The Core Sequence

Dental school prerequisites closely track the pre-medical sequence. Most CODA-accredited programs expect at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate work, and the overwhelming majority of matriculants hold a bachelor's degree. The near-universal core is:

  • Biology — 1 year with lab. General biology; upper-level courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) are strongly recommended.
  • General Chemistry — 1 year with lab. Foundational inorganic chemistry.
  • Organic Chemistry — 1 year with lab. Most programs require the full year.
  • Physics — 1 year with lab. General physics.
  • English/Writing — 1 year. Composition and communication.

Increasingly Expected

  • Biochemistry — 1 semester. Once a recommendation, now required by a growing number of programs.
  • Anatomy and Physiology. Direct preparation for the dental curriculum; recommended even where not required.
  • Microbiology. Relevant to oral disease; a practical addition.

Always confirm each school's specific list — requirements vary, and some programs name courses the core sequence doesn't cover.

Planning Around the DAT

The DAT's biology and general chemistry sections draw directly on prerequisite material, so schedule your science coursework to precede the exam. Taking biology, both chemistries, and ideally biochemistry before you sit the DAT means the content is fresh and your prep reinforces coursework rather than relearning it from scratch.

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Where, When, and What Grades

Complete prerequisites at accredited institutions, with the core sciences at a four-year university where possible. AP credit is accepted unevenly — where used for introductory courses, supplement with upper-level work in the same area. AADSAS reports separate science and overall GPAs, and admissions committees weigh the science figure heavily: a B or better in science prerequisites is a practical baseline, and competitive applicants earn higher. Finish prerequisites or have them in progress at application. For the exam, see the DAT study strategy; for the broader picture, read what dental schools look for and GPA and dental school admissions.