Pre-Dentistry
Prepare for dental school with a strong science foundation
The Pre-Dentistry program at Kentucky Wesleyan College provides rigorous preparation in biology, chemistry, and health sciences. With faculty mentorship, lab experience, and advising tailored for professional school, students are ready for admission to dental school and careers in oral healthcare.
Pre-Dentistry Program Features
At Kentucky Wesleyan, the Pre-Dentistry track gives students the coursework, guidance, and experiences needed to excel in dental school applications. Students study biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and anatomy while strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking. Small classes allow close faculty mentorship, and pre-professional advisors help plan a personalized path toward dental school admission. Engaged learning includes advanced labs, research opportunities, and service projects that emphasize communication and ethical responsibility. Students also gain valuable professional experience by shadowing dentists, participating in internships, and joining healthcare-related organizations. With this preparation, graduates leave KWC with the confidence and academic foundation to succeed in dental school and pursue impactful careers in oral health.
Career Paths
Dentist (with Dental School) – Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform procedures such as fillings and crowns, and promote preventive care. They often run private practices or work in group clinics.
Orthodontist (with Specialization) – Orthodontists specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other devices. This role requires additional years of training beyond dental school.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (with Specialization) – These surgeons perform complex procedures including extractions, reconstructive surgery, and treatment of facial trauma. They complete extensive surgical residencies after dental school.
Pediatric Dentist (with Specialization) – Pediatric dentists care for children’s oral health, from infancy through adolescence. They provide preventive care, education, and treatment designed for young patients.
Public Health Dentist – Public health dentists design and implement community-based dental programs, often focusing on underserved populations. They work in government or nonprofit settings to improve access to care.
Dental Researcher – Dental researchers investigate new treatments, materials, and technologies to advance oral healthcare. They often work in universities, research institutions, or corporate labs.
Pre-Dentistry Program Requirements
Pre-Dentistry is a pre-professional track that integrates with a major such as Biology or Chemistry. Students complete core science courses required for dental school, including General Biology I & II, General and Organic Chemistry, Physics I & II, and Biochemistry. Additional courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology are recommended to strengthen applications. Laboratory components ensure technical skills in experimental design and data analysis. A pre-professional advisor works with students to plan coursework, secure internships or shadowing experiences, and prepare for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This rigorous preparation ensures graduates are competitive candidates for dental school and advanced training in oral health professions.