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Overview | Degree Requirements | Careers and Graduate School | Costs and Scholarships | Research and Engagement | Faculty
Overview
In preparation for post-graduate schooling in dentistry, the pre-dentistry program at UMN Morris will guide you through your undergraduate education as you work toward a major. The academic rigor and interdisciplinary strength of UMN Morris’ well-rounded liberal arts education will greatly enhance your pre-dentistry path. You’ll gain the knowledge, experience, and support you need to be ready for and succeed in dentistry school.
While there is no specific major for pre-dentistry, many students choose to major in biology, chemistry, or physics. To develop the best plan of study and to stay on track, you will want to review the Pre-Dentistry Planning Worksheet and meet with your academic adviser.
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
As a UMN Morris student following the pre-dentistry track, you will need to complete the degree requirements for your chosen major. Pre-dentistry is not a major that you can earn as a degree at UMN Morris, but rather, an academic program to guide you on your path to dentistry school.
Suggested Courses
UMN Morris offers several courses across different disciplines that will meet the requirements for most dentistry schools:
- BIOL 1111. Fundamentals of Genetics, Evolution, and Development
- BIOL 2101. Evolution of Biodiversity
- BIOL 2111. Cell Biology
- BIOL 3121. Molecular Biology
- BIOL 4211. Biochemistry
- CHEM 1101. General Chemistry I
- CHEM 1102. General Chemistry II
- CHEM 2301 & CHEM 2311. Organic Chemistry & Lab
- CHEM 2302. Organic Chemistry II
- MATH 1021. Survey of Calculus
- PHYS 1101. General Physics I
- PHYS 1102. General Physics II
- PSY 1051. Introduction to Psychology
- ENGL 1007. Writing for the Liberal Arts
- ARTS 1001. Visual Studies for Non-Majors
General Education Requirements (Morris Core)
The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements (Morris Core) are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Learn more about UMN Morris General Education Requirements (Morris Core)
Transferring Credit
Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university.
Careers and Graduate School
Careers
From healthcare to public service to criminology, the field of dentistry offers a wide range of professional and career options, including:
- Private practice
- Teaching
- Research
- Clinical or criminal laboratory work
- Dental hygiene and wellness
Graduate School
Having a University of Minnesota Morris degree will set you up for success when it's time to take the next steps for graduate or professional school.
Dental School
To apply to a dental school, you should contact the specific institution for information on the application process. You may also use the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service, which allows you to apply to multiple participating schools with one online application provided by the American Dental Education Association. That process begins June 1 and should be completed by the end of January.
Generally, the application process for dental schools begins in the summer a year before entering dental school; it is advisable to complete your primary application by July 4 for early consideration. Many schools have rolling admission policies. This means they will review applications on an ongoing basis, as submitted. If you submit materials well before the deadline, you may receive earlier interviews and consideration for admission.
After reviewing your primary application, a school may send you a secondary application specific to that institution. Secondary applications typically include additional essays and an application fee. Though these are not usually due until winter, you should submit the secondary application as soon as possible to secure an interview.
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry offers several specialty degrees and education programs in dentistry, and is the only dental school in Minnesota.
Dental Aptitude Test
Most dental schools require you to take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), which covers natural sciences, reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and perceptual ability. Critical thinking may be added.
The DAT is administered by computer at Prometric Testing Centers. You can register for the DAT through the American Dental Association's DAT website.
Costs and Scholarships
Costs at a Glance
The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.
Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
Scholarships
A variety of scholarships are available to students.
Research and Engagement
Research
As a UMN Morris student, you’re strongly encouraged to take part in academic research opportunities outside the classroom.
Engagement
By taking advantage of projects offered through the Office of Community Engagement, you can gain a better understanding of dentistry and healthcare settings. Staff can help advise how to arrange shadow or internship opportunities with dental professionals, including those in your home community you may wish to work with during summer months or school breaks.
Consider taking advantage of our nationally recognized study abroad program. A study abroad experience will help prepare you for international service trips common in healthcare professions.
In addition, you are encouraged to take advantage of undergraduate service opportunities that demonstrate the kind of commitment and genuine understanding of the dental profession sought by professional school admissions boards.
