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Pre-Dental

鶹ý’ pre-dentistry program will help you lay the foundation for more focused study in the field of dentistry and other scientific disciplines.

chemistry professor standing with students inside a lab
chemistry professor standing with students inside a lab

Types

Pre-Professional

Location

On-Campus

Credits

53*

Cost

$9,875

Having a clean, healthy smile can change someone’s life.

One of the most important steppingstones on your path to a future dental or natural science career is having the right undergraduate preparation. Dental schools are actively looking for candidates with well-rounded backgrounds in science and mathematics, as well as other academic areas like English, humanities, and social sciences. This is where Cumberland’s pre-dentistry program shines.  

In addition to experiencing a robust curriculum in general studies, as a student majoring in pre-dentistry at Cumberlands, you’ll begin learning dental theory and practice. Whether you’re pursuing a career in general dentistry or a specialty in oral surgery, you’ll be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this diverse and rewarding field. Pre-dentistry graduates are valued in many different jobs, meaning you’ll have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings such as dental clinics, physicians' offices, and outpatient care centers. The possibilities you’ll find in the field of oral healthcare are endless! 

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By the Numbers

1 in 5

Students Make the Dean’s List
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.  

General Education Requirements

You need a pre-dental program that is uniquely designed to help you find success through focused studies in biology and chemistry. Good news: 鶹ý has just what you’re looking for. Advisors in our pre-dental program will help you plan the course of study that best fits your personal interests and career goals. Plus, they understand the entrance procedures and requirements of various post-baccalaureate programs – like dental school.

If you’re considering a career in the dental industry, explore the pre-dental courses, extracurricular experiences, and work-study opportunities you’ll need to succeed, all right here at Cumberlands. 

Officially a "Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional Health Emphasis" at Cumberlands, this program prepares you for admission into the dental school of your choice by offering a depth of understanding of the biological sciences, as well as experience in chemistry and math.

Course Requirements

Students interested in applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school are strongly encouraged to complete these courses. It is important to review the admissions requirements requirements for each program to which you will apply because the prerequisites for admission may be slightly different among professional schools.

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This option is recommended for students entering a “blended” area such as pre-professional medically related areas (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapist, etc.), chemistry/business, and chemistry/biology.

, , , and  are prerequisites for some upper-level chemistry courses.

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A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

  • FREN 131        Elementary French I
  • FREN 132        Elementary French II
  • FREN 231        Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232        Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The mission of the pre-dentistry program at 鶹ý is to provide the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for dental school and help you succeed in various fields of service in oral care and related sciences.

Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Effectively use informational resources, perform research, and interpret data.
Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Begin learning the basics of oral care – including the emotional care of patients.
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Pre-Dentistry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentist: $163,220

Dentist: $163,220

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Dental Hygienist: $77,810

Dental Hygienist: $77,810

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. 

Medical Assistant: $37,190

Medical Assistant: $37,190

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities. 

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A pre-dental degree develops students in areas preferred by dental schools, including the natural sciences, social studies and humanities. Earning a bachelor's degree with emphasis in pre-dentistry will lay the groundwork for more focused study in the dental or science field of your choosing. 

The field of oral healthcare is diverse and rewarding. Whether you hope to pursue a role in general dentistry or a specialty in oral surgery, this career sector is expected to add 11,100 new jobs by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those pursuing dental studies have the flexibility to target multiple degree options and, ultimately, work in a variety of settings, including dental clinics, physicians' offices and outpatient care centers. 

The short answer is yes, majoring in pre-dentistry is absolutely worth it! A few benefits of pursuing your pre-dentistry degree here at UC are career preparation, flexible career opportunities, and personalized advising. In addition, this degree program will teach you highly valued skills like critical thinking and reasoning, empathy for patients, time management skills, and the ability to communicate well orally and on paper. 

Courses for your pre-dentistry emphasis will be based on whether you choose to officially major in biology or chemistry. Along with your chosen science and required mathematics courses, you will also do basic coursework in areas such as English, humanities and social sciences, and world cultures – all areas dental schools prefer for their students to be familiar with. 

We’re proud to say: Yes! Taking part in our pre-dental degree program will position you more competitively than other major degree programs when it comes to applying to dental school (or other graduate school programs). Ultimately, our goal is to prepare you to pursue a wide range of rewarding career paths, even if you change your mind from dentistry in the future. What matters most is your success, no matter your career choice. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Pre-Dentistry

Learn more about the pre-dentistry professors you will interact with.

Kara Stanley

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Ms. Kara Stanley

Contact Information

kara.stanley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

606-539-4318
jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Leif Deyrup

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor
Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Contact Information

606-539-4309
leif.deyrup [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B116
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