Dentistry

Dentistry Advisor: Robert Schmitt

The first two years of a Pre-Dentistry transfer program may be completed at Tacoma Community College. Upon successful completion of courses chosen in consultation with the dentistry advisor and the transfer university, students may be able to transfer to most universities to complete their bachelor's degree prior to applying to dental school.

Degree: Associate in Arts and Sciences (Option B)

Preparation: While in high school, students should pursue all the available courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.

Students should gain exposure to the dental profession through experience in a dental setting (dentist’s office, clinic, etc.) and exploration of the dental literature.

Program Planning: Students should meet with a dentistry advisor as soon as they are admitted to Tacoma Community College. Many courses have prerequisites, are offered only once or twice a year, and are sequential. Careful selection of classes each quarter is necessary to complete the program without delay.

Although it is not required, most students accepted to dental school have completed a bachelor's degree. Dental schools do not give preference to any particular majors; therefore, it is not necessary to major in a science area. Rather, the major should be chosen to provide a career in the event the student is not accepted to dental school. Students considering a science major may wish to pursue an Associate of Science degree while at Tacoma Community College.

Although the dentistry advisors make every effort to consult with various colleges and universities regarding requirements, students should consult catalogs, websites and the transfer advisor and the Pre-Dentistry advisor of their chosen four-year institution during their freshman year. Some institutions have additional admissions requirements, such as foreign language courses.

The Pre-Dentistry program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College dentistry advisor to meet the specific requirements of the dental school and the transfer university. Transfer agreements may not apply to Option B degrees. Each course will be evaluated for transferability. Vocational courses may not transfer.

• Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
• Physics 121, 122, and 123 may replace Physics 114, 115, and 116.
• The courses listed here may exceed the requirements of some dental schools.

University of Washington School of Dentistry

For more information about the Dentistry program at TCC, please contact a Dentistry advisor: Robert Schmitt.