Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Dentistry
About
Pre-Dentistry
Campus: Columbus
Program: Pre-Professional
Dentistry is the only doctoral health profession that deals with the maintenance of health in the mouth and the prevention and treatment of oral disease. In addition to the medical and surgical aspects, dentistry also deals with the restoration of teeth and other tissues of the mouth.
Dentistry is a specialized discipline of medical science but is not a specialty of the practice of medicine. Dentistry is a profession with its own traditions and governance. Dentists must have a basic understanding of human form and function and current medical therapy while having specialized knowledge and skills to provide an effective health service to their patients. In addition to the general practice of dentistry, there are several specialties within the profession: endodontics (root canal), oral surgery, oral pathology, oral radiology, orthodontics (braces), pediatric dentistry, periodontics (gums), prosthodontics (dentures) and public health.
Pre-professional programs
Pre-professional is a category for any student who intends to enter professional school after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Pre-health is the pre-professional program for students interested in the health professions, including dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy and veterinary medicine. Identifying your pre-professional interest will enable your college advisor, your major advisor and your pre-professional advisor to provide you with a wide range of support to realize your goals.
Get started
Students interested in careers in dentistry have a variety of undergraduate majors from which to choose as preparation for their chosen profession. The selected undergraduate major should prepare the student for a health care profession. Along with a strong science core, students are encouraged to take course work in the social sciences, humanities, interpersonal communication and business administration.
Although a bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the College of Dentistry, it is highly recommended. Students pursue an undergraduate major when they start as a freshman and integrate their dentistry prerequisite course work into their specific program. Applicants must have 9 of the 13 prerequisite courses completed and a minimum of 90 credit hours earned at the time their application is submitted.
Admission to the College of Dentistry is based on completion of prerequisite course work, the cumulative grade point average, the score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), participation in non-academic activities (i.e. volunteering, community service, work history, research, military service or sports) and a personal interview. In addition, applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of unpaid observation in a general practice dental or specialist office. In the selection of students, preference is given to students who are residents of Ohio. Nonresidents and residents are all considered on a competitive basis.
Curriculum
Admission to the College of Dentistry requires a solid science foundation. As a result, the undergraduate course of study at Ohio State should include the following courses:
- Biology 1113, 1114
- Microbiology 4000
- Anatomy 2300 or 3300 or Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology 2510, 2520
- Chemistry 1210, 1220
- Biochemistry 4511
- Organic Chemistry 2510, 2520
- Physics 1200
- English 1110 and any second-year writing course
- Physiology 3200 or Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology 2510, 2520 (if anatomy and physiology combination course is taken, students must complete both semesters to meet this prerequisite)
For science course, a lab component is required unless the lab is taught as a separate course.
The four-year dental college curriculum is divided into the following four components:
- Basic human health sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, histology, microbiology, pathology and physiology, with emphasis on the oral aspects
- Basic training and education in the mechanical arts of restorative dentistry
- Training in diagnostic and communication skills
- Applications of these basic skills and sciences in providing patient care in dental school and other community clinics
Upon graduation and licensure, dentists are prepared to begin general practice. However, students can also choose to continue their education and pursue a specialty, which requires an additional one to four years of training depending on the specialization.
Internship
Students are encouraged early on in their undergraduate years to participate in some type of volunteer and/or paid work experience within a dental setting. These types of experiences can provide insight into the field of dentistry and help to confirm a student's career choice. Since the College of Dentistry relies on letters of recommendation in the application process, volunteer and/or work experience with a practicing professional can provide students with a professional reference that may be needed later.
Research
Students are not required to participate in research for admission to dental school, but it is encouraged. Students interested in research opportunities should contact the assistant dean for student research in the College of Dentistry.
Student organizations
Pre-dentistry students at Ohio State are encouraged to participate in student organizations that engage in community service, advocacy and oral health care instruction, such as the Pre-Dental Club, American Student Dental Association and the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association (USNDA). This involvment enables prospective students to take advantage of a variety of educational activities to help familiarize them with the profession. Involvement in community service activities and social functions also helps students to get to know one another outside the academic setting or during the application process to graduate school or professional school.
Possible careers
About 75 percent of dentists practice general dentistry, primarily in private office settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental care will continue to increase as the population increases. Many established dentists are seeking associateships with recent dental school graduates to assist them in meeting the growing demand for services. There is also a similar need for dental specialists. In addition to the private office, many dentists also practice in hospitals, nursing homes, military settings and community clinics.
Some dentists elect to pursue primary careers in dental research and education; others elect government service as dental officers in one of the branches of the military or in public health service.
Salary estimates
The national expenditure for dental services rises each year based on increased demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for dentists range from $68,400 to $187,200 per year. Salaries in education and government service are commensurate with the educational qualifications for health professionals.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
Pre-Dentistry
The Ohio State University
United States of America, Columbus