SDSU Home
Pre-Dental
Advisor: Greg Heiberger, M.S.
E-Mail: Greg.Heiberger@sdstate.edu
College of General Studies
Wecota Hall 218
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-4294Advisor: Scott Pedersen, Ph.D
E-Mail: Scott.Pedersen@sdstate.edu
College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Ag Hall 329
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-5529Advantages of the SDSU Pre-Dental Program
Undergraduate Majors
Role of Your Advisor
Dental Schools
Application Requirements
Typical Timetable
Recommended Course Schedule
Useful LinksAdvantages of the SDSU Pre-Dental Program:
The SDSU pre-dental program generally places one to four students into dental schools each year. This excellent acceptance rate (per students that apply from SDSU) provides clear evidence for the very strong academic opportunities available at SDSU particularly in the sciences. These courses service a wide variety of academic majors (including: biology, chemistry, microbiology, nursing, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, and psychology) and provide excellent career alternatives for those pre-dentistry students who are not immediately accepted into a dental school. Students graduating with these majors have enjoyed a very high job placement level in recent years. Most of the science faculty at SDSU are involved in research projects, and a large percentage of them involve undergraduates in their research. These students receive excellent experience in problem solving through these projects. One pre-dentistry advisor is available to help guide you through the various processes. Financial aid is available through a wide variety of scholarship programs.
Dental schools are currently looking for bright, articulate applicants who have a well rounded education and are able to relate to a range of personalities. Most dental schools stipulate at least two academic years of liberal arts study; however, many schools require three years of college. Recently, almost 90% of the first-year dental class completed four years of pre-professional education, and over 75% received a baccalaureate degree prior to their enrollment into a dental school. No particular graduation major is required of students desiring to apply to dental school, and no area of study is given preference in the selection process. We do not advise selecting a major based on folklore about what "looks good" on an application. Some majors, such as biology, microbiology or chemistry are easier to mesh with the suggested dental school requirements. Freshman may wish to start with a pre-dental major in the College of General Studies. While enrolled in General Studies, students must consider various graduation majors (you can not graduate with a pre-dental major). Selection of the graduation major and minors should be based upon the student's alternate plans should she/he change focus from a career in dentistry. However, it is important that you continue to maintain your pre-dental major even after declaring a graduation major because the "SDSU pre-dent-major database" is used to contact you about upcoming events.
You should plan to meet with your pre-dentistry advisor on a regular basis. Your advisor can assist you in course selection, choosing a major, preparing for the DAT, selecting individuals to write recommendation letters, and in the application process (as handled by the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)). Your advisor can also assist you in identifying any weaknesses in your over-all pre-dentistry program, and in finding ways to strengthen that program. The Pre-dentistry advisor is occasionally requested by their advisee to write recommendations to dental schools. If you plan to do so, it is important that you enable your advisor to "get to know you".
According to the American Association of Dental Schools (AADS), there are 55 accredited dental schools/colleges located in the United States. These schools, and their addresses, are listed on the AADS Homepage. Similar information is available in the Dental Education and Career Information Site of the American Dental Association (ADA) Homepage.
Students can apply to most dental schools after completing a specific series of undergraduate courses, and after taking the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The courses required to apply can vary slightly among the various schools; therefore, students are encouraged to contact their selected schools (e.g. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry) to request a listing of their specific requirements. In general, students need a broad education with a strong understanding of the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. They should have excellent communication skills as well as a basic understanding of human relations and general social awareness. The courses most commonly required to apply are reviewed in an Internet site sponsored by the Dental Admission Testing Program. All accredited school require at least one full year of: English, biology, physics, general chemistry and organic chemistry. However, you also need to understand that admission to U.S.A. dental schools is selective, and students serious about being accepted into a dental school should strive to exceed the minimum requirements. Acceptance into dental school is based primarily on four criteria: 1) grade-point average, 2) Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, 3) recommendations from employers and faculty, and 4) a personal statement included in the application packet. For each dental school, selection of the accepted candidates is made by a committee consisting of clinical and basic science faculty. Therefore, the relative importance of these criteria varies slightly among the various dental schools and from one year to another. However, patterns have emerged among the various SDSU pre-dentistry students that have been selected as successful candidates:
1) Grade Point Average (GPA):
Students should strive to maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale).2) DAT Scores:
Specific information on dates and application materials are provided in the Dental Admission Testing (DAT) internet site. The test is scored in each of the following four areas: Survey of the Natural Sciences (e.g. biology, general and organic chemistry), Perceptual Ability (e.g. angle discrimination, form development, cubes, orthographic projections, apertures and paper-folding), Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g. algebraic equations, fractions, conversions, percentages, exponential notations, probability and statistics, geometry, trigonometry and applied mathematics problems). Student should take the DAT one year prior to entering dental school. The DAT Program recommends that students complete at least one year of collegiate education in biology, and general and organic chemistry before taking the exam (usually after at least two years of college). Advanced-level biology and physics are not required. Most successful candidates have spent time studying for this exam. The DAT is administered on campus through the Office of Academic Evaluation and Assessment (Pugsley Continuing Education Center rm 201). Applications for the DAT can also be picked up at the same office; the fee for 2001 is $165.00.3) Recommendations from Employers and Faculty:
Most U.S.A. dental schools require that at least three individuals write "letters of recommendation" for the applicant. Most of the schools also require that at least one of the letters come from a faculty member (usually from a science department) from their undergraduate school. Other letters can come typically from additional faculty members (including coaches), past and present employers, and health professionals that the prospective students have "shadowed". The applicant chooses whom she/he wants to write the recommendations, and should include individuals that know you well. Pre-dentistry students should identify these individuals early in their undergraduate training in order to optimize chances for a strong recommendation. Your pre-dentistry advisor can help you with this process.4) Personal Statement:
The application provided by the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) contains a section for the student to provide a personal statement. The content of this statement is left to the discretion of the student, but might contain information such as a brief biography including meaningful dentistry-related experiences and indications of well-rounded experiences, and an indication of what characteristics of the dental profession attracted you to seek acceptance into a dental school. Historical evidence that demonstrates your interest in serving others might also be of interest to the admissions committee.The outlined timetable listed below is intended to serve as a guideline for meeting the course requirements, taking the DAT, and applying to dental school. It is important that you consult with your advisor if you plan to vary significantly from this timetable.
Freshman Year This is the year for adjusting to college life, developing good study habits and testing your abilities in math, chemistry, biology, and communications. Make good use of your pre-dentistry advisor for help with scheduling, exploring possible majors and suggestions on improving your credentials for application to professional school. If you're uncertain about your suitability for dental school, ask your advisor for her/his assessment. Save your books, notes, lab manuals and exams from chemistry, biology and math courses to review for the DAT. It would be good to develop a preliminary plan for financing your dental school expenses.
Sophomore Year In this year you may find fewer large enrollment classes. This provides a good opportunity for more direct contact with professors from whom you may wish to request personal references when you apply to dental school. Maintain close contact with your pre-dentistry advisor. You should decide on a major this year if you wish to meet the specific graduation requirements within the traditional 8 semesters. Schedule a broad range of courses; sciences, social sciences and humanities. You and your pre-dentistry advisor should be able to make an assessment of your chances for admission to dental school toward the end of your sophomore year if not sooner.
Junior Year Complete as many of the recommended pre-dentistry courses as possible this year so that admissions committees have a good basis for evaluation. This will be about the last year for becoming acquainted with professors that you may want to ask for personal evaluations.
November
Obtain a copy of the Dental School Admissions form. It contains a good outline of DAT topics, information about the mechanics of the exam as well as practice tests. It can be obtained from the SDSU testing office or from the CAP Center.
April
This is the month during which the DAT is normally given in the spring. If you plan to apply via the Early Decision route you must take the spring DAT.
May
You should make a tentative decision on the Early Decision Plan (EDP). This decision should be based both on your credentials and the policies of particular dental schools.
June-July
DAT scores should be received in June. The results should help you decide on Early Decision as well as any need to retake the DAT in the fall.
Senior Year
August-September
Make final decisions on those schools to which you plan to apply. Use the general DAT application form for the majority of dental schools.
October-January
This is the period in the regular admissions procedure for submitting secondary application materials and requesting evaluations from faculty. Each dental school has its particular deadlines and set of directions. Some regular decision applicants will receive acceptances during this period.
February-May
Most applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection from schools during this period. If you are an alternate you may receive additional word from a school at any time up to the start of classes. If accepted you need to think in more specific detail about financing a professional education. If you were not accepted, consult your pre-dentistry advisor about the feasibility of a second try and about alternative career choices.
It is important to consult the pre-dentistry advisor if you plan to vary significantly from this program!Recommended Course Schedule (for the Above Timetable)
If you wish to attend a dental school directly after finishing your undergraduate degree, you must apply by at least September of your senior year. Many students choose to take the DAT in April of their Junior Year. The outlined course schedule listed below is intended to serve as a guideline to meet the requirements during your first three years at SDSU. This program is also designed to prepare students to take the DAT exam either during April of their junior year or August of their senior year. It is important that you consult with your pre-dentistry advisor if you plan to vary significantly from this program.
NOTE: Students not planning to obtain a BS degree from SDSU prior to admission to dental school should consult with their advisor to design an alternate plan of study.
Freshman Year Courses
Credits Recommended/Semester Taken
Pre-Calculus (Math 115); or Algebra (Math 102) and Trigonometry (Math 120); or Placement in Calculus
5 or 6 credits taken either fall or spring (for Math 113) or fall and spring (Math 102 & 120)
Calculus I (Math 123)
4 credits taken either fall or spring
General Chemistry I w/ lab (Chem 112 & 113)
4 credits taken fall semester
General Chemistry II w/ lab (Chem 114 & 115)
4 credits taken spring semester
Freshman Composition (Engl 101)
3 credits taken either fall or spring semester
Fundamentals of Speech (SpCm 101)
3 credits taken either fall or spring semester
SDSU Core: Goal 1 Wellness (see approved list)
2 credits taken either fall or spring semester
SDSU Core: Goal 2 Human Community (see approved list)
2 credits taken either fall or spring semester
Gen Ed: Social Science (see approved list)
3 credits taken either fall or spring semester
Gen Ed: Humanities (see approved list)
6 credits taken either fall or spring semester
Sophomore Year Courses
Credits Recommended/Semester Taken
General Biology I w/ lab (Bio 151 & 152)
4 credits taken fall semester
General Biology II w/ lab (Bio 153 & 154)
4 credits taken spring semester
Introduction to Physics I w/ lab (Phys 111 & 112)
4 credits taken fall semester
Introduction to Physics II w/ lab (Phys 113 & 114)
4 credits taken spring semester
General Psychology (Psych 101)
3 credits taken either fall or spring semester
Composition II (Engl 201)
3 credits taken either fall or spring semester
SDSU Core: Goal 3 Human Spirit (see approved list)
2 credits taken either fall or spring semester
SDSU Core: Goal 5 Stewardship (see approved list)
2 credits taken either fall or spring semester
Junior and/or Senior Year Courses
Credit Recommended/Semester Taken
Organic Chemistry w/ lab (Chem 326 & 327)
4 credits taken fall semester
Organic Chemistry w/ lab (Chem 328 & 329)
4 credits taken spring semester
Plan courses according to your SDSU Catalog and major requirements and the dental college catalog of your choice.
variable credits based on course selection and requirements
SDSU Home
College of General Studies
1047 Medary Avenue, Box 511 • South Dakota State University • Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-4153 • Fax: 605-688-5631