Pre-Dentistry Program
The pre-professional program is not a major, but a series of courses required by professional schools for admission to their respective programs. If you are interested in anything from anesthesia assistant to veterinary science, then you will be following the same general path through your undergraduate academic program.
Program Details
Program Overview
Dentists prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth. Dentists need to have good visual memory, excellent judgment of space and shape, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability. In addition, good business sense, self-discipline and communication skills are helpful for success in private practice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the May 2019 medial annual earnings of dentists was $159,200. Employment of dentists is projected to grow seven percent (faster than average) from 2018 to 2028. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages, cosmetic dental services become increasingly popular and access to health insurance continues to grow.
All dental schools require applicants to complete certain science courses, such as biology and chemistry, before entering dental school. You typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter most dental programs, although no specific major is required. However, majoring in a science, such as biology, may increase your chance of acceptance. Requirements vary by school.
College undergraduates who plan to apply to dental school usually must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) during their junior year. Admission to dental school can be competitive. Dental schools use these tests along with other factors, such as grade point average, interviews, and recommendations, to admit students into their programs.
All courses in chemistry and biology must include laboratory work. Additional courses in biology and biochemistry are strongly recommended to furnish a broad foundation, and courses in mathematics are suggested in preparation for physics and advanced chemistry. It is also recommended that English literature, speech, history, philosophy, sociology, political science, economics, accounting and psychology be studied to prepare you for your future career.
Required Courses
All pre-professional students will complete the same core courses. You will then complete elective courses for your specific academic program.
Professional schools seek students with essential skills to become practitioners in their desired career path.
Biology Courses
- BL 105: General Biology (4.00 Credits)
- BL 106: General Biology II (4.00 Credits)
- BL 202: Microbiology (3.00 Credits)
- BL 203: Microbiology Laboratory (1.00 Credits)
- BL 206: Methods in Protein Purification (2.00 Credits)
- BL 306: Cell Physiology (4.00 Credits)
- BL 308: Genetics (4.00 Credits)
Chemistry Courses
- CH 113: General Chemistry I (4.00 Credits)
- CH 114: General Chemistry II (4.00 Credits)
- CH 201: Organic Chemistry I (3.00 Credits)
- CH 202: Organic Chemistry II (3.00 Credits)
- CH 211: Organic Chemistry I Lab (1.00 Credits)
- CH 212: Organic Chemistry II Lab (1.00 Credits)
- CH 302: Biochemistry (3.00 Credits)
- CH 307: Analytical Chemistry I (4.00 Credits)
English Courses
- EN 102: Research Writing (3.00 Credits)
Mathematics Courses
- MT 120: Applied Statistics (3.00 Credits)
- MT 196: Pre-Calculus (4.00 Credits)
- or higher
Physics Courses
- PY 201: General Physics I (4.00 Credits)
- PY 202: General Physics II (4.00 Credits)
One Sociology course, either:
- SC 301: Sociology of the Body (3.00 Credits)
- SC 203: Racial and Ethnic Groups (3.00 Credits)
- SC 230: Death and Dying (3.00 Credits)
- SC 301: Sociology of the Body (3.00 Credits)
One Psychology course

Career Opportunities
- Dentists
- Orthodontists
- Prosthodontists
- Oral Surgeons
- Dental Laboratory Technicians
- Dental Assistants
Other Pre-Professional Programs at Stritch
Beyond the Classroom
The Pre-Med/Pre-Professional Club is for students interested in pre-medical and pre-professional sciences. Our club is involved in the community. We plan science-related activities and events and assist one another in admissions for graduate or medical school, as well as discuss alternate options.
This club provides perspective and insight into health care and science fields and builds supportive relationships among students who share a common interest in health care and science.
Students are provided a collaborative environment where they can interact with other students of all stages of the program, get advice on applying to medical school, study sessions and tutoring for tests and MCAT exam.
Contact admissions or the program faculty with questions about this program.
Daniel P. Meer
Chair - Natural Sciences|Faculty - Biology