BCC Pre-Dental Advising
Information for Pre-Dental Students

This information is for students who wish to become dentists and is not applicable to dental hygiene. The prerequisites for dental hygiene are very different. The only dental school in the state of Washington is at the University of Washington. Admission to dental school is very competitive and students should prepare for application to more than one dental school. There are 56 dental schools in the country and students generally apply to about eight.

College coursework required by most dental schools
(1 year = 3 quarters = 2 semesters)

1 year of general chemistry with lab: BCC CHEM& 161,162,163 (Previously CHEM 140,150,160)
1 year of organic chemistry with lab: BCC CHEM& 261,262,263 (Previously CHEM 231,232,243)
1 year introductory biology with lab: BCC BIOL& 211,212,213 (Previously BIOL 201,202,203)
1 year of general physics with lab: BCC Physics 114, 115, 116
1 year of English (composition and literature)  

Math: The amount of math needed depends on requirements of the bachelor's degree and the prerequisites of the dental schools to which you intend to apply. In general, a minimum of one quarter of calculus is recommended. Assessment is required to determine your math placement.

Specific requirements of the University of Washington Dental School
1 year of introductory biology: BCC BIOL& 211,212,213 (Previously BIOL 201,202,203)
2 quarters of general chemistry: BCC CHEM& 161,162 (Previously CHEM 140,150)
2 quarters of organic chemistry: BCC CHEM& 261,262 (Previously CHEM 231,232)
1 year of physics: BCC Physics 114, 115, 116
2 quarters of microbiology: Taken at baccalaureate institution
2 quarters of biochemistry: Taken at baccalaureate institution

Course sequence
The required pre-dental courses in chemistry and biology are generally completed by the end of the junior year, at which time the student takes the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and applies to dental school. The remaining requirements should be completed as soon as possible. The exact order of pre-dental courses depends on previous coursework and on the major field.

Dental schools do not require or prefer a particular major. Students should be thinking of alternate careers in the event that they are not accepted to dental school. A bachelor's degree should be considered a requirement for admission to dental school. Students should not complete all of the science requirements at the community college. Dental schools prefer that at least half of the science prerequisites be taken at baccalaureate schools if a science major is not chosen for the bachelor's degree. Science majors will be taking advanced science courses as part of their degrees. It is important to take a full load of courses to accurately reflect academic abilities. If all prerequisites are taken on a part time basis, there is no record of ability to perform as a full time student.

Sample schedule for Bellevue Community College with an Associate in Science Track 1

Fall Winter Spring Summer
Year 1 CHEM&161(6)
Humanities (5)
MATH&151(5) 		CHEM&162(6)
MATH&152(5)
ENGL& 101(5) 		CHEM&163(6)
MATH&153(5)
Soc Science (5) 		Continuing work/
volunteer experience
Year 2 BIOL&211 (6)
PHYS 114 (6)
Hum/Soc Sci(5) 		BIOL&212 (6)
PHYS 115 (6)
Elective (1) 		BIOL&213 (6)
PHYS 116 (6) 		Continuing work/
volunteer experience

The above sample schedule provides 90 credits and does not include Math, English, or other prerequisite classes that may be needed to bring skills up to required levels. Math 124, Calculus I is preceded by Math 105 and Math 120. Classes may be required during summer quarters in order to complete the prerequisites for dental school. Courses that are taught in sequence should be finished at the school at which they are begun. After transfer, students would complete distribution credits, requirements for their major, the organic chemistry series, biochemistry, microbiology and developmental biology. For the AS Track 1 degree, students may choose the organic chemistry series in place of the physics series and complete physics after transfer. Depending upon the bachelor's degree major and the undergraduate school to which you intend to transfer, the Associate in Arts and Sciences degree may be a better choice. Talk with an adviser before choosing a degree path. For BCC science advising appointments, please call 425-564-2321 or visit L 200.

GPA
The UW Dental School's entering class in 2006 had an average overall GPA of 3.65 and science GPA of 3.58. Students should strive to maintain a strong GPA with limited withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses and non-graded options. There were 1021 applications for 55 positions for the 2006 entering class. Of the entering class, 20 were women and 43 were Washington residents. UW Dental School admits only U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Experience and Personal Characteristics
Experience in a dental setting is critical. Documentable volunteer/work experience should be an ongoing part of undergraduate education. A qualified applicant will have a clear understanding of the profession, a demonstrated interest in the field and knowledge of what dentistry is about. In addition to motivation, admission committees will examine a student's maturity, poise, humanitarianism, and verbal communication skills.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The DAT is a computer-based test that is given throughout the year. Applications should be completed early, generally in the summer before the year of entry. Students planning to apply to dental school for fall of 2009 would apply in the summer of 2008. Admission decisions are usually made on a rolling basis between December and March.

Websites for additional information

BCC reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. Please visit http://bellevuecollege.edu/equal.asp

Bellevue Community College
Bellevue Community College Advising Center
Bellevue Community College Science Division

This page most recently modified on 4/27/08.