Pre-Dentistry

Click on the categories below to learn more about the pre-dentistry track at UCCS, testing requirements, and experiential learning opportunities in the industry.

Upon starting your undergraduate education, one of the first decisions you are faced with is choosing a major. Medical school programs do not require applicants to complete a specific undergraduate major, as long as they have completed the required prerequisite coursework. It is important to choose a major that you both enjoy and can excel in academically.

In addition to selecting a major of your choice, you have the option to select the UCCS Pre-Dentistry Track: Click Here to access the Program Catalog for the Pre-Dentistry Track Information

IMPORTANT: UCCS does not have a dental medicine program. Pre-Dentistry Track is not a major or a minor, but a listing of prerequisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission to the CU School of Dental Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Application Information for the CU School of Dental Medicine, including contact information, application materials, deadlines, and testing, can be found at: https://dental.cuanschutz.edu/

Other programs may have different requirements. Students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan to apply. 

Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree.

 

Pre-dental preparation benefits from a clear, structured approach that balances academics, experiential learning, and application planning. Students should prioritize building a strong academic foundation while gaining early exposure to clinical settings and DAT preparation.

While each student’s journey to dental school is unique, it is often helpful to create a personalized timeline to plan how these activities can be incorporated throughout the pre-dental years. The ADEA provides the following resource to help guide students in their planning: Example Timeline for all 4 years as a pre-dental student

In addition, when preparing to apply, applicants must organize transcripts, secure letters of recommendation, craft a compelling personal statement, and submit their centralized application.

Application Process

The ADEA AADSAS® (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) is the centralized application system used by most U.S. and Canadian dental schools, allowing applicants to complete a single application for multiple programs. Texas residents applying to Texas dental schools, however, need to apply through the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).

For more information about AADSAS and timelines for application submissions, visit: 

 

The Dental Admission Test

  • Dental schools in the United States and Canada generally require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) as part of the admissions process. Each school uses its own criteria to determine how DAT results are weighed in admission decisions.

  • Most students take the DAT after completing core science prerequisites, typically before or during the application cycle, and early preparation is strongly recommended.

  • The DAT assesses academic readiness and skills essential for dentistry through four sections: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Scores are considered alongside GPA, prerequisite coursework, and experiential factors such as shadowing, clinical experience, and community service when evaluating applicants.

  • Before you can schedule your test, you must receive eligibility confirmation from the Department of Testing Services Apply for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) | American Dental Association. The exam is computer-based and offered year-round at Prometric Test Centers. After receiving an eligibility letter confirming acceptance of your test application, you must contact Prometric to schedule an appointment. It is recommended to schedule the test 60-90 days in advance of the day you would like to test. C

For additional resources, visit: 

 

Shadowing

Gaining direct observation experience by shadowing a licensed dentist across a variety of clinical settings and specialties is strongly recommended. According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), shadowing helps applicants gain a realistic understanding of the dental profession and demonstrate commitment to the field. The number of required or recommended shadowing hours varies by dental school, so applicants are encouraged to consult individual program websites to ensure they meet each program’s expectations.

For more information, visit: Shadowing | ADEA

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience involves active participation in dental or healthcare services, giving students practical insight into patient care, professional conduct, and office operations. It allows students to gain experience and exposure to the profession and can demonstrate initiative and responsibility. Similar to shadowing, the number of required or recommended clinical hours varies by dental school, so applicants are encouraged to research individual programs to ensure they meet each program’s expectations.

For additional information about how shadowing and clinical experiences are viewed on dental school applications, visit: Experiences - Liaison


Additional Resources

UCCS Student Clubs and Organizations