Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry/Biology - Pre-Dental

Dentists are health-care professionals responsible for keeping teeth, gums and mouth healthy. In order to become a dentist, students must graduate from a four-year dentistry school. Dental schools attempt to have students spend as much time in the clinic as in the classroom. Students wishing to apply to dental school must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a comprehensive test over biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry as well as more abstract concepts such as general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability.

Drury also strongly recommends that students spend time in a clinical setting. The experience that the student gains will not only give them a better understanding of the dental profession, but these experiences allow dental schools to know that an applicant has first-hand knowledge of the profession. A Drury University student has the advantage of contacts with local alumni, who can provide students with both shadowing experiences and, in some cases, internships. Other internships can be arranged through the Office of Career Planning and Development.

The Dental Admission Test is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability. The test is administered on a computer almost daily and is required by all dental schools along with a standard application. It is broken down into four sections: natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. Success on the test requires completion of at least one year of collegiate education, including courses in biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry. Dental schools suggest that applicants take the DAT in the year prior to enrollment.