The Pre-Dental Program

• While most students who apply to dental school major in one of the sciences as an undergraduate, a science major is not a requirement and many students choose a college major in a different field. Admissions officers look at how well applicants do in their required science courses and in their major of choice. To complete a pre-dental program as an undergraduate, students may be required to complete coursework for the program in addition to coursework required to meet degree and major requisites. The advantage of this arrangement is that if a student applies to dental school but is not admitted, the student is free to pursue a career based on his major of choice.
  
  

Biology

• Most dental schools require at least eight hours of general biology, and many students take microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology to prepare for dental school. The general biology course includes lab work and covers topics such as evolution, diversity of organisms, ecology and behavior. Other topics discussed in general biology are genetics, the functions of a cell and biochemistry. Topics studied in introductory microbiology classes include microbes like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Cell biology classes focus on subcellular organization and cellular events.
  
  

Chemistry

• Dental schools also generally require eight hours of chemistry and eight hours of organic chemistry, both with labs. College-level chemistry covers fundamental theories, laws and principles of chemistry. Topics including atomic structure, the periodic table and chemical bonds are discussed. Students also learn about molecular structure and energetics. Organic chemistry deals with the structure of organic molecules and the properties of organic compounds.
  
  

Physics

• College students interested in applying to dental school are typically required to take undergraduate physics classes. Many students take physics when they complete a course in calculus. Introductory physics courses may address topics including dimensions, forces and motion, rotation, mass and thermodynamics. Later physics courses can include sound, optics, electromagnetism and special relativity. Students complete labwork in addition to participating in lectures.