan Technology Test Centers to schedule a date and time for the exam. Students are eligible to take the exam for one year. Sylvan requires at least 48 hours advance notice to schedule the exam

VI. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DENTAL SCHOOLS APPLICATION SERVICE
AADSAS, the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service, is a clearinghouse for dental school applications. Students may access the AADSAS application online by going to www.adea.org and selecting AADSAS.

Once the application is completed, AADSAS will forward it to the dental schools selected by the student. Individual schools may then request more information and/or additional application fees.

This information is summarized from Admission Requirement of United States and Canadian Dental Schools, American Association of Dental Schools and from “Dental Admission Testing Program” pamphlet, American Dental Association.


Amy Terstriep
Health Professions Advisor
Purdue University
1-112 Lilly Hall of Life Sciences
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054
(765) 494-4747