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Pre-Dentistry Program
A career in dentistry involves more than filling cavities and pulling teeth. Dentists detect diseases. They diagnose problems affecting teeth and mouth tissue. They improve a patient's appearance. They surgically restore tooth and gum health. And they help prevent future problems. If that sounds like an exciting and fulfilling career, then it’s time to consider Dordt’s Pre-Dentistry program.
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Program Overview
As a Pre-Dental student, you won’t just spend time learning about the practice of dental care. To ensure you present yourself as a good candidate for dental school upon graduation, you’ll also want a strong background in science and mathematics.
A key emphasis of the Pre-Dentistry program at Dordt University is to encourage students to consider how their work may serve both God and his creation. That happens by learning and understanding health and the human body, as well as the role of your faith in helping and serving others. It’s all part of learning academically while being challenged spiritually.
What can I do with pre-dentistry from Dordt University?
By pursuing Pre-Dentistry, you’ll leave Dordt prepared to transition from undergrad work to dental school. Whether you pursue a job as a doctor of dental medicine, an orthodontist, a lab director, or a clinical researcher, Dordt’s Pre-Dentistry program will prepare you for the next steps.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
Dental Hygiene
Aspiring dental hygienists need to earn an associate or bachelor's degree in the field after completing their prerequisite requirements at Dordt University.
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants perform a variety of different tasks that help to prepare patients for dental work.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Pre-Dentistry Program
You will take a variety of foundational courses in areas such as chemistry, that will be critical as you move forward into dental school. You will also gain insight from your adviser as you look toward graduate school.
You’ll learn the foundational aspects of a career in dentistry. You’ll expand your understanding of human biology and how God created us to function. And you’ll prepare for the rigorous tests and academic demands required to get into dental school after you finish at Dordt.
A pre-dentistry program helps prepare students are planning to apply to dental school following graduation.
Every professional school has their own entrance requirements, so at Dordt, students work with the pre-professional advisers to determine which courses they need to prepare them for their professional school.
Most dentistry schools:
- Require four years of college before they admit you to their program.
- Require you to take the Dental Admission Test.
TYPICAL PRE-DENTISTRY PREREQUISITES
- General chemistry (two semesters)
- Organic chemistry (two semesters)
- Biochemistry (one semester)
- Physics (two semesters)
- English (two semesters)
- Biology (two to three semesters in zoology, embryology, or comparative anatomy)
- Psychology (one semester)
Preparing for dental school simply demands too much. You might find yourself immersed in books and get completely cut off from social interaction. The biggest perk of joining the Pre-Health Professions Club (PHPC) is that you will get to meet and interact with other pre-dental hopefuls. This also facilitates knowledge-sharing and can help alleviate your fears regarding dental schools’ application process. Deciding which dental schools to apply to can feel overwhelming. If you decide you need a helping hand, the Chief Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Joseph Keryakos, can help you create a strategic and balanced school list to boost your chances of acceptance.
Ready to take the next step?
Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Science and Technology Center
As a Pre-Dental student, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt's Science and Technology Center. Informally known as the "Science Building," the Science and Technology Center is home to Dordt's 180-seat lecture hall.
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Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
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Becca Groninga Merging rap music and an engineering degree
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Related Program Options
Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
