How to decide what pre-req courses to take?

[customx]

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I have a website with all the dental schools across the country and know that each school has their own pre-reqs. I've already graduated from the University of Washington, but didn't take any science courses. When going back to school to take the pre-reqs, how do you decide which classes to take, since not all schools require the same courses? I would like to finish the pre-reqs asap, but to do so would require me to narrow down the dental schools I want to apply to, look at the courses they require, and then apply to only those schools. Or I could spend an extra couple quarters in school to meet the requirements for several schools and give myself a better chance when I apply. Is there any easy way to do this for someone like myself, a matriculated student going back to school?

 

[customx]

Anyone? 🙁

 

[yuppers]

Keep in mind that many predents that are not bio or chem majors still get into DS, but they had to take the required coursework. To maximize your chances, you will have to take all of the required courses. Then taking the recommended courses can only help you.
Since I am a bio major and chem minor, I ended up taking all and more of the required and recommended science courses anyway.
If I were you I would try to take as many science courses as you feel you will be able to keep up with. The first semester try for a medium load just so you can get the hang of it then go from there.

 

[angelnyc89]

Well you need to take 1yr of bio 1 yr of gen chem 1 yr of orgo 1 yr of physics and a year of math. Those are must take pre reqs.

 

[yuppers]

Well you need to take 1yr of bio 1 yr of gen chem 1 yr of orgo 1 yr of physics and a year of math. Those are must take pre reqs.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that these courses are required for most if not all schools.

 

[The Anhedonia]

in addition to the basic required coursework, it's a good idea to take the "recommended coursework" listed on dental school websites. this is because you will be taking much of the same material in year one of dental school, so it's a good idea to have as much of it be review as possible.

so in addition to the regular courses:

- Human Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Histology
- Genetics

these are all subjects covered on NBDE's part one, so you might as well start learning it now 🙂

 

[FutureDent020]

Well you need to take 1yr of bio 1 yr of gen chem 1 yr of orgo 1 yr of physics and a year of math. Those are must take pre reqs.

All the advice give so far has been solid. Just to ho into more depth, if you're not a science major, besides the basics there are several categories DS like you to experience. 1) Understanding Biology at a cellular level- (molecular bio, cell bio, genetics, or micro) 2) Anatomical mechanisms or gross biology (Morphology, Physiology, or Histology)

Take 3 or 4 of these, but make sure you take at least one from each category. And Biochem always looks good if you do well.

 

[sketo43]

The advice so far is good. But remember, you don't need to complete everything before you apply, just before you enroll in dental school. Before you take the DAT, I recommend having completed 2 semesters each of bio, chem, and ochem. If you haven't taken all the other courses when you apply, you can finish taking them during your glide year.

Try to make a list of schools you may be interested in. You're not going to know every school you want to apply to, but the idea is to give yourself options in the future. Also look at the course schedule to find out when the classes are offered. Can you start taking chem 1 in the upcoming spring semester? How often are courses like biochem offered?

I was in the same situation as you, and the schedule I used is: summer 2008: 2 semesters of chem. 08/09 academic year: 2 semesters each of bio, ochem, and physics. I took the DAT and did my applications in the summer of 2009. Fall 09: biochem and anatomy. Spring 09: depending on what I hear from schools, I may take microbio, anatomy 2, and/or psychology. Or maybe nothing at all. Fall 2010: hopefully start dental school. I won't be able to take as many bio classes as a bio major, but as long as I get in, I don't really care.

Definitely plan to fulfill the requirements of your state school, if you have one (are you a Washington resident?). Attending your state school will save a LOT of money, and you should at least apply to your state school.

 

[sketo43]

Also, don't rely too heavily on a website or book that lists requirements for every school. There may be mistakes. For any school that you're interested in, go directly to its website for the official requirements. I was just looking at my 2009 ADEA guide, and the requirements for UW seemed really high. On the UW website, they're not so high😀

 

[Sisero68]

Along these lines i have a question related to prerequisites and sending the applications out.
i may have to start a new thread if this is to much off topic

Background:
I am a non traditional candidate for dental school i graduated in 2005 with a BS degree and have been working in a unrelated field the past 4 years (now 26 years old). currently i have a shadowing opportunity lined up and will be starting October 25th (hoping to shadow all specialties and general practice then maintain a majority of hours within the one or 2 that i am most excited about after initial shadowing) i have not taken any of my dental prerequisites (Bio, Chem, Org Chem, Physics) previously and will be taking these courses full time as a unmatriculated student starting in the Spring of 2010 and have the following questions.

Would it be arrogant as well as a waste of time and money to apply to dental school in October 2010 for the Fall 2011 class if i have not finished all of my prerequisites but can maintain a 3.5-3.8 science average and have proof of mid semester fall 2010 courses maintaining these standards (including above average DAT scores - this is another issue all together with being capable and educated enough in the sciences to achieve proper scores - i dont want to rush and take the DAT just to get bad scores that will hurt me in the long run) or is it strongly recommended to have all standard prerequisites fully completed prior to even filling out the AADSAS application.

so would it be wise to continue taking recommended courses in the spring of 2011 (biochem, anatomy ect.) and have all my ducks in a row on the June 2011 application for the 2012 year (no matter what direction i take,i will take these courses in the spring 2011) or is it feasible to apply during the next cycle.

my overall GPA will be around 3.0 depending on my Science GPA and amount of credit hours i take unmatriculated(unfortunately i had poor priorities during my undergrad)

while i am not in any hurry to force the process i do enjoy the idea of applying a year earlier then i otherwise would if i stand a reasonable chance for consideration.

apologies if this is a highjack i hope this info is valuable to you also (customx)