Pre-Dentistry, BS
Do you want to gain specialized medical knowledge while preparing for a long-term career as a dentist? The University of Tennessee’s Pre-Professional Programs, BS in Pre-Dentistry equips you with foundational knowledge in the medical and life sciences, ensuring you’re prepared to enter the field with professional skills to make the impact you want.
Program Overview
The Pre-Professional Programs, BS in Pre-Dentistry teaches students foundational science knowledge for careers as dentists, oral surgeons, or orthodontists.
As a 3 + 1 program, students spend the first three years of study taking science courses in areas such as human anatomy, microbiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology, giving them a solid foundation in life and medical sciences.
In the fourth year of study, students apply to and complete one year of training in the College of Dentistry at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. After successfully completing the fourth year, students will be awarded a Pre-Professional Programs Bachelor of Science degree in pre-dentistry.
The pre-professional program in pre-dentistry is a great fit for students who, after completing their BS degree, plan to apply to dental school and complete their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
4 + 4 Program
A more traditional pathway towards the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is also offered. Students may complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, preferably in the sciences, and then apply to the DDS program in the College of Dentistry at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN.
The DDS is a four-year program where students learn about physiology and anatomy of the oral and maxillofacial regions, before spending the last two years in practice with patients and gaining clinical experience.
Becoming a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
As students come towards the end of their BS degree (typically in their junior/senior year), it is common to begin preparing for and complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
Once students complete and pass the test, they may then begin applying to the DDS program in the College of Dentistry at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN.
Once admitted to the College of Dentistry, students complete a four-year program to obtain their DDS. After completing national and state licensure exams, students may then begin practicing dentistry in professional and clinical settings.
Pre-Health Professions Minor
If you’re interested in pursuing a health-related career, whether that’s dentistry, medicine, a physician’s assistant (PA), a chiropractic career, and so much more, the minor in pre-health professions equips you with all the prerequisite courses needed to apply to professional schools, whether that’s medical, veterinary, dental, or pharmacy school.
You’ll gain foundational knowledge in many of the life and health sciences, including biology, chemistry, nutrition, physics, and you’ll even take interdisciplinary courses in psychology, classics, and religious studies, teaching you social and cultural factors that affect healthcare.
Why Study Pre-Dentistry?
The Pre-Professional Programs, BS in Pre-Dentistry is a unique, stand-out program that prepares students with the anatomy, biological, life sciences knowledge, and prerequisite courses to be successfully prepared for dental school.
You’ll gain specialized knowledge, take interdisciplinary coursework, and obtain practical, hands-on skills that will help you transform how you show up to the professional world.
Plus, our 3 + 1 program boasts an opportunity for students to gain professional and clinical experience in the College of Dentistry at the UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN, a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the Council on the Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
At UT, you’ll gain skills that prepare you for how work is done today and help empower you to expand your potential.
What Can You Do with a BS in Pre-Dentistry After Graduation?
The Pre-Professional Programs, BS in Pre-Dentistry prepares students to enter professional dental schools and obtain their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
After obtaining the DDS, students can hold a wide variety of careers in the dental field, including traditional roles as a dentist, or specialized roles in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and more.
Most dentists spend their time treating patients by examining the mouth, gums, teeth, and other oral areas to ensure proper oral health. Many also often perform surgeries, examine oral cancer, or engage in procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, installation of braces, and whitening treatments.
Whatever your unique career path, our Bachelor of Science in pre-dentistry prepares you with professional and personal skills that are both deep and wide.
Featured Courses
BIOL 160 Cellular and Molecular Biology
Intended for science majors, an introduction to the major biological concepts emphasizing the cellular and molecular aspects of life. Organized along themes of evolution, structure and function, information flow, exchange and storage, pathways of energy and matter, and systems.
BIOL 220 General Microbiology
Fundamental concepts in microbiology: evolution; structure and function of microbial cells; metabolic pathways; roles of microbes in nature and society; microbial diseases and immunity.
EEB 250 Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy provides students with fundamental knowledge about the structures of the human body and the functions of those structures. Clinical applications of anatomical knowledge will be highlighted throughout the course.
CHEM 269 Foundations of Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Experiments involving synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic compounds discussed in CHEM 260 and CHEM 268.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
Are you ready to become a Vol? Learn how to apply and explore tuition, cost, and aid below.
Request Information
Want to join us in creating what’s next? Learn more about the Pre-Professional Programs, BS in Pre-Dentistry and become a Vol-in-Progress!