Predoctoral Dentistry

Requirements

Admission to the School of Dentistry is based upon evidence of academic training, intellectual capacity adequate to pursue the profession, and other qualifications which indicate a student is fit to study and practice dentistry.

Although technical instruction is important, the University's first objective is to develop knowledgeable citizens. In order to safeguard its ideals of scholarship, character, and personality, the University reserves the right, and the student concedes to the University the right, to require the withdrawal of any student, at any time, for any reason deemed sufficient.

Prospective students who contemplate enrollment should make certain their predental studies meet the requirements of licensing boards for the practice of dentistry, as well as those of this School. The candidate should also inquire about the standing of the liberal arts college in which predental preparation is undertaken, since credits cannot be accepted from colleges that are not approved by the University of Michigan.

The minimum requirement for admission is two years (60 semester hours) of academic work, pursued in an approved college or university after graduation from an accredited high school. This academic preparation must include certain English requirements and science requirements.

It is strongly recommended pre-professional training be as broadly cultural as possible and that it not be confined to the physical and natural sciences. For those who will have only 60 hours of preparation, science courses should be limited to those stated in the required list, with the remainder of the hours devoted to more diversified subjects.

The predental education must include the following specific prerequisites, both in time and in subject credit and cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis (students must receive a grade of C or better). These requirements also apply to applicants holding academic and professional degrees.

English Composition.One full year covering at least six semester hours (9 quarter hours). Three semester hours of credit in literature may be used to satisfy part of this requirement. (University of Michigan Literature, Science, and Arts students please note: The English Composition Board will not fulfill any portion of the required six semester hours of English.) English as a second language (ESL) courses will not fulfill any portion of the required six hours of English.

Chemistry. Sixteen semester hours (24 quarter hours) divided as follows:
Inorganic – eight semester hours including laboratory experience;
Organic – one academic year of two semesters or three quarters;
totaling a minimum of eight semester hours and including two credit hours of laboratory experience.

Biological Science. One full year covering at least eight semester hours (12 quarter hours). We recommend the eight semester hours of credit be in zoology and they include four hours of an advanced course such as animal physiology, comparative anatomy, or developmental biology. However, four hours each of zoology and biology are acceptable. A maximum of four hours of credit in general biology will be accepted. All courses should include laboratory.

Physics. One full year. Eight semester hours (12 quarter hours) of college physics, with the usual amount of laboratory work, are required.

Grades of less than C will not be accepted to fulfill any part of the required 38 semester hours in English composition, chemistry, biological science, and physics.

Introductory courses in biochemistry, histology, and microbiology are highly recommended. An additional course in psychology or a course in sociology or anthropology is suggested. The rest of the predental work may be selected from other academic subjects in the social sciences, fine arts, communication sciences (including computer literacy), and humanities.

Courses in drawing and design, education, religion, and theory of music will be allowed a maximum total credit of eight semester hours. Basic courses in journalism will be allowed a total credit of six semester hours. Courses in hygiene, landscape design, medical sciences, and physical education will not be accepted to fulfill any part of the minimum academic total of 60 semester hours required for admission to the School of Dentistry.

Beginning students are admitted in the fall term only. You should apply about one year before you plan to enroll. Applications are available each year in June and must be submitted by February 1 the following year. You can obtain an application by writing the Admissions Office, School of Dentistry, The University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078; telephone (734) 763-3316.

The School of Dentistry is a member of the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), a centralized application service for prospective dental students in the United States. The completed application and a fee are sent directly to AADSAS. A $50 nonrefundable University application fee may be requested at the same time by the School of Dentistry. Social Security numbers are used as student identification numbers and should be included on your application.

All applicants for admission are required to take the Dental Admission Test, a national standardized test for all dental school applicants. You should take the test close to the time you apply. Interviews will not be offered before test scores are received. Additional information about the test can be obtained from the School of Dentistry's Office of Admissions, or by writing the Division of Educational Measurements, Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

You will be informed of the decision of the admissions committee. If you are accepted, you will be required to make a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $500. The funds will be applied toward the payment of the first term’s tuition. Do not send money until instructed to do so by the Admissions Office.

The University is a state-supported institution and admission preference is given to residents. Admission to the School of Dentistry is based on evidence of academic training, intellectual capacity adequate to the pursuit of the profession, and other qualifications indicating you are fit to student and practice dentistry. You should have two letters of recommendation from instructors in different areas of science, and a third from a dentist or a teacher in a non-science area. An evaluation from a professional committee is also acceptable.

Each application is carefully reviewed with special attention to scholastic attainment, character, and personality. In order to receive serious consideration, you should have a grade point average of 2.7 (B-) or higher. Seldom are students selected with less than a 15 of the Academic and Perceptual Ability Test of the Dental Admission Test. Personal interviews are not required of all applicants, although highly qualified applicants are asked to visit the School for interviews. Admission criteria are applied equally to all applicants regardless of race, sex, creed, age, or national origin. Applications are encouraged from women, veterans, and minority students.

Applicants who are accepted for the first-year class will receive a letter before the opening of the fall term describing the orientation period. First-year students will receive registration material during this period. Accepted students must attend the orientation period unless prior exception is granted by the Admissions Office.

Student records are confidential according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Records are maintained in the Registrar’s Office, School of Dentistry, Room 226. Students who wish to access their academic records should contact the Registrar.

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