Pre-Dentistry
Interested in a career in dentistry?
The IU Dental School is the only dental school in Indiana - and it's right on IUPUI's campus. Pre-dentistry students in the School of Science at IUPUI have access to research and internships opportunities IU Dental School as well as the IU Medical School as they navigate throughout the program.
Like most universities, IUPUI does not offer a pre-dentistry major. Few colleges in the United States offer this major because dental schools do not require students to complete specific majors. However, many majors in the School of Science at IUPUI provide students with excellent undergraduate preparation for dental school.
Around the country, dental schools are looking for well-rounded and well-educated students.
What will you learn?
Competition is high for admission to dental schools. While some dental programs do not require an undergraduate degree for admission, students are urged to elect a degree program rather than fulfilling the minimum requirements for entry into professional programs.
All dental schools have different requirements for admission. However, there are specific pre-requisites that should be completed in order to be admitted into a professional school and many benefits to selecting a science major as you pursue success in the field, including:
Why choose to major in science?
- Pre-requisites for most professional programs often favor and lean heavily toward science majors. Learn more about prerequisites.
- By studying science at IUPUI, students have opportunities to work, learn and participate in research in both IU Medical and IU Dental School right on campus. Access to both schools located on campus is a benefit that no other college in Indiana can offer students.
- Many science undergraduate degrees are marketable to future employers even if the student chooses not to pursue professional schooling.
What will you do?
Pre-dentistry students in the School of Science at IUPUI will be prepared for admissions into professional schools that lead to careers in the following fields:
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Oral surgery
- Private practice dentist
Personal statements
Most graduate and professional programs require a personal statement as part of the application process. The personal statement is an appropriate place to share your career goals, strengths, experiences, personality, and academic successes and obstacles.

Biology student credits experiences at IUPUI with early entry to dental school
Neelam Shah Biology, Undergraduate