Dentistry (Pre)
Why choose pre-dentistry at North Central College?
Competition for admission to dental schools is intense. Your liberal arts education at North Central College can give you a competitive edge. By earning a bachelor's degree in one of our majors, such as biology or biochemistry, and completing specific prerequisite coursework, you will develop a solid foundation for applying to dental school. Your professors will get to know you in North Central’s smaller classes, and when you need a letter of recommendation your teachers will know just what to say about you.
You can also:
- Gain hands-on experience job shadowing local dentists or volunteering at dental offices.
- Conduct research on your own, with peers or faculty and present your findings at local, regional and national conferences.
- Work with North Central's pre-health advisor.
- Network with alumni and peers through North Central’s student-run Pre-Health Organization.
North Central has an affiliation agreement with the School of Dental Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) to grant qualified students an opportunity for provisional early acceptance to the School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Florida leading to the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree.
Application in LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program (EAP) can occur as early as the student’s senior year in high school and up until the start of the third year at North Central College.
Application to the EAP is separate from the application to North Central College. A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. Minimal qualifications to participate in the EAP are:
- High school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher unweighted
- ACT composite score ≥ 26 on a single exam, or SAT score of ≥ 1240 on a single exam
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
A current North Central College student is eligible to apply and must have a cumulative overall GPA of 3.4 or higher, science GPA of 3.2 or higher, and at least two years remaining as a full-time student at North Central College.
The process to enroll in the EAP is to submit an inquiry at http://portal.lecom.edu. Students will receive an email from LECOM with username, password and instructions to complete the application.
Pre-Dentistry Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Dental Schools
Graduates have been accepted at:
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
- Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine
- University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
- Marquette University School of Dentistry
- The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
- Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Practitioners
Graduates include:
- Founder, Hobson Dental Associates, Woodridge, IL
- Comprehensive dental services provider, Dr. Lou Ann Best DMD, Albany, GA
- Clinical instructor in dentistry, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
- Practitioner of dentistry/orthodontics/TMJ/sleep apnea, Russell T. Ras DDS, Countryside, IL
- Dentist, Timothy T. Taylor DDS, Kansas City, KS
Pre-Dentistry
What major should I choose at North Central College?
A degree in Biology or Biochemistry is recommended unless you have a strong interest in another major. Regardless of your major, dental schools require a set of prerequisite courses (see list below). Because dentists are more likely than doctors to run their own businesses, some pre-dental students choose to complete a business minor.
Will I need graduate education?
Yes, after earning your bachelor’s degree at North Central becoming a dentist requires an additional four years of dental school. In addition to general dentistry, the ADA recognizes nine dental specialties, such as oral surgery, periodontics (care of the gums), endodontics (care of the tooth pulp), orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Many of these specialties require residency programs lasting from two to six years after dental school.
What prerequisite courses do dental schools require?
Minimum course requirements for dental school admission are:
- One year of General Biology with lab
- One year of General Chemistry with lab
- One year of Organic Chemistry with lab
- One year of Physics with lab
Many dental schools also require or recommend:
- Calculus
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
What else should I consider?
While a student at North Central, you will participate in activities that will help you develop into a competitive applicant for dental school. These include: observing in the dental field to demonstrate that you realize how a dentist works and are comfortable in a clinical environment; research experience to understand how new knowledge is generated; leadership activities like lab assistant, serving as an officer in a student organization, or tutoring; and, a commitment to others demonstrated through volunteer service. The Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator will guide you in these activities, connect you with alum that have pursued this path, and advise you throughout the application process to dental school.
Invest in your future
Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.
Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.
Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College
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