Though it can vary by school, the general dental school curriculum focuses on biological science classes in years 1–2 and clinical work during years 3–4.
Prerequisites
Traditionally, dental schools have selected candidates for admission who possessed:
- Two semesters (three quarters) of biology with lab
- Two semesters (three quarters) of general chemistry with lab
- Two semesters (three quarters) of organic chemistry with lab
- Two semesters (three quarters) of physics with lab
Some dental schools require additional courses, such as English composition, and additional upper-level biology courses, such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology and biochemistry. Some dental schools will substitute one semester of biochemistry for the second semester of organic chemistry. Many schools strongly encourage applicants to take courses in the arts and social sciences.