Pre-Dentistry

Students who aspire to become dentists may chose from a broad range of majors before entering dental school, but most select biology and chemistry. These two disciplines may supplement a pre-dentistry program, which is not a major, but rather a course of study that prepares students who wish to enter dental school after they finish their undergraduate work. Of course, the program is math and science intensive, and the classes taken are prerequisites for dental school – these include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. Away from the standard coursework, pre-dentistry programs may further prepare students by providing test preparation and workshops useful in the dental school application process.

Ultimately, this major serves to enhance students’ chances of gaining admission to the dental schools of their choices. Many pre-dentistry programs boast high acceptance rates for their students because they’re viewed as more likely to succeed in dental school. Of course, once students finally graduate from dental school – thanks in part to the foundation set while completing their undergraduate work – they will enter a field of work that should offer many opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics asserts that employment is expected to grow by 16 percent through 2018. Average median starting salaries range from $80,364 to $$117,858, according to PayScale.