Undergraduate Programs

Pre-Dentistry

North Park University’s pre-professional track for dentistry is a sequence of courses and advising that will give you a solid foundation for your applications to competitive dental schools around the country. The pre-dentistry track should accompany a major—most often biology or chemistry—where you’ll gain a foundation in life sciences and how the human body works.

Advising

Pre-dentistry students are advised by faculty in the Biology Department and the director of health professions advising, Kristine Aronsson, who has over 25 years experience in the medical field in hospitals and other institutions throughout Illinois. They will speak with you about your particular interests in dental health, and help you stay on track throughout your program at North Park. Because of small class sizes at North Park, your professors and Kristine will get to know you, your professional goals and interests, and work with you one-on-one to find the best courses and experiences to help you reach those goals. Our Pre-Health Advising Committee—a group of faculty in the Division of Life and Physical Science and director of health professions advising—will work with you to make sure you are prepared for your applications and interviews for dental school.

Course Sequences and Activities

We recommend you take the following courses alongside your major and Core Curriculum requirements to prepare for dental school and a career in healthcare. These courses meet the prerequisite requirements for most dental programs. However, you should investigate programs you’re interested in to make sure you complete any other specific requirements. Some courses may also meet major/Core Curriculum requirements. For full course descriptions and major requirements review the academic catalog.

Dental School Admission Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Human Anatomy
  • Introduction to Cell Biology
  • Advanced Human Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Introductory Chemistry I and II
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Biochemistry
  • Introductory Physics I
  • Introductory Physics II

Other Recommendations

  • Students typically take the DAT in the summer following the third year. Dental schools also typically look for internship and/or research experience on their applications. Your faculty advisors will work with you to find opportunities that fit into your schedule and align with your goals.
  • During the summer prior to fourth year, you should also complete the AADSAS (American Association of Dental Schools Application Service).

Alumni Profile

While on the pre-dentistry track, Sean Welander C’08 received advice on coursework, counseling in the application process, and letters of recommendation from faculty that ultimately paved the way for graduate studies at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Read more about Sean’s experience.