At the University of Kentucky, pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to dental school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, Pre-Professional Advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or the Center for Community Outreach, that foster well-rounded dental school applicants.

The Pre-Dental at University of Kentucky is a Full Time Certificate program offered at the university's main campus in Lexington, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 1 year. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.
About Certificate in Pre-Dental
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Pre-Dental at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Transfer Admission : Applicants who have attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Non-degree Admission: Applicants who are exchange or visiting students.
- Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet UK’s academic requirements for admission but do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement or the departmental specific requirements (such as certain SAT/ACT math scores for Engineering and Nursing).
- Students who are offered conditional admission because of English may either resubmit a higher TOEFL/IELTS score or enroll in UK's Center for English as a Second Language program. The duration of these courses will depend on placement test results and individual student progress. Upon successful completion of the English language course(s), the student will move seamlessly into a degree program at UK. This means no TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required if students complete CESL.
- Students who require a higher math score for Engineering may submit a higher score or switch their intended major to a program that does not have specific requirements.
- No additional application is required for Conditional Admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Pre-Dental
Pre-Dental Curriculum
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry seeks applicants who are well-educated in the liberal arts and sciences. Individuals are encouraged to pursue baccalaureate studies that reflect their unique abilities and interests. However, it should be noted that a solid foundation in the biological and natural sciences is an integral part of any sound liberal arts and sciences education. The traditional pre-health professions curriculum, heavily focused on the sciences, should be pursued only if that is the student's desire.
The College is convinced that certain course work on the undergraduate level is necessary for quality performance in dental school. Therefore, the following courses are required for matriculating students:
- two semesters or three quarters of biology with laboratories
- two semesters or three quarters of general chemistry with laboratories
- two semesters or three quarters of organic chemistry with laboratories
- one semester or two quarters of general physics with laboratory
- two semesters or three quarters of English with emphasis on communications
- one semester of microbiology
- one semester of biochemistry
*Requirements approved by the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Pre-Dental at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Certificate in Pre-Dental at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK International Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common Application
2. $60 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 71 iBT, 543 IPT (UK administered)
- TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 105
5. Optional tests: ACT / SAT (M+CR) Scores
- ACT school code: 1554 | SAT school code - 1837
- Required for engineering programs and scholarships
Priority Deadline:
- December 1 for Fall semester (August start)
- October 15 for Spring semester (January start)
*Scholarship deadline for freshmen international undergraduate students is December 1.

United States of America, Lexington