Exploring Pre-Dental Programs: A Guide for Future Dentists

Getting into dental school starts long before you submit your application—and choosing from schools with pre dental programs can set the tone for everything that follows. These programs help you build a solid foundation in science, sharpen your communication skills, and begin gaining the experience dental schools want to see.

Whether you’re a traditional undergrad, a transfer student, or someone returning to school with big goals, it’s important to be strategic. From completing the right prerequisites to understanding the admissions timeline and getting hands-on exposure, a strong pre-dental pathway can make all the difference. Let’s explore what to look for in a pre-dental program, especially if you need flexibility without sacrificing academic quality.

Pre-Dental Pathways: The First Step Toward Dental School

What Is a Pre-Dental Program?

A pre-dental program is a focused academic pathway that prepares undergraduate students for dental school. It’s not a standalone degree but rather a recommended set of courses and experiences designed to meet dental school admissions requirements. Students can major in biology, chemistry, health sciences, or even a non-science subject, as long as they complete the right prerequisites.

These programs are about more than checking boxes. A good pre-dental track develops your understanding of oral health, patient care, and the broader healthcare system—all while helping you stay competitive in the dental school admissions process.

What’s Typically Included?

• Core Science Courses: General biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology
• Math and English: Usually required by most dental schools
• Helpful Electives: Psychology, public health, ethics, and communication
• Experiential Prep: Many schools recommend or require shadowing, volunteering, or research

For an overview of specific dental school requirements, check out the ADEA’s official guidance on prerequisites. This will help you plan your coursework with intention and stay on track for a strong application.

What Makes a Pre-Dental Program Worth Your Time?

If you’re just beginning your journey toward dentistry, choosing the right pre-dental program can feel overwhelming. Focus on these four key areas to find a program that helps you grow, stay on track, and succeed in the long term.

1. Rigorous Science Foundation

At minimum, your program should cover the core science prerequisites required by most dental schools. These typically include:

• General biology

• General and organic chemistry

• Physics

• Anatomy and physiology

These courses are the foundation for your Dental Admission Test (DAT) and for the academic demands of dental school itself.

2. Flexibility and Accessibility

Whether you’re a transfer student, a parent, or working while in school, look for programs that offer part-time schedules, evening classes, or hybrid/online learning formats. Just make sure online courses—especially labs—are accepted by the dental schools you’re targeting.

3. Academic Support and Advising

Programs that offer dedicated pre-health advisors or DAT prep resources give you a clear advantage. Advisors can help you plan your course load, recommend extracurriculars, and guide you through the dental school application process, including the AADSAS system.

4. Linkages or Accelerated Pathways

Some programs offer linkages to graduate health programs or allow you to earn credit toward a master’s degree while finishing your undergraduate work. These options can reduce the time and cost it takes to move from pre-dental to dental school or another advanced healthcare role.

Step-by-Step: Your Journey from Undergrad to Dental School

If you’re exploring schools with pre dental programs, it’s important to understand how the path unfolds from day one through dental school admission. Here’s what that journey generally looks like—so you can plan wisely from the start.

Your Pre-Dental Roadmap

A successful path to dental school starts with a clear plan. While every student’s timeline will look a little different, most will follow these key steps:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree that includes science prerequisites like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Some dental schools also recommend anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Refer to the ADEA prerequisites guide for details.

• Get experience in dental settings. Aim to shadow a dentist and log meaningful volunteer hours. This not only strengthens your application but helps confirm that dentistry is the right path for you.

• Take the DAT (Dental Admission Test). Ideally, take the DAT a year before you plan to start dental school. This test covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension.

• Apply through AADSAS, the centralized application service for dental schools. You’ll submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A strong GPA, relevant experience, and thoughtful writing make a big impact. 

Pre-dental is a long-term commitment, but with smart planning and the right support, it’s completely doable. Start early, stay organized, and lean into opportunities that challenge you—you’ll be ready when it’s time to apply.

Is Online or Hybrid Pre-Dental Study Right for You?

Today’s schools with pre dental programs aren’t limited to traditional classrooms. If you’re balancing work, family, or returning to school later in life, online or hybrid formats might offer the flexibility you need—without compromising academic standards.

Who Benefits Most from Hybrid or Online Pre-Dental Options?

These formats are especially helpful if you’re:

• A career changer with a prior degree
• A working professional needing flexibility
• A transfer or returning student finishing pre-reqs

Look for accredited schools that offer courses aligned with dental school standards, including general and organic chemistry, biology, and physics. Some may include virtual or hybrid lab options, which can help you meet lab requirements without relocating or upending your schedule.

What to Prioritize in Online or Hybrid Programs

Online learning works best when paired with structured support and quality content. Make sure the program:

• Is regionally accredited

• Offers dental school prerequisite courses

• Provides guidance on the DAT and application process

• Includes opportunities for hands-on experience (via local labs, internships, or hybrid intensives)

Some schools also offer direct advising or linkage programs to graduate health degrees—valuable if you’re considering applying to dental or related programs after graduation.

Flexibility is important, but so is preparation. If your program checks all the boxes and supports your goals, online and hybrid pre-dental study can be a strategic, effective way to reach the next level.

Flexible, Focused, and Pre-Dental Ready: SCU’s Undergraduate and Master’s Options

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has built its reputation on preparing students for meaningful, future-focused healthcare careers. Our approach is flexible, academically rigorous, and designed with the realities of modern students in mind. If you’re aiming for dental school, we offer multiple entry points—and supportive, strategic pathways to help you get there. As one of the most adaptable schools with pre dental programs, we understand how to meet students where they are and help them reach the next level.

Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: A Smarter Way to Finish Strong

If you’ve got 60 or more qualifying college credits, our BSHS program lets you finish your bachelor’s degree online—on your terms. With full-time, part-time, or ¾-time pacing options, you can shape your schedule to fit your life. Each class lasts just 7.5 weeks, and you only take two at a time, making it easier to focus and actually enjoy what you’re learning.

We’ve designed this program with aspiring healthcare professionals in mind, including future dentists. Our advising team works with you to create a track that aligns with dental school admissions requirements, and you’ll have access to accelerated pathways into our advanced degree programs.

Program Highlights:

• • Online and asynchronous: Study when and where it works for you
  • Choose your pace: Full-time, part-time, or ¾-time options
  • Tailored advising: Pre-dental students get customized support

• 7.5-week terms with just 2 courses at a time

We know life isn’t always linear. That’s why we built the BSHS program to adapt with you. You can switch between pacing options if your circumstances change, and you’ll never be left guessing about next steps. Our faculty and advisors are here to help you keep momentum, even when things get complicated.

Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS): A Powerful Launchpad

Some students are looking to sharpen their academic edge, strengthen a GPA, or get comfortable with the pace and pressure of graduate-level coursework before applying to dental school. That’s exactly what our MSMS program is built to support.

With a curriculum modeled on the first year of medical school, the MSMS challenges students to rise to the occasion—and gives them the tools to get there. You’ll take advanced science courses, complete USMLE-style exams, and track your readiness for graduate entrance exams with a personalized learning dashboard.

You can complete the program in either 11 or 20 months, with online and blended options to match your schedule.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum mirrors the first year of medical school

• • USMLE-style exams and structured test prep support
  • Personalized dashboards to track progress and exam readiness

• Designed to strengthen dental, medical, PA, veterinary, and health professions applications

• • Offered in fully online or blended formats

• Choose between accelerated (11-month) or extended (20-month) pathways

If you’re just starting your research, we know it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built programs that make the journey more doable, more personal, and more aligned with real life. Whether you want to finish your degree, strengthen your application, or both—we’re here to help you take the next step.

Explore all our programs here.

Take the First Step Toward Dental School with SCU

Southern California University of Health Sciences offers flexible, supportive options for students exploring schools with pre dental programs—from online learning formats to tailored academic advising, we’ve made it easier to move forward with purpose.

If you’re serious about dentistry, we’re here to help you take that first confident step. Our programs are structured to meet you where you are, and we’re ready to support your next move. Check out our admission requirements and apply today.

FAQs

What are some good schools with pre dental programs if I already have college credits?

If you’ve already completed about 60 credits, consider degree completion programs that let you transfer them in and finish online—while still aligning with dental school requirements.

Can I still get into dental school if my GPA isn’t competitive?

Yes. Post-bacc programs or master’s degrees like a Medical Science program can show admissions committees your academic growth and ability to handle graduate-level coursework.

How long does it usually take to complete a pre-dental track?

It depends on your starting point, but most students complete a bachelor’s in 24 years. Post-bacc or bridge programs may take an additional 12 years.

Is it better to choose a pre-dental program that’s online or in-person?

That depends on your schedule and learning preferences. Online programs offer flexibility, while in-person programs may provide more face-to-face lab or clinical time.

Can I apply to SCU’s programs if I’m still deciding between dental and other health careers?

Definitely. Both our BSHS and MSMS programs are built with flexible outcomes in mind—dentistry, PA, medical school, and more.