Students can complete required prerequisite coursework and earn a baccalaureate degree at PSU before beginning their dental education at a professional school such as Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Dental schools require that applicants complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment and typically require that students earn a baccalaureate degree before matriculating to dental school. Portland State offers a strong pre-dental program whereby students complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain extensive assistance with the dental school preparation, selection, and application process.
Portland State University Pre-Dental Course List
Based on courses required by OHSU School of Dentistry, PSU recommends the courses listed below as a solid foundation for pre-dental students.
Successful completion of this course list will result in fulfillment of the prerequisites at many dental schools; however, students are responsible for researching the requirements at the schools in which they are interested and adding any necessary extra coursework.
In addition to completing the courses listed below, pre-dental students must also complete the requirements for a major as well as other graduation requirements. Most dental schools require a “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.
| Course(s) | PSU Course Equivalency |
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| General (inorganic) chemistry – 1 year sequence for science majors | General Chemistry: CH221/227, CH222/228, CH223/229 (15 credits) Note: Students wishing to enroll in General Chemistry I (CH 221) or Honors General Chemistry (CH 221H) are required to take the chemistry placement assessment and must score a 90% or higher. |
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| Organic Chemistry – 1 year sequence for science majors | Organic Chemistry: CH334/384*, CH335/337/385*, CH336/338/386* (16-19 credits) Note: CH223 is the prerequisites for this sequence *CH384, 385, 386 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses |
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Biochemistry | Biochemistry: CH350(4 credits) Note: CH336 is the prerequisite for this course *More than 1 course in Biochemistry may be required by some dental schools |
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| Biology – 1 year sequence for science majors | Principles of Biology: BI211/214, BI212/215, BI213/216 (15 credits) Note: CH221/227 is the pre- or co-requisite for BI211/214 |
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| General Physics – 1 year course sequence for science majors | General Physics with Life Science & Medical Applications: PH231/214/274*, PH232/215/275*, PH233/216/276* (15-18 credits) Note: Math 111Z is the prerequisite for this sequence OR General Physics: PH201/214/284*, PH202/215/285*, PH203/216/286* (15-18 credits) Note: Math 112Z is the prerequisite for this sequence *PH274/275/276 and PH284/285/286 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses |
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| Mathematics | Introductory College Math I & II: MTH111Z & MTH112Z (4-8 credits) Note: If you place into a level of math higher than MTH 111Z or 112Z, you should simply complete the higher level of math. |
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| English | Completion of University Studies typically fulfills some or all of this requirement (students may need additional comp courses such as WR323 but this varies). Completion of University Honors typically fulfills this requirement. Students in neither general education program (e.g. postbacs, Liberal Studies majors) should have a year of college English reflected on the transcript. Please discuss with your pre-dental adviser. |
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| Suggested Additional Preparation (Highly Recommended, Not Required) |
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| Aspects of Dentistry | CH199 (1 credit) Note: Offered every Spring term (P/NP grading) and provides an opportunity to hear from OHSU School of Dentistry faculty and staff, participate in hands-on activities, and meet current dental students. |
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| Statistics | STAT243Z (4 credits) |
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| Human Anatomy & Physiology + labs – 1 year sequence | Human Anatomy & Physiology + labs : BI301, 302, 303 (12 credits) Note: BI211 is the prerequisite |
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| Microbiology (strongly recommended) | BI380 (Lecture- 4 credits) Note: The prerequisite for this course is ONE of the following: BI341 Genetics OR BI334 Molecular Bio OR BI336 Cell BIo. BI388 (lab- 2 credits) Note: BI235 Elementary Microbiology lab is the prerequisite for this course |
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| Molecular Biology | BI334 (4 credits) Note: BI211 Principles of Biology is the prerequisite for this course |
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| Cell Biology | BI336 (5 credits) Note: BI334 is the prerequisite for this course |
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| Genetics | BI341 (4 credits) Note: BI211 Principles of Biology is the prerequisite for this course |
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| Histology | BI455 (4 credits) Note: BI211-213 Principles of Biology AND either BI336 or BI320 Intro to Organismal Physiology are the prerequisites for this course |
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| Neuroscience | BI462 (4 credits) Note: BI320 Intro to Organismal Physiology is the prerequisite for this course |
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| Sculpture | Art291 (4 credits) Note: Instructor permission required for non-art majors |
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| 3-D Drawing | Art131 (4 credits) |
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| Courses in Fine Arts, Humanities, Behavioral Sciences | Choose courses from departments such as PSY, SOC, ANTH, PHL, and ENG. |
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Resources:
- Oregon Health & Science University's School of Dentistry DMD Admissions Requirements
- Pacific Northwest University's School of Dental Medicine Admissions Requirements
- ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools: Includes profiles of US and Canadian Dental Schools
- DAT Exam: Dental schools in the U.S. require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT is a half-day exam with sections covering natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry), perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Students should complete coursework in biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry before taking the DAT.
- Applying to Dental School: AADSAS is the centralized application service for dental schools in the US. Students submit their primary application through this service and it is then forwarded to the individual dental schools
- Observation Hours: Prior to applying to dental school, most programs will require students to observe professionals in the dental field. A minimum of at least 50 hours of shadowing is often recommended.