Longer life spans, a higher standard of living and an awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene have resulted in a high demand for dentists and dental-related services in the U.S. In addition to the care of natural teeth associated with traditional dentistry, dental-related services, such as cosmetic dentistry, oral pathology, endodontics, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry, continue to expand rapidly.
This pre-dental bachelor’s degree prepares you for a wide variety of careers in the field of dentistry with hands-on science experience and specialized dental knowledge.
Please note, this program is not ideal for someone looking to become a dental hygienist. Students interested in dental hygiene should consider dedicated programs instead.
Biology, chemistry and more: What you’ll learn in this pre-dental degree concentration
This pre-dental degree concentration places significant emphasis on establishing a strong foundation in key scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, human biology, physics and mathematics. These foundational subjects provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin dental practice. You’ll also develop a deeper knowledge of oral health and dental care with a variety of dental-specific courses.
Alongside your coursework, you’ll be provided with valuable opportunities to apply your theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience through internships within the dental field. This combination of general science and dentistry-specific coursework, as well as hands-on experience, assists you in the process of applying to dental school or launching your career in this high-demand industry.
Will a pre-dentistry major get me into dental school?
While this degree doesn’t automatically qualify you for dental school, the coursework and internship experience you’ll gain helps prepare you for the admission process. As every dental school has different admission requirements, such as shadowing experience, GPA and coursework, it’s important to research the specific requirements of the dental school you wish to apply for in advance.
With its emphasis on general biological sciences knowledge, this degree can also be beneficial for students planning to bypass dental school and begin their career.
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in applied biological sciences with a concentration in pre-dental program emphasizes a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, human biology and mathematics. In this program, you’ll complete specialized dental-specific courses and have opportunities for hands-on internships. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to pursue an advanced degree in dentistry or a career in a dental-related field.
The coursework in this pre-dentistry concentration is designed to improve your chance of acceptance for dental school with a wide variety of science prerequisites, such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Specialized dental-related coursework, such as head and neck anatomy, oral microbiology, oral histology and soft tissues, provides you with the exposure and terminology needed in any dental interview setting.
While you can expect to complete nearly all of your classes online, your organic chemistry lab course requires in-person attendance. This hands-on experience may be completed during a one-week session at ASU’s Tempe campus or at an approved, accredited institution near you. Learn more about the on-campus sessions and how to prepare.
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”