Pre-Dental (BS)

Start your career in dentistry—and a lifetime of helping others—through our Pre-Dental program

Available as
Major
Degrees/Options
Bachelor of Science
Length
4 years
Locations
Fort Wayne

Why Become a Dentist?

A career in dentistry is fulfilling, financially rewarding and full of opportunity. And this helping profession is also experiencing significant growth. U.S. News & World Report ranked dentist the #1 best healthcare job in the country — and it earned the #2 spot on the 100 Best Jobs in America list for 2020.

The path to earning a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) or doctor of dental surgery (DDS) takes careful planning, and it starts with a solid foundation in science and math.

#10

Best paying job in the United States

U.S News & World Report, 2020

$159,530

National median salary for dentists

BLS.gov

#1

Best healthcare job

U.S News & World Report, 2020

Why Saint Francis for Your Pre-Dental Program?

At the University of Saint Francis, we ensure you know exactly what to study before dentistry school.

Designed around the skills, knowledge and professional competencies needed to earn your DMD or DDS, our pre-dental program offers a strong background in biology, chemistry, math and physics. And, with an educational mission rooted in the liberal arts and Franciscan values, Saint Francis also prepares you to become an ethical, compassionate healthcare leader.

Inside Look: Meet Biology Students & Professors

Hands-On Learning: Internships and Community Service

When you become a dentist, you’ll be working closely — literally — with your patients. Your Saint Francis education will prepare you for this hands-on, patient-focused career, with opportunities like:

  • Exploring anatomy and physiology in our Human Cadaver Lab, an experience most students don’t get at the undergraduate level
  • Shadowing local dentists, dental surgeons and other dental professionals
  • Interning in professional dentistry settings
  • Traveling the U.S. and abroad through field studies and medical missions
  • Conducting independent, faculty-mentored research
  • Joining student groups such as the Chemistry Club and Pre-Professional Healthcare Honor Society
  • Attending weekly science seminars with local professionals

Service-Learning with a Smile

Our pre-dental program students put Franciscan values into action as they volunteer with veterans and low-income residents through our partnership with Matthew 25 Dental Clinic in Fort Wayne.

Expert Instruction and Advising

With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio at Saint Francis, you’ll get personalized attention in the classroom from caring professors. Our faculty and lab staff members are active research scientists, healthcare practitioners, clinicians, technicians, and administrators who bring up-to-date skills, knowledge, and patient experiences to the classroom.

You will also receive one-on-one dental/medical school advising to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and develop your admissions application materials. Your advisor will make sure your schedule aligns with what to study before dentistry school and help keep your academics on track along the way.

Dental and Medical School Acceptance

After completing the biology/pre-dentistry program, Saint Francis graduates pursue their doctor of dental medicine and other professional health programs, as well as master’s and Ph.D. programs in related areas at schools such as:

  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indiana (DDS)
  • University of Colorado Denver (MS in orthodontics/orthodontology)

Learn more about what makes life at Saint Francis so special.