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Dentistry Prerequisites

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.

In addition to the courses listed above, the UTHSC College of Dentistry in Memphis requires:

  1. Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology 401 – Biochemistry I (4)
  2. Students are REQUIRED to take one of these three options, but it is recommended that they take either Option A AND Option B or Option A AND Option C:
    1. Microbiology 321 – Advanced Microbiology (3) AND Microbiology 329 – Advanced Microbiology Lab (2) =5 credits
    2. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 240 – Human Anatomy (4) AND Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology 230 – Human Physiology (5) = 9 credits
    3. Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology 440 – General Physiology (3) = 3 credits

Additional courses recommended by the UT College of Dentistry in Memphis are:

  • 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)