Page 11 - Dentistry Viewbook

DDS Prerequisite Courses
Subject
Number of Credits
Description
English
6 semester credits
Two composition courses are preferred; or one composition course, and one additional course in either literature, humanities, or public speaking that is writing intensive.
General Biology or Zoology
8 semester credits including lab
General zoology alone is acceptable, but not preferred.
Physics
8 semester credits including lab
Basic course series required.
General Chemistry
8 semester credits including lab
Basic course series required.
Organic Chemistry
8 semester credits including lab
Course content must include study of both the aliphatic and aromatic series. One-semester courses generally do not have sufficient credits
or depth to be acceptable.
Biochemistry
3 semester credits
The appropriate course will have the organic chemistry sequence as a prerequisite.
Mathematics
3 semester credits
College algebra or a higher level course. Examples include pre-calculus, calculus, or statistics.
Applicants must also include DAT scores and three letters of recommendation.
While we expect that competitive applicants will score at or above the national average of 18-19, students accepted to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry usually score higher.
DDS Prerequisite Courses
Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy Ad-
missions
A dedicated class of students is admitted to the dental hygiene program once each year, in the fall. Applicants should have a genuine interest in human services and in promoting public health and welfare. A strong interest in the natural, social and behavioral sciences is encouraged.
When you apply for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree, you can also choose whether to apply for the Master in Dental Therapy dual degree within the same application. You must submit an online School of Dentistry application, plus a transfer application for non-University of Minnesota students, or a change of college form for University of Minnesota students.
Review factors:
• Cumulative grade point average
• Pre-professional grade point average
• Science grade point average
• ACT composite score
• TOEFL score, if applicable (minimum 94);
Internet based TOEFL only
• Challenging pattern of prior coursework
(e.g. number of science courses taken, credit load,
overall consistency in academic performance)
• Written communication skills
• Interview
• Personal achievement, aptitude not reflected in
academic record
• Presence of diversity factors
• Leadership potential
• University credit
Incoming students must have completed a minimum of 87 semester credits or 130 quarter credits of courses from an officially accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. A maximum of 64 semester credits from community or junior colleges will be applied to the 87 semester credits (one semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits). All pre- requisite courses need to be completed with a C or above by June 1 of the year you enter dental school. Science coursework must include both lecture and lab instruction, and may be considered outdated if taken more than five years before the time of application.
It is also strongly suggested that applicants include upper division science electives in their curriculum. Competitive applicants will take a combination
of the following preferred electives:
• Art (3-D drawing or sculpture)
• Cell biology
• Histology
• Human anatomy
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Statistics