Dental schools give preference to applicants who have a bachelor of arts degree. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s program is designed to provide a strong foundation in the sciences as well as preparation for dental school and the Dental Admission Test. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø graduates gain entry into dental school nearly double the national average, which is below 50%.
To become a good dentist, along with a strong foundation in the sciences you¡¯ll want excellent problem-solving and communication skills, broad learning, and the empathy that comes from being exposed to diverse perspectives.
Your Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø liberal arts education builds that for you, too. Plus, you¡¯ll have strong connections with mentors, making sure you are on track and have the clinical experience you need to meet your goals.
Distinctions
? Like most of the pre-professional health programs at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø (pre-med is the one exception), pre-dentistry is not an actual major. Most students choose a biology major with the pre-dentistry program. The pre-dentistry advising list of courses gives an idea of the path students take.
? Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s pre-dentistry mentoring program helps students find the best clinical placements to familiarize them with dentistry practice and techniques. Pre-dentistry students typically begin their clinical hours in their sophomore year.
? Among the high-tech laboratories in Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s Hanson Hall of Science are individual labs for anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics and human cadaver dissection ¡ª a rare opportunity for undergraduates.
? Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s internship program in Sydney, Australia, is popular with pre-dentistry students, who are placed directly into dental offices for their internships. Many students use their Augie Choice $2,000 to help cover expenses.
Pre-dentistry advisor Dr. Jason Koontz with, from left, Kelly Walker, Amber Were, Carli Hogan and Lauren Nicholson.
Recent grads
Luca Barba '24 is a dental student at SIU-Edwardsville.
Lauren Hogan ¡¯19 earned her Doctor of Dentistry and is pursuing an M.S. in the endodontics residency program at Marquette School of Dentistry.
Jack Morkin ¡¯19 is a general dentist at Randolph and Associates Family Dentistry in Normal, Ill.
Jacob Groselak '15 is a general dentist at Groselak Family Dentistry in Lemont, Ill.
Tim Johnson '15 is a dentist at DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions in Alton, Ill.
Maggie Hoscheit '14 is a dentist at Mason, Faith, and Hoscheit DDS in the Chicago area.
“I never expected my time with philosophy to be so valuable for my career in dentistry.”Read More
“My four years helped me focus my aspirations toward the goal of becoming a dentist, and my advisor and professors helped me take steps to achieve that goal.”Read More
“I truly believe I would not have achieved my goal of attending dental school if I had not transferred to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.”Read More