Pre-dentistry student in biology lab

Pre-Dentistry Program

Preparing to attend dental school? This pre-health specialization track will help you build a successful career path.

Interested in eliminating mouth pain and increasing oral health? You could be ready for a career as a dentist. Dentistry offers career independence and flexibility.

Program type:
Pre-Professional Program
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Is pre-dentistry a major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Pre-Dentistry is not a major, but it is a plan of study to begin your career in dentistry. By combining the prerequisite classes for dental school with any major, you'll get the comprehensive preparatory education needed for dental school. You'll work with an advisor within the UND College of Arts & Sciences to develop a plan of study specifically for dental school. Some classes required for dental school are:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • English Composition
  • College Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
  • Psychology
  • Biochemistry
  • Art

Dental schools do not require any particular major. Pre-Dentistry students have completed such majors as:

UND's Pre-Dentistry Program

  • Specialized programming and knowledgeable advising helps you set your curriculum and stay on track.

  • Get help preparing for entrance exams, as well as applying and interviewing for professional school

  • Connect with classmates by joining the UND Pre-Dental Club.

 Careers in Dentistry

171k

Median annual salary for dentists after earning a professional or doctoral degree, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentists diagnose and treat disease of the teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. Most dentists are general practitioners and handle a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in a specialty area such as:

  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Dental anesthesiology
  • Endodontics
  • Oral surgery
  • Orthodontics

Dentists in private practice often employ and oversee dental hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff.

With a faster-than-average growth rate for dentist employment, you can be assured of a good chance at quality employment after dental school. As studies continue to link oral health to overall health, dentists will continue to see an increase in demand for their services.

If you choose not to purse dental school, there are many other dental hygiene, dental laboratory, biology and health-related careers you could pursue. 

 Pre-Dentistry Program Courses

BIOL 150. General Biology I. 3 Credits.

Basic concepts of biology with emphasis on the process of science, metabolism, cell biology, plant and animal form and function, and physiology. Broadly designed to satisfy the needs of those pursuing biological and preprofessional curricula. F.

CHEM 341. Organic Chemistry I. 3 Credits.

Designed for science and pre-professional students. Structure and bonding, acid-base reactions, nomenclature, stereochemistry, functional groups, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. Application of spectrometric methods (NMR, IR and MS) for identification of organic compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122L; or CHEM 254 and CHEM 254L. F,S.

BIMD 301. Biochemistry. 3 Credits.

Introductory exploration of major concepts in biochemistry. The four main knowledge themes are macromolecular structure and function, energy transformation, metabolic regulation and integration, and information flow. Students will practice skills in molecular visualization, critical thinking, and working in small groups. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or CHEM 341 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: BIOL 150 and CHEM 342 are recommended. S.

BIOL 315. Genetics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to genetics, with emphasis on classical genetic analysis and the biochemistry of gene transmission, expression and regulation. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

ENGL 110. College Composition I. 3 Credits.

Immersion in college-level critical reading and expository writing, emphasizing revision and careful preparation of manuscripts. The credit from this course will not count toward an English major or minor. F,S.

BIOL 420. Neuroscience. 3 Credits.

A course covering fundamental areas of neuroscience including neuroanatomy, cell and molecular neurobiology, sensory systems, motor systems, regulatory systems, nervous system development, and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L, and junior standing. F.

Leader in Dentistry

Pre-dentistry student, Merrick McMahon, aims to improve health care in tribal communities.

Read Merrick's Story
Explore More Options

Connect with your pre-health advisor or find additional pre-professional choices at UND.

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