Pre-Dental

Admission requirements for dental school vary, and hence, it is recommended that a student obtain admission requirements from the Dental School of interest. The prerequisites for the University of Tennessee (UT) dental school include one year of biology (BIO 111, BIO 113), one year of physics (PHY 201, PHY 202 or PHY 210, PHY 211), two years of chemistry (CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 311, CHEM 312), one year of mathematics (including one semester of calculus MATH 121), one year of English (ENG 101, ENG 102), one semester of biochemistry (BIO 400 / CHEM 400; BIO 422 / CHEM 422 is also strongly recommended) and one semester of microbiology (BIO 203). Even though these requirements can be completed in less than four years, it is rare for students to be accepted prior to the completion of an undergraduate degree. The four major factors influencing admission are academic performance, recommendations, DAT scores, and interview performance. Students considered for admission should have a 3.0 GPA or higher. In addition, extracurricular activities and volunteering or working in dental offices is highly recommended. The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) must be taken and application made to dental school approximately one year prior to expected entrance. A score of 15-19 is needed on the DAT for acceptance into most schools. Application to dental school can be made directly to the school or through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Further information can be obtained from a Health Professions Advisor. Admission to dental school is very competitive. Satisfactory completion of all pre-dental requirements does not guarantee admission to dental school.