Dentistry
It is a dentist’s responsibility to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures. While the work of a dentist is often surgical in nature, dentists treat many diseases of the oral cavity and face using prescribed medicines.
Dentistry Prerequisites
For Most Dental Programs:
The courses required for admission to dental school vary depending on the school to which you are applying. You should review the prerequisites carefully for any professional school you are considering. For most dental schools, you can expect to complete the following:
| Chemistry 122, 123 | General Chemistry I and Laboratory |
| Chemistry 132, 133 | General Chemistry II and Laboratory |
| Biology 150 | Organismal and Ecological Biology |
| Biology 159 | Skills of Biological Investigation |
| Biology 160 | Cellular and Molecular Biology |
| Chemistry 260, 269 | Foundations of Organic Chemistry and Laboratory |
| Chemistry 359, 360 | In-Depth Organic Chemistry and Laboratory |
| Physics 221, 222* | Elements of Physics |
* The physics sequence most appropriate for students pursuing health professions is Physics 221-222; however, Physics 135-136 is also appropriate. Students majoring in Engineering may satisfy this requirement by completing Physics 231-232.
Additional Requirements for UTHSC Memphis:
The UTHSC College of Dentistry in Memphis also requires ALL students to complete the following courses:
- Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology 401 – Biochemistry I (4)
AND
- At least ONE course from the following list (though students are encouraged to complete additional coursework from this list when possible, as preparation for dental school curriculum.)
- Biology 220 – General Microbiology (3) and Biology 229 – General Microbiology Laboratory (2) = 5 credit hours
- Microbiology 321 – Advanced Microbiology (3) and Microbiology 329 – Advanced Microbiology Lab (2) = 5 credit hours
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 240* – Human Anatomy (4) = 4 credit hours
- OR Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 250 – Human Anatomy (3) AND Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 251 – Human Anatomy Lab (1) = 4 credit hours
- Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology 230 – Human Physiology (5) = 5 credit hours
- Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology 440 – General Physiology (3) = 3 credit hours
*Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) 240 is Human Anatomy prior to 2022-2023. EEB 250/251 is Human Anatomy & Lab for 2023-2024 and later.
Additional Courses Recommended by UT Memphis:
- Biology 240 – Genetics (for the DAT + preparation for dental school)
- Microbiology 440 – Virology (for the DAT + preparation for dental school)
- Microbiology 330 – Immunology (preparation for dental school)