YOUR PATH TO THE DENTAL CHAIR STARTS HERE
If you’re drawn to a career built on precision, patient care and helping people smile with confidence, dentistry is where that starts. Ripon’s pre-dental preparation pairs rigorous science coursework with the personal mentorship you need to stand out—and our affiliation with Midwestern University opens the door to guaranteed interviews.
WHAT DENTAL SCHOOLS ARE LOOKING FOR
Dentists focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of issues related to the teeth, gums, jaw and associated structures. Getting into dental school takes more than good grades—admissions committees want to see the whole picture.
Here’s what they’re evaluating:
- A strong undergraduate transcript and grade-point average
- Competitive Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores
- Letters of recommendation
- A confident interview
- At least three years of pre-professional education—though most entering students hold a full bachelor’s degree
Specific admission requirements vary from school to school, so it’s important to consult the prerequisite courses for any dental school you’re considering.
BUILD THE RIGHT FOUNDATION*
There’s no single required major for dental school, but there is a roadmap—and your advisor will help you follow it from day one.
Your core coursework:
- General Chemistry — 8-10 credits (CHM 112 Structures and Reactivity, CHM 211 Quantitative Analysis)
- Organic Chemistry — 8-10 credits (CHM 111 and CHM 214)
- Biochemistry — 4 credits (CHM 411)
- Biology — 8-10 credits, often including Genetics (BIO 219), Cell and Molecular Biology (BIO 266), Microbiology (BIO 312), and Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 211 and 312)
- Physics — 8-10 credits (PHY 131-152/172)
- Mathematics — at least college-level pre-calculus
- English — 6-12 credits, including CTL 110
- Psychology — 3-6 credits, at least General Psychology (PSC 110)
Plus additional electives to satisfy the requirements of your particular dental school.
*Specific admission requirements vary from school to school, and students should plan carefully to ensure their coursework and experience enhance their chances for admission. See the Health Professions section of the Ripon College Course Catalog for more information.
Ripon College set the foundation for the path into and through dental school. The standards set by the Ripon professors and their chosen curriculum attributed to my high DAT score (Dental Admissions Test, similar the MCAT) with nearly a perfect score in the Chemistry section. The eclectic mix of opportunities of the Bachelors of Arts degree and athletics (Music, Sociology ,Anthropology, Psychology, Varsity Football, intramural sports) has proved valuable in the entirety of being a health care provider. I fondly look back on every semester at Ripon College.
Greg Furds
Ripon College offered me an individualized and comprehensive education, combined with compassionate mentorship from professors. I genuinely believe I would not be where I am today, had I chosen a different school.
Ross Oberschlake DDS
As a dentist building an interpersonal relationship with my patients is key to being able to deliver successful dental treatments and services. During my time at Ripon my education extended beyond textbooks and tests. I was able to develop my interpersonal and communication skills which has been immensely more valuable to my career development than facts and figures.
Dr. Max Mindiola
A RESERVED SEAT AT DENTAL SCHOOL
Imagine knowing you have a guaranteed interview at dental school before you’ve even finished your bachelor’s degree. That’s the power of Ripon’s affiliation with Midwestern University.
Students who meet the requirements receive guaranteed interviews at:
- The College of Dental Medicine – Arizona (CDMA)
- The College of Dental Medicine – Illinois (CDMI)
Your Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) will help you map the specific coursework and requirements—so nothing catches you off guard.
Ask your HPAC advisor how to make the most of it.