Pre-Dentistry program

Use your hands and your mind to improve oral health.

Dentists play a significant role in our oral health care throughout our lives. Whether it's maintenance in our early years, braces in our adolescent years, or treatment for gum disease or teeth extractions in our senior years, successful dentists are capable and compassionate practitioners. More information on the dentistry profession is available at Explorehealthcareers.org. 

UWL has a pre-professional track in dentistry

Make your intention to pursue a career in Dentistry official by adding it as an "intended pre-professional track."

Pre-Dentistry is NOT a major at UW-La Crosse. It is a statement of your intention to apply to dental schools. You will still need to select a major to complete a degree at UWL.

Coursework

Biology
  • General Biology (BIO 105) 
  • A second course in biology, such as Organismal Biology (BIO 203) 
Chemistry
  • General Chemistry I & II (CHM 103 & CHM 104) 
  • Organic Chemistry I & II (CHM 303 & CHM 304) with laboratory (CHM 305)  
    • CHM 305 (2 credit lab) recommended to meet minimum prerequisites at U of Minnesota and Marquette
  • Biochemistry (CHM 325)  
    • Biochemistry I & II (CHM 417 & CHM 418​) acceptable also
English
  • 200-level English course (ENG 2xx Literature), in addition to College Writing (ENG 110)  
Math
  • Precalculus (MTH 151), recommended in preparation for the DAT
Physics
  • Fundamental Physics I & II (PHY 103 & PHY 104) or General Physics I & II (PHY 203 & PHY 204) 
Social Sciences
  • General Psychology (PSY 100) 
Additional requirements

(highly recommended; sometimes required)

  • Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 312 & 313) 
  • Fundamentals of Microbiology (MIC 230) 
  • Statistics (STAT 145 or MTH 265) 

Declaring a Pre-Dentistry track will help you determine common requirements for dental schools in our region. However, each program's requirements vary. When selecting coursework, it is important to consult the websites of the programs to which you plan to apply, and meet with your advisor.

Dr. Michael Abler works with pre-dentistry students: mabler@uwlax.edu, 608-785-6962.

Calculate your ADEA AADSAS GPA here. 

Many professional schools do not accept prerequisite courses that have been taken online or at non-U.S. institutions; AP, IB, AICE, and community college credit policies vary by school/program

Grow through experience

Join the club!

Students interested in dentistry are encouraged to check out the Pre-Dentistry Club.

Gain experience

When applying to a health professions program, one of the most important aspects of your application is your experience. See Gaining experience for additional resources.

Prepare to apply

How to apply

Check out the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) GoDental website. ADEA GoDental is an initiative by the American Dental Education Association that provides those considering dentistry information and guidance to apply to programs, matriculate, and eventually fulfill dental career goals.

Need more help?

Princeton Review has a free organizational tool to help you track prerequisites, record experiences, and organize your school search. Check it out here. 

See Apply with confidence for more information on personal statements, letters of recommendation, interviewing, and more.

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