Physics: one year (8 semester hours), one-fourth in laboratory work
Chemistry: two years (16 semester hours), including one year of organic chemistry, one-fourth of which must be in laboratory work. Upper level course in biochemistry would be beneficial.
Biology: one year (8 semester hours), including some laboratory work. May be satisfied by a one-year course in general biology or zoology. Upper-level courses in gross anatomy, cell biology, or physiology would be beneficial.
Electives: a well-rounded background in the social sciences; philosophy; psychology; history; foreign languages; business and accounting; and mathematics.
Many colleges and universities around the country offer pre-professional programs for the health sciences. Students enrolled in these programs usually do well when admitted to a dental program.
Undergraduate students don't have to declare a pre-dental major. Students interested in dentistry may pursue a major in any area-from astronomy to music-and still be considered for admission to the College of Dentistry.
College courses in biology, chemistry, and physics are required for admission to the College of Dentistry, but the rest of your course work you may select yourself.
Although the minimum academic requirement for admission to the College of Dentistry is the completion of 90 semester hours of study at an accredited college, most students complete a bachelor's degree before entering dental school. This year, nearly 85 percent of the college's first-year students have a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts degree or higher.
Take your studies seriously. While you needn't be a straight A student, grades are important for admission. The mean college grade-point average for entering dental students at Iowa is above 3.60 (on a 4.00 scale).
The College of Dentistry pays attention to a student's academic record yet seeks well-rounded applicants who are interested in science and who can work well with people. The College also strives for cultural, economic, and educational diversity among its students. Students from all backgrounds will find an understanding and supportive environment at Iowa.
The University of Iowa's comprehensive Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree program prepares students to begin professional dental practice immediately after graduation.
During the first year of study, emphasis is placed on the basic sciences, the biological foundation of the dental profession. Dental technique courses also are part of the curriculum, and Iowa offers its students patient care experiences in preventive dentistry during the first year.
The second year builds on the basic science courses and involves experiences in more advanced patient procedures. During this time, students will be providing restorative and preventive dental care for patients in a clinic -- a key feature of the Iowa program. Iowa's third year is much different from that of other schools. It is a year of clinical rotations from one specialty to another in all dental specialties. These in-depth studies occur in concentrated five-week periods. At the end of the third year of study, students will have developed skills in every area of dentistry.
During the fourth year of the program, these skills are integrated in the Family Dentistry Clinics. Management skills are emphasized as students practice in a simulated office setting, providing comprehensive dental care to patients. There also are many programs available outside the college, including a mobile dental unit and hospital dentistry. Unique among these is the Special Care Clinic, where many elderly persons with complex problems as well as patients with disabilities receive treatment. In addition, international exchange opportunities are available in London, England; Nijmegan, the Netherlands; and Aarhus, Denmark.