Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology: Pre-Dentistry Emphasis
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology: Pre-Dentistry Emphasis
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In GCU’s pre-dentistry courses, you will be taught foundational STEM knowledge in biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and general human health issues. With the bonus of a liberal arts education, you will also have opportunities to develop skills in interpersonal and intercultural communication, and investigate the psychological, spiritual and physical components of health, wellness and medical intervention.
Typically, most dental schools require applicants to successfully complete at least two semesters of:1
Some dental schools may require additional courses in English composition and advanced biology courses, such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology and biochemistry. Many schools encourage you to complete courses in the arts and social sciences, such as psychology and ethics.1 Be sure to research the dental school you wish to attend, as prerequisites may vary from school to school.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Dentistry at Grand Canyon University can prepare you to seek acceptance into graduate study programs such as dental medicine and other related degree programs. This BS in Biology: pre-dentistry emphasis is tailored for individuals who aspire to pursue a career in dentistry. If you are passionate about biological sciences, this program is designed to equip you with a solid academic background in biology while specifically preparing students for the challenges and demands of dental school.
GCU’s on-campus pre-dentistry courses cover science content and topics for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and other graduate school entrance exams. With an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences, the biology pre-dental coursework can prepare you with the knowledge, skills and academic readiness to pursue graduate studies, dental school and contribute to the field of dentistry with a strong biological foundation.
The courses in this BS in Biology degree examine a range of topics that include:
The pre-dentistry emphasis curriculum at GCU can teach you the knowledge, skills and practical readiness to be able to approach your entrance exams and future coursework in dental school with confidence. Our knowledgeable faculty teach pre-dentistry courses that cover most topics you might see on the DAT. GCU’s faculty offer mentorship and advising that can help prepare you to apply to dental school or other biology-related graduate programs.
When you earn your biology pre-dental emphasis at GCU, you have the opportunity to gain core competencies in healthcare and science-related topics. This may allow you to meet the prerequisites for applying to dental school.1 You can prepare to make positive contributions to your community by promoting the health of your future patients. At GCU, we offer a college education rooted in the biblical teachings of Christ. Our faith-integrated courses emphasize servant leadership, ethical decision-making and professionalism.
If you’re passionate about promoting oral health and wellness, apply today for enrollment in GCU’s biology pre-dental program. Prepare to pursue further studies at a dental school with a solid foundation in science-related competencies.
Discover additional emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
Before deciding whether a pre-dentistry emphasis is right for you, it’s helpful to learn more about the degree requirements and get answers to some frequently asked questions. Use the following answers to help you make an informed decision.
The first step to pursuing dental school is completing your bachelor’s degree. According to an article by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), some other tips you may want to consider when preparing for dental school include:3
While pre-dentistry and dental hygiene are both dental career-focused, they are distinct. A pre-dentistry focus is designed to equip you with the general health and anatomy knowledge that can prepare you to apply to a dental school with the goal of becoming a dentist.4 Meanwhile, dental hygiene is a separate career in itself, with dental hygienists earning a degree specifically in dental hygiene, which is typically an associate degree.5 Dental hygienists use a variety of tools to help patients keep their teeth and gums healthy.5
Some pre-dental students choose various science-related undergraduate majors such as biology, physics or chemistry to fulfill prerequisite courses and gain a solid science background before pursuing dental school. However, a bachelor’s degree with a pre-dentistry emphasis not only provides the necessary science background, but also introduces you to topics and concepts of dentistry that may help you apply for dental school.
This pre-dentistry focus at GCU requires you to take precalculus as part of the general education curriculum. You will also be required to complete other various math-related courses, including algebraic applications and statistical probability. Although there are differences, a pre-dentistry concentration will generally have an emphasis on both science and mathematics. It’s important to know that pre-dentistry emphasis requirements may vary their curriculum requirements. Be sure to research the program and school you wish to attend.
Dental schools typically do not have a strict preference for a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree when it comes to admission. What matters more is the coursework you've completed and the overall strength of your application. It's important to meet the prerequisites for dental school, which often include specific science courses regardless of whether you have a BS or BA.1 Achieving a strong GPA, performing well on the DAT, gaining relevant experience and presenting a well-rounded application that showcases your commitment and suitability for a career in dentistry can make you a good dental school candidate.
Although both pre-dental and dental hygiene degree programs focus on oral health, they aren’t quite the same. A pre-dentistry emphasis typically focuses on coursework that prepares students for dental school, whereas dental hygiene programs are more tailored to providing the specific skills and knowledge needed for a career as a dental hygienist. Most states require aspiring dental hygienists to obtain licensure, although licensure requirements can vary by state.5
1 American Dental Education Association. (n.d.). Prerequisites. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2023.
2 American Dental Education Association (n.d.) Future Dentists. Retrieved Aug. 14, 2023.
3 American Dental Education Association. (n.d.). Preparing For Dental School. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2023.
4 Learn.org. (n.d.). Pre-Dental Schools And Courses. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2023.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). How To Become A Dental Hygienist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2023.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Dentists play an important role in supporting the oral health of their patients.2 Whether it’s providing general maintenance or specialized care in orthodontia, gum disease and oral surgery, dentists are essential for helping patients enjoy good oral health.2
If you are considering a dentistry career path, examine how you want to practice and the work environment that best suits you. Some dentists practice alone or with a small staff in their own businesses. Others work in dental offices with partners, or as associate dentists for established practices. There are many different types of dentistry jobs to consider. Some positions are considered entry-level, while others will require additional schooling and credentials.
Common careers you have the opportunity to pursue with a BS in Biology: pre-dentistry emphasis may include more than the dental industry, such as:
If you’re interested in starting on the dentistry career path, this degree may be the first step toward your goal.
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent organization that provides a comprehensive review of various components of an institution. HLC accreditation ensures that the degree you are pursuing is high quality, with an approved curriculum. To learn more about GCU’s accreditation, visit our accreditation page.
The biology pre-dentistry courses at GCU teach rigorous curriculum that delves into fundamental biological concepts, laboratory techniques and research methodologies. You will be taught the intricate systems of life, from cellular processes to organismal behavior. To further prepare you to make positive contributions to the dental field, the coursework in this degree is separated into five different domains:
This program also covers topics and competencies that include:
