Pre-Dentistry Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Pre-Dentistry Studies is an academic pathway designed to equip students with the foundational scientific and analytical knowledge essential for success in dental school. This program emphasizes rigorous coursework in the natural sciences, critical thinking, and research methodologies, ensuring students meet the academic prerequisites and competitive standards required for professional dental programs.
- General Chemistry: Explores atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics—core principles essential for understanding biological processes and dental materials.
- Organic Chemistry: Focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds, providing insight into biochemical pathways relevant to oral health and pharmacology.
- Biology: Covers cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and organismal systems, establishing a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
- Physics: Introduces principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, supporting the comprehension of dental equipment and diagnostic technologies.
- Mathematics and Statistics: Develops quantitative reasoning and data analysis skills critical for interpreting clinical research and making evidence-based decisions.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Provides an in-depth study of body systems, with special emphasis on the head, neck, and oral cavity, forming the basis for dental diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Behavioral and Social Sciences: Examines human behavior, cultural influences on health, and ethical decision-making, preparing students for patient-centered care in diverse clinical settings.
Pre-Dentistry Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pre-Dentistry Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pre-Dentistry Studies degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Pre-Dentistry Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 19 institutions offering Pre-Dentistry Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pre-Dentistry Studies is found at MCPHS University (MCPHS) (12 graduates), University of Dayton (UD) (8 graduates), Ball State University (BSU) (5 graduates), Snow College (5 graduates), and Holmes Community College (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MCPHS University (MCPHS) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
12 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | mcphs.edu |
University of Dayton (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
Snow College |
Associate's
|
5 | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
Holmes Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | Goodman, Mississippi | Public | holmescc.edu |
Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
Creighton University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Omaha, Nebraska | Private | creighton.edu |
University of California (UCSF) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | San Francisco, California | Public | ucsf.edu |
Northeast Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
Concordia University (CUC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | River Forest, Illinois | Private | cuchicago.edu |
Barton County Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | Great Bend, Kansas | Public | bartonccc.edu |
University of Holy Cross (UHC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | uhcno.edu |
University of New England (UNE) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
Cornerstone University (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | cornerstone.edu |
University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Scottsbluff, Nebraska | Public | wncc.edu |
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Private | ncwc.edu |
Seton Hill University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | setonhill.edu |
Casper College |
Associate's
|
1 | Casper, Wyoming | Public | caspercollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pre-Dentistry Studies programs
Which universities have the largest Pre-Dentistry Studies programs?
Currently 19 accredited institutions offer Pre-Dentistry Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include MCPHS University (MCPHS) (12 graduates), University of Dayton (UD) (8 graduates), and Ball State University (BSU) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Pre-Dentistry Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 78 in 2010 to a peak of 89 in 2020, before declining slightly to 53 in 2023-24. This represents a 32% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
Related Health Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Therapeutic Recreation
A program that prepares individuals to plan, organize, and direct recreational activities designed to promote health and well-being for patients who are physically,...
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
A program that prepares individuals to counsel and assist disabled individuals and recovering patients in order to achieve their greatest physical, mental, social,...
Kinesiotherapy
A program that prepares individuals, under the direction of physicians, to treat the effects of disease, injury, and congenital disorders through therapeutic exercise...
Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of psychology, engineering, and occupational therapy to the design and implementation of technological interventions...
Animal-Assisted Therapy
A program that prepares health and human service professionals to integrate the use of animals into their treatment practices in order to facilitate...
Rehabilitation Science
A program that focuses on human function, disability, and rehabilitation from the perspectives of the health sciences, social sciences, psychology, engineering, and related...