Pre-Dental

Learning Format

On-Campus

Types

Concentration
Pre-Dental

Prepare for Dental School—and a Career That Makes an Impact

The Pre-Dental concentration is part of the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health Professions major.

Are you fascinated by health, science, and the power of a confident smile? Our Pre-Dental program is designed for students who want to become dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, or dental specialists. You’ll gain the academic knowledge, clinical exposure, and support you need to take the next step toward dental school.

You'll study essential subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy, while also exploring areas like oral health, patient care, and healthcare ethics. Along the way, you'll develop the critical thinking, precision, and communication skills that great dentists rely on every day.

Our faculty will help you graduate ready to shine on your Dental Admission Test (DAT) and stand out on your dental school applications. Whether your goal is to open your own practice, specialize in orthodontics, or improve access to care in underserved communities, your journey starts here.

Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health Professions

Program Requirements

Program Requirements

The Pre-Dental Concentration is part of the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health Professions major. This program is designed for students who plan to attend dental school. Though specific programs may have additional or slightly varying requirements, these basic courses are required by the majority of programs. Students are strongly advised to meet with their academic advisor early in their coursework and when choosing electives.

  • BIOL 125 The Biology Experience
  • BIOL 135/ 135L Foundations of Biological Science with Lab
  • BIOL 208/ 208L Genetics with Lab
  • BIOL 230 Professional Communication in Biology
  • BIOL 402 Processes of Organic Evolution
  • CHEM 107/ 107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
  • CHEM 108/ 108L Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis with Lab
  • HEAL 100 Orientation to Health-Related Professions (0.5 Course credit)
  • MATH 180 Precalculus

or

  • MATH 219 Calculus I
  • STAT 203 Statistics for the Natural Sciences

or

  • ENVS 202 Data Analysis for Scientists

or

  • STAA 127 Statistics for the Social Sciences

Biology Major Capstone:

  • BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology**

    **An original research project is required of all Pre-Medicine/Human Health majors. Prior to enrollment in BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology, the student should meet with their academic advisor and with other Biology faculty to tailor the research project to the student’s interests and career goals. 

2 semesters Biology with lab

Either:

  • BIOL 130/ 130L Principles of Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 135/ 135L Foundations of Biological Science with Lab

And one of the following

  • BIOL 208/ 208L Genetics with Lab
  • BIOL 260/ 260L Cell Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 262/ 262L Molecular Biology with Lab

2 semesters Anatomy and Physiology

  • BIOL 241/ 241L Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
  • BIOL 242/ 242L Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab

1 semester Microbiology

  • BIOL 228/ 228L Microbiology with Lab

2 semester General Chemistry with lab

  • CHEM 107/ 107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
  • CHEM 108/ 108L Principles of Chemistry & Quantitative Analysis with Lab

2 semester Organic Chemistry with lab

  • CHEM 207/ 207L Organic Chemistry I with Lab
  • CHEM 208/ 208L Organic Chemistry II with Lab

1 semester Biochemistry

  • CHEM 301/ 301L Biochemistry I with Lab

2 semesters Math/Statistics

  • MATH 219 Calculus I (must be taken before beginning PHYS 211/211L Principles of Physics with Lab)

And one of the following

  • ENVS 202 Data Analysis for Scientists
  • MATH 220 Calculus II
  • STAT 117 Introduction to Statistics
  • STAT 203 Statistics for the Natural Sciences
  • STAA 127 Statistics for the Social Science

2 semesters Physics with lab

  • PHYS 211/ 211L Principles of Physics I with Lab
  • PHYS 212/ 212L Principles of Physics II with Lab

2 semester English Composition

  • ENGL 110 Expository Writing

And one of the following

  • ENGL 225 Introduction to Journalism
  • ENGL 280 Persuasive Writing
  • ENGL 282 Creative Writing
  • ENGL 284 Writing Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction
  • ENGL 286 Professional Writing
  • ENGL 311 Writing About Science
  • ENGL 333 Critical Writing

1 semester Psychology

  • PSYC 101 General Psychology

Other Recommendations Or Requirements

  • 40 hours experience of dentist shadowing with a general dentist
  • Minimum 75 hours experience in the dental field
  • DAT
  • Minimum GPA 3.0

 

Meet our Faculty

Shelli Waetzig

Shelli Waetzig, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science Department
508-626-4784
swaetzig@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Photo of Steven Cok

Steven Cok, Ph.D.

Professor, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science Department
(508) 626-4782
scok@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Amanda Simons

Amanda Simons, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Biology Department
(508) 626-4681
asimons@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Dr. Aline Davis

Aline Davis, Ph.D.

Professor, Biology Department
(508) 626-4797
adavis@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex

Learn More

If the Pre-Dental major sounds like a good fit but you would like to learn more, contact Admissions at admissions [at] framingham.edu (admissions[at]framingham[dot]edu) or 508-626-4500.

 Apply 

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