Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Admissions Pathway
Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. A dentist is a doctor, scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.
Schreiner University does not offer DMD or DDS degrees. However, students can complete their prerequisite coursework for dental school through the completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (Pre-Dental Track) or Chemistry (Pre-Dental Track) from Schreiner University. Other degrees are possible as long as the dental school prerequisites are met. Students are encouraged to research the specific requirements of dental schools of interest by visiting their websites for information on admission requirements.
| Texas Dental School Coursework Requirements |
| Biology (14 hours) |
BIOL 1301, BIOL 1302, BIOL 2305, BIOL 2105, BIOL 3352, BIOL 3152 |
| General Chemistry (8 hours) |
CHEM 1301, CHEM 1101, CHEM 1302, CHEM 1102 |
| Organic Chemistry (8 hours) |
CHEM 2311, CHEM 2111, CHEM 2312, CHEM 2112 |
| Biochemistry (4 hours) |
CHEM 3305, CHEM 3105 |
| Physics (8 hours) |
PHYS 1301, PHYS 1101, PHYS 1302, PHYS 1102 |
| English (6 hours) |
ENG 1301, ENG 1302 |
| Statistics (3 hours) |
MATH 2330 |
| Anatomy & Physiology (8 hours) |
BIOL 2301, BIOL 2101, BIOL 2302, BIOL 2102 |
| Microbiology (4 hours) |
BIOL 3314, BIOL 3114 (OR BIOL 2314, BIOL 2114) |
| Psychology (3 hours) |
PSYC 1301 |
| Communication (3 hours) |
COMM 2301 |
Pre-dental students should maintain a comprehensive log of their healthcare experiences and volunteering opportunities throughout their undergraduate studies. This documentation will be invaluable when applying to dental school, as it showcases commitment to the field, hands-on experience, and dedication to serving others.
Pre-dental students traditionally take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) in the spring or summer of their junior year. Students should time their DAT exam carefully, ensuring they have completed key coursework and prepared thoroughly. Taking the DAT too early can result in poor scores due to inadequate preparation, while taking it too late may delay applications, reducing admission chances.
Applications for dental school are usually submitted in the summer between junior and senior year, around June, through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) and the American Dental Education Association’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS). Dental schools may require supplemental applications for their specific program.
Application Success Tools
Schreiner offers a dedicated Health Professions Coordinator who provides support for pre-health professions students throughout the application process for medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and other health-related schools and programs. This resource is intended to guide students through developing compelling applications, crafting strong personal statements, securing meaningful recommendations, and navigating interview and exam preparation for highly-competitive programs. With tailored one-on-one advising and a network of professional resources, the Health Professions Coordinator helps ensure that students present their strongest possible candidacy to achieve their career aspirations in the health professions.
These agreements create pipeline programs where eligible Schreiner students are guaranteed interviews and/or acceptance to partnering schools. These programs help reduce the uncertainty and stress of the application process. They also provide a more focused educational experience, allowing students to plan their coursework and activities with a clear path toward their professional goals. Schreiner currently holds articulation agreements with the following schools:
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Dental Program
At Schreiner University, we support our pre-health students’ success every step of the way. Located within the Schreiner Library, our Health Professions Exam Prep Library offers a comprehensive selection of preparation books for essential entrance exams, including the MCAT, OAT, DAT, and GRE. These resources provide focused support and study tools tailored to help students excel. Whether you’re preparing for medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, or graduate school, our library is here to help you achieve your goals.
Our Health Professions Program offers pre-health students a variety of opportunities to earn valuable health-related certifications, including Stop the Bleed, Basic Life Support (BLS), Mental Health First Aid, and more. These certifications provide essential hands-on training and equip students with the critical skills needed to respond effectively to real-world health scenarios. By completing these certifications, students enhance their professional qualifications and gain a competitive advantage as they prepare for their future careers in health professions.
The Health Professions program offers pre-dental students a unique opportunity to participate in mock interviews designed to prepare them for dental school applications. Through this initiative, students engage in simulated interviews conducted by experienced faculty and./or professionals in the dental field. The program provides personalized feedback, helping students refine their communication skills, articulate their motivations, and effectively present their qualifications. This hands-on experience aims to boost students’ confidence and readiness, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competitive dental school interview process. Contact the program coordinator about scheduling a mock interview.
