Dental schools welcome students from all academic majors, but applicants must complete prerequisite coursework before entering a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. While many dental schools share similar admission requirements, prerequisites vary by institution. Students should always review the admission requirements for each dental school they plan to apply to.
The table below outlines common prerequisite courses for many U.S. dental schools, the corresponding NIU course(s) and whether the content is important for the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Dental school prerequisites vary by institution. Some programs require anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, public speaking or additional social science coursework. Students should review the admission requirements for each dental school they plan to apply to and meet regularly with the Pre-health Professions Program to develop an individualized academic plan.
| Requirement | NIU Course(s) | Required by Most Programs | Important for the DAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Biology I | BIOS 208/210 | Yes | Essential |
| General Biology II | BIOS 209/211 | Yes | Essential |
| General Chemistry I | CHEM 210/212 | Yes | Essential |
| General Chemistry II | CHEM 211/213 | Yes | Essential |
| Organic Chemistry I | CHEM 330/332 or CHEM 336/338 | Yes | Essential |
| Organic Chemistry II | CHEM 331/333 or CHEM 337/339 | Frequently | Essential |
| Biochemistry | CHEM 470 | Frequently | Helpful |
| Physics I and II | PHYS 210/211 or PHYS 253/273 | Frequently | Not tested directly |
| English Composition | ENGL 103 | Yes | Helpful |
| Statistics | STAT 200 | Frequently | Helpful |
While not required by every dental school, these courses strengthen your preparation for dental education and clinical practice.
| NIU Course | Why Take It? |
|---|---|
| BIOS 311 - Functional Human Anatomy | Provides an excellent foundation in head, neck and human anatomy |
| BIOS 355 - Human Physiology | Strengthens understanding of body systems and oral health |
| BIOS 313 - Microbiology | Valuable preparation for oral microbiology and infectious disease |
| BIOS 302 - Cell and Molecular Biology | Reinforces biological concepts tested on the DAT and encountered in dental school |
| BIOS 308 - Genetics | Helpful preparation for genetics and precision medicine |
| CHEM 472 - Biological Chemistry II | Strengthens preparation in advanced biochemistry |
This timeline combines guidance from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and ADEA AADSAS and has been adapted for NIU students. Individual timelines may vary depending on academic preparation and whether students complete all prerequisites before applying.
| Timeline | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| First year | Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program. Begin biology and chemistry coursework as appropriate based on placement and academic preparation. Join a pre-health student organization. Begin volunteering and exploring careers in dentistry. Develop strong study habits and seek opportunities to begin dental shadowing. |
| Second year | Continue prerequisite coursework based on your individualized academic plan. Continue dental shadowing and community service. Explore undergraduate research and leadership opportunities. Develop relationships with faculty and dentists who may later write letters of recommendation. |
| Third year | Continue or complete prerequisite coursework. If you are preparing to apply, begin dedicated DAT preparation and research dental schools and admission requirements. Begin identifying potential letter writers and drafting your personal statement. Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program to review your application plan. |
| Spring of application year | Register for or complete the DAT. Finalize your school list. Request official transcripts. Complete your ADEA AADSAS application and personal statement. |
| May–June | ADEA AADSAS typically opens in May. Submit your application as early as possible. Early submission improves the likelihood that your application will be reviewed early in the admissions cycle. |
| Summer–Fall | Complete supplemental applications if required. Continue shadowing, volunteering, employment and community service while your application is under review. |
| Fall–Spring | Participate in dental school interviews. Maintain strong academic performance. Complete your bachelor's degree and prepare for matriculation. |
| Gap year (optional) | Many successful applicants strengthen their applications through additional shadowing, research, employment, leadership or community service before applying. |
Competitive dental school applicants demonstrate more than strong academics. Successful applicants typically combine extensive dental shadowing, community service, leadership, manual dexterity experiences and a strong understanding of the profession.
The following organizations provide reliable information about dental education, admissions, licensure and careers.
Pre-health Professions Program
prehealth@niu.edu