Pre-Dentistry

Program Description

Graceland University Pre-Dentistry students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) should major in Biology or Chemistry (with a Biology minor).

For the best preparation, Graceland recommends a double major in both Biology and Chemistry. Students should review the admissions requirements for the professional schools of their choice. Graceland also recommends that students complete the following courses (along with the requirements for a major in Biology, Chemistry, or both ) for preparation for admission and success in medical school:

During summers of their freshman and sophomore year, students should consider shadowing or volunteer experiences at local hospitals, clinics, or private practices to gain practical experience. Some programs require clinical hours. During the summer of their junior year students should participate in internships. Most students take the MCAT (medicine) exam early spring of the year they will apply. Most applications open in early summer and are rolling applications. Competitive applicants will submit their application within a week or two of the application opening. Many programs have centralized application processes that include: AMCAS (medicine), AADSAS (dentistry), OptomCAS (optometry), CASPA (PA). Students are encouraged to research individual program requirements early to ensure they can be incorporated into their schedules.