Pre-Dentistry
Description
Students entering one of the dentistry specialty fields are those interested in the overall health management of teeth and gums. Dentists provide examinations, diagnosing and treatment of diseases, injuries and malformations of teeth and gums. Dentists also provide treatment affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. They may also fit dental appliances or provide preventative care.
BSC offers curriculum that aligns with the first two years for most transfer institutions. Students with community college credits are often in the best position to enter dentistry school as they have acquired less debt during their undergraduate academic careers as well as had many opportunities to develop strong relationships with faculty.
Preparation
Students planning a career in dentistry may choose any major area that completes the prerequisites of their transfer institution. It is advised to choose a major that most closely aligns with one's interests, such as biology or chemistry. Other recommended electives include art (3-D drawing or sculpture), cell biology, human anatomy, microbiology, zoology, pathology, and statistics.
Pre-Dentistry students will also benefit from going above and beyond in their coursework. Developing strong relationships with faculty will be helpful in achieving a higher level of study.
Students with volunteer/internship experience in their community within the dental environment will also be at an advantage. Pre-Dentistry students are encouraged to get as many "relevant life experiences," job shadowing, and volunteer hours related to dentistry as possible.
Preference is often given to students entering dentistry school with a bachelor's degree (some institutions require at least 90 undergraduate credit hours). To be considered by a school of dentistry, a student must maintain a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or better and place high on the Dental Admission Test. Students' coursework should be well-rounded in both the sciences and the humanities. The application process (unless applying in Texas) is via the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
Requirements
Those students completing the suggested curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Science degree and transfer to a four-year institution.
Bismarck State College has many cooperative, articulation, or transfer agreements with postsecondary institutions both inside and outside of the North Dakota University System. Students seeking to transfer after completing a degree at BSC should consult the academic catalog of their destination college and work with their academic advisor to plan for this transition.
Career Opportunities
Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist.
For more information, see the American Dental Association website.