Pre-Dental
Dentists are highly sophisticated health professionals who provide a wide range of oral health care that contributes to the general health and quality of their patients' lives. Below, learn more about the classes and the national exam you need to prepare for dental school. In the useful links section, learn more about the dental schools, as well as other general information about dentistry.
What classes do I need to take?
Admission requirements vary from school to school nationally. You can find out the most current requirements directly from the dental school or from the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools.
UM-Dearborn pre-requisite courses for Dental Schools in MI
What is the national standardized test?
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required for admission to dental school. The best way to prepare for the DAT is to do well academically in the pre-requisite courses before studying for the DAT. The DAT comprises a survey of the natural sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, & Organic Chemistry), Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. To be more familiar with the DAT exam, please read and understand the DAT Guide, published each year, on the DAT URL.
What else should I know?
It is important that you learn and incorporate the Association of American Medical Colleges Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students in your pre-requisite course work and extra-curricular activities. For example, dental schools value community service because a student can gain so many professional skills such as leadership, cultural humility and sensitivity as well as adaptability and reliability.
More information, such as what you should major in or how to handle repeats or withdrawals at UM-Dearborn, can be found in our FAQ section.