Pre-Dental Program at Wesleyan

Advisor: Dr. Holly Boettger-Tong
hboettger-tong@wesleyancollege.edu

Ready to help people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles? At Wesleyan, we'll prepare you for dental school while you pursue any major that interests you. Our pre-dental concentration ensures you complete all required coursework and gain the hands-on experience that makes you a competitive applicant.

What Do Dentists Do?

Dentists are devoted to maintaining oral health and overall patient wellness. They work with people of all ages, using advanced technologies like radiography and computer-generated imaging to diagnose and treat conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists restore and replace teeth damaged by decay, trauma, or disease, helping patients improve chewing, speech, digestion, sleep patterns, and physical appearance.

Dental Specialties

After dental school, you can pursue additional training in specialized areas:

Endodontics: Root canals and nerve treatment
Oral Surgery: Surgical procedures of the mouth
Orthodontics: Braces and alignment
Prosthodontics: Crowns, bridges, dentures
Public Health Dentistry: Community oral health
Pediatric Dentistry: Children's dental care

Academic Requirements

🎯 Competitive Standards

• Overall GPA: 3.7-4.0 (aim for A- or better)
• Science GPA: 3.7+ with minimal grades below B+
• DAT Scores: 19-20 average; 21+ for top schools

Required Coursework

• General Biology (8 hours)
• General Chemistry (8 hours)
• Organic Chemistry (8 hours)
• Physics (8 hours)
• English (6 hours)
• Mathematics (3-6 hours)

Strongly Recommended

• Biochemistry
• Comparative Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Art classes (Sculpture, Ceramics)

📊 DAT (Dental Admission Test) Information
Recent entering class averages: 20.5-20.8
Competitive range: 19-20 for most schools, 21+ for top programs
Timing: Take in spring of your junior year after completing prerequisites

Your Four-Year Journey

Year 1: Build Your Foundation
Meet with Dr. Boettger-Tong, begin prerequisites, explore dental field through shadowing
Year 2: Dive Deeper
Continue prerequisites, begin internship inquiries, research dental schools
Year 3: Prepare for Applications
Complete dental internships, take DAT prep course, take DAT exam, prepare applications
Year 4: Apply and Interview
Submit applications early, complete interviews, maintain strong grades

What Dental Schools Look For

Most Important Factors (in order):

1. Academic Performance - Science GPA and overall GPA
2. DAT Scores - Competitive standardized test performance
3. Dental Experience - Hands-on experience in multiple dental specialties
4. Personal Interview - Communication skills and professionalism
5. Letters of Recommendation - From dental professionals and faculty
6. Personal Essay - Compelling statement about your motivation
7. Extracurricular Activities - Leadership and community involvement

Essential Clinical Experience

Required: You must gain work or volunteer experience in dental settings, preferably in multiple specialties. Local opportunities include private dental practices, dental clinics, dental hygiene programs, and dental labs.

Ready to Get Started?

Remember: You can major in any field while completing your pre-dental requirements. We'll help you create a plan that combines your interests with professional preparation. Consider taking art classes to develop fine motor skills - sculpture and ceramics are especially beneficial!

Download the Complete Pre-Professional Guide for more information