Pre-Dentistry

Take the next step to becoming a dentist at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. We offer a robust and rigorous curriculum, paired with unique learning opportunities, that will prepare you for a successful career in dentistry. 

If you’re passionate about improving people’s daily lives — and their smiles — dentistry may be a great fit. Dentists often work in private practices with a small team focused on improving an essential part of human health. There are a number of ways that dentists do this, including filling cavities, reviewing X-rays, removing damaged teeth and teaching patients about oral health.

Pre-dentistry is not a major at UW-Eau Claire, but rather a declaration of your intention to continue your education and enroll in dental school. A specific major is not required to get into dental school, but many UWEC pre-dentistry students choose to major in biology, chemistry, biology with a microbiology emphasis, or biochemistry and molecular biology. A popular minor for pre-professional health students is pre-professional health science, a program specifically developed to provide a framework for completing pre-professional school requirements.

Entry into dental school is based on your academic record, the results of the DAT (Dental Admissions Test) and other criteria set by particular programs. Certain skills and experiences are also usually favored when applying to dental school. For example, students are usually required to obtain direct experience in a dental/oral health office or clinic. Our exceptional faculty and career advisors are aware of dental school requirements and can help you make connections to ensure you gain the knowledge and experiences necessary for acceptance into graduate school.

After completing your undergraduate degree at UWEC, and earning a competitive Dental Admission Test (DAT) score, your next step toward becoming a dentist is earning either your doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) or doctor of medical dentistry (D.M.D.) degree. There are currently around 65 dental schools in the U.S. that offer these degrees. 

UW-Eau Claire's acceptance rate for students to dental schools is above the national average. More importantly, our students feel well-prepared for their professional school and do well once they're accepted. Many UWEC pre-dentistry students choose to enroll at Marquette School of Dentistry or the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry following graduation. 

What can I do with a D.D.S. or D.M.D.?

A degree in dentistry offers a variety of career paths and options. You may work as a general dentist or a specialist in a private practice, group practice or open your own practice. You may also choose to become a military dentist or pediatric dentist, or work in the areas of dental research, dental education or dental public policy.

The pre-dentistry curriculum at UWEC will prepare you for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This standardized exam is required for admission to dental school and is typically taken in the spring semester of the student's junior year. The exam consists of four parts: natural sciences (biology and chemistry), reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning (math) and perceptual ability. Our students have a strong history of performing well on this exam. 

What classes do pre-dentistry students take?

Students interested in a career in dentistry may focus on these topics during their undergraduate career:

• Organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Biochemistry.
• Genetics.
• Ethics of health care.
• Virology and immunology.  
• Infectious disease ecology.
• Nutrition. 
• Physics.
• Mathematics.
• Biology.
• Psychology.

Learn more about pre-dentistry in the UWEC course catalog.

Programs that would best support a career in dentistry include: