An education in neuroscience can provide students with an excellent background for a career as a dentist. Sample 4-year plans for pre-health neuroscience majors can be found on our Curriculum page. Professional programs have a number of pre-requisites which can be found on OSU's Pre-Professional Programs page. Note that several courses in the neuroscience major overlap with pre-health requirements including general genetics and biochemistry.
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Additionally, performing neuroscience research can count toward your major but also looks great on an application to professional school! Students in the Neuroscience Program are currently conducting research in departments such as neurology, neuro-oncology, psychiatry, neurosurgery, opthamology, dentistry, biomedical engineering, etc.
- Anatomy 2300 or Anatomy 3300
- Biochemistry 4511
- Biology 1113, 1114
- Chemistry 1210, 1220*
- Chemistry, Organic 2510, 2520*
- English 1110, 2367
- Microbiology 4000
- Physics 1200*
- Physiology 3200 (or 3101 and 3102 if taken before AU14)
*Labs are required unless the lab course is taught separately
Advanced coursework, such as in anatomy and biochemistry, is recommended. See the School of Dentistry's web page for suggestions.
There are many things that you can do besides academics that will make you an excellent candidate for professional school in a healthcare field:
- Quality volunteer experience is crucial! Professional programs want to see that you are well-prepared for your intended career. These experiences should demonstrate:
- An ability to work with a variety of people
- Leadership
- Philanthropy
- Commitment
- Extensive exposure to your intended career (i.e. you know what you are getting into!)
- Clinician shadowing
- Extracurricular activities
- Personal letters of recommendation from faculty and/or professionals who know you well and can vouch for your strength of character and academic potential. Get to know potential letter writers early by standing out in class, attending office hours, and communicating regularly.
- Strong essays that demonstrate your individuality and indicate a passion for the profession.
- Research experience is helpful, but volunteer experience is more important (unless you intend to pursue a DDS/PhD in which case research is a must!)
What does my GPA need to be?
It depends on the program; their website should have admissions statistics. That being said, anything less than a 3.0, particularly in pre-requisite classes, will make it difficult to find a school that will seriously consider your application.
What do my test scores need to be?
It depends on the program; their website should have admissions statistics.
What classes count toward my science GPA?
Some programs ask for you to calculate your science GPA. Of course, general science courses like chemistry, physics, and biology are included in this as are most of your neuroscience classes. However, be sure to contact individual programs to confirm eligibility.
When should I take the DAT?
The DAT should be taken at least one year before going to dental school. Most students take it sometime in their junior year, or in the summer between their junior and senior year at the latest. You should be prepared to take the DAT after all science prerequisites have been completed (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry).
What’s the difference between a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)?
There is no difference; they are the same degree with the same education and requirements. The majority of dental schools grant a DDS degree, but some schools just call it a DMD degree.
How do I shadow a clinician? Is there some kind of program for which I can register?
Unfortunately, OSU does not have any set program for clinician shadowing. It is up to you to find a willing clinician. You can do so by contacting your own dentist or a local clinic. It may be easier to find someone if you are already a volunteer at their place of work.
What do you mean by 'quality' volunteer experience?
Quality volunteer experience puts you into direct, personal contact with a variety of people. Not all of your volunteer experience needs to be strictly medical- for example, working at a homeless shelter where you interact daily with disadvantaged individuals would be far more valuable of an experience than directing visitors to different hospital departments.
What kinds of extracurricular activities are best?
Anything that you are passionate about! Professional schools are interested in recruiting a diverse group of people with a variety of interests. OSU Medical School actually advertises the unique interests of their students- for example, their entering class of 2014 included a murder mystery play actress, Starbuck's barista, opera singer, and medieval combat re-enactor!
I'm not sure if neuroscience is the right major for me. Would it look bad if I majored in [any major]?
No. Professional schools generally do not care what your undergraduate major is. OSU Medical School's entering class of 2014 included students majoring in neuroscience, finance, theology, and history.
Which specialization is best for pre-dentistry?
It doesn't matter which specialization you choose- just pick the one that you like the best and that will inspire you to do well.
I have AP/EM credit for a dental school prerequisite. Is that ok?
Some schools prefer that their pre-requisite courses be completed at a 4-year institution; others put limits on how many AP/EM courses can be used for such coursework; some allow supplementation (taking higher-level coursework) of the credit; and finally, some schools do not have any issues with using such credit for their pre-requisite coursework. We suggest you contact the admissions offices of the schools you want to attend to ask about their pre-requisite policies and if you would be considered a competitive applicant using such coursework. Of course, credit for GE's like history and psychology tends to be accepted by most medical schools.
Would it look bad if I took time off?
Absolutely not! Many professional schools look favorably on older applicants because they are generally more mature and have more extensive life and work experience. If you choose to take time off, however, make sure that you are still doing things to enhance your application (volunteering, etc.).
I don't think I want to pursue a career in healthcare anymore. What else can I do?
Majoring in neuroscience provides you with broad scientific literacy that will prepare you for a variety of careers. Visit our Careers page for a list of other options.