Pre-Health Degrees

Michigan Tech Health Professions -

Requirements for Entry into Dental School

The mean grade point average of students entering dental school is about 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale), with the realistic minimum being about 3.0. Dental schools also consider your performance on the Dental Aptitude Test.

Dental schools do not require a specific major of their applicants. However, they all require that you complete certain college courses on your way to earning a degree. The course requirements for Michigan's two dental schools are one year of study in each of the following areas:

• Biology with lab
• Introductory chemistry with lab
• Organic chemistry with lab
• Physics with lab
• English composition

If you are planning to enter an out-of-state dental school, contact the pre-health professions advisor to make sure your curriculum meets its entry requirements.

Many dental schools expect applicants to have had some exposure to dentistry. Although they don't make it a specific prerequisite, it's nevertheless a good idea to contact you dentist and ask to observe his or her practice (often called "shadowing") for several days. This will give you insights you'll need to decide if a career in dentistry is right for you.

Pre-Dentistry at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech also offers you flexibility. Pre-dentistry students generally pursue the bachelor's degree in biological sciences, which is excellent preparation for a variety of health-related careers. If you later decide to enter another profession, you'll find you have many options.

Our director of pre-health professions studies will help you chart a course to your future in dentistry. You'll receive support and advice in the following areas:

• Selecting courses and planning curriculum
• Learning to study effectively
• Meeting the requirements for the dental school of your choice
• Getting application forms for admission tests and for entering dental school
• Monitoring your progress toward acceptance by a dental school

A Few Facts about Dentistry

• In 1995, the average net income of general practitioners was $122,860; the mean net income of dental specialists was $191,890.
• According to a Gallup Poll, dentists are the third most-respected professionals in America, ranking higher than physicians, clergy, or lawyers.
• The average income of dentists is in the top 8 percent of U.S. family income.
• On average, dentists work about 37 hours per week, spending almost 34 hours caring for patients.
• The numbers of women and minorities becoming dentists are growing. More than 36 percent of first-year students in dental school in 1993-94 were women, and 31 percent were from minority groups.

For further information, contact the Director of Pre-Health Professions Studies, Ronald K. Gratz, PhD.