Which upper level science courses prepare you well for dental school?

[sdooner30]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi guys, I'm trying to plan my class schedule for next semester and had room for two more classes/electives. So I was wondering out of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, which TWO would you suggest that I take so I'll be more prepared for D-school? thanks

 

[DrReo]

Hi guys, I'm trying to plan my class schedule for next semester and had room for two more classes/electives. So I was wondering out of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, which TWO would you suggest that I take so I'll be more prepared for D-school? thanks

A lot of schools require physiology these days. Look at other schools that you're interested in and see what they require

 

[DRHOYA]

I would say classes in physiology like Dr. Reo said. Also, Biochemistry, histology, anatomy, or immunology would be great courses to take if you can.👍

 

[hoss19]

1. physio
2. micro
3. histo

 

[Hysteria24]

According to the admissions director at Pacific, they like to see applicants who have completed what they call the fab 5 (in no particular order):

-Histology
-Microbiology
-Physiology
-Anatomy
-Biochemistry

So for starters, it's good to see that all 3 you are choosing from are on this list. From my personal experience so far, and from what others have stated above, physiology is probably the most useful. Between your other two I'd probably say micro, but I may be singing a different tune when I take anatomy for the first time this summer. Because we only do neck up anatomy at my school (and other schools as well) you may end up covering a lot of extraneous stuff if you take anatomy as a pre-dent.

 

[sdooner30]

thank you so much for your advice. I think I will take physio and microbiology next term.

 

[joeDDS]

I'd say physiology is #1 by far. After that it's kind of a tie. If you haven't taken the DAT yet, micro or histology would be good preparation over biochem because you won't really find biochem on the DAT. If you already took the DAT, i'd take biochem since so many schools are starting to require it.

 

[Streetwolf]

Don't take anatomy. D-school focuses more towards the head than the feet and unless you work with cadavers in undergrad you really won't benefit from anatomy as you would from other classes.

 

[doc toothache]

You are going to be hard pressed to find an anatomy class that is going to be comparable to what you will have in ds. Most courses are rudimentary and are not going to cover the material in depth. Courses that are offered in medical schools, while in depth, spend a fraction of the time on the head and neck. While there are number of ds that offer remedial courses during the summer, the courses are not designed for first time takers. They are accelerated programs and make assumption that the student already has a broad knowledge of head and neck. Stick with physiology and micro.

 

[caffeinehigh]

Biochem, Micro, and Anatomy (anything helps)